health
Blood Flow Improvement
Blood Flow Improvement refers to better movement of blood through the body’s circulation. It is an outcome, not a supplement, treatment, or activity itself.
Learn what Blood Flow Improvement means in a health context and how to interpret the information presented on this page.
These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.
What may help
What studies found for each option, best evidence first.
25 options:8 some evidence12 not enough evidence2 not tested in people2 personal stories only1 no benefit found
AcupuncturepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Acupuncture pageCardiopracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
4 of 5 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Cardio pageRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review reported increased cerebral perfusion in people with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. Another reported that, after eight weeks, wound-area blood-flow values increased to +0.42 in diabetic patients and +0.64 in nondiabetic patients, compared with +0.24 in the control group.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) pageHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pageFinnish SaunapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
6 of 7 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
Open the Finnish Sauna pagePilatespracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
One small trial found a greater increase in flow-mediated dilation after Pilates. A review also mentioned changes in haemodynamic behaviour.
Open the Pilates pageYogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review described improvements in flow-mediated dilatation and changes in endothelial progenitor cells with regular asana, pranayama, and meditation practice. A randomized trial found an increase over time.
Open the Yoga pageSwimmingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a randomized trial of 40 people, macrovascular function improved in the swimming group compared with the control group. Another randomized trial of 32 people found lower platelet counts after the intervention.
Open the Swimming page
Comparing practices
- AcupunctureSome evidence it helps4 trials
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Some evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small5 trials
- PilatesSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large3 trials
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What may help
Linked to improving it25 listedStart here
Most likely to help, from the evidence we have
- →PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyMediumSourceRCT5 other sources
Pooled randomized trials in people with menstrual pain or female infertility found an increase of 3.21 cm/s in a blood-flow measure. A separate analysis of 658 people found a lower resistance index (MD -0.07 index [-0.09, -0.05]).
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Dysmenorrhea
- Female Infertility
Open AcupunctureStudy result
MD=3.21, 95% CI: 1.58, 4.84, p<0.001
- →PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceRCT5 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found improved flow-mediated dilation (μ = 1.14, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.42 to 1.95). A quasi-experimental study in 16 people found carotid distensibility increased from 5.8 ± 0.9 to 6.1 ± 0.2 × 10^-3/mmHg (P = 0.049, r = 0.347).
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Obesity
Open CardioStudy result
CET improved FMD (13 studies, 14 effect sizes; μ = 1.14, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.42 to 1.95)
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT5 other sources
A review reported increased cerebral perfusion in people with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. Another reported that, after eight weeks, wound-area blood-flow values increased to +0.42 in diabetic patients and +0.64 in nondiabetic patients, compared with +0.24 in the control group.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Alzheimers Disease
- Hashimotos Thyroiditis
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Study result
PBM increased cerebral perfusion and connectivity between posterior cingulate cortex and lateral parietal nodes in AD or dementia
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect5 other sources
A review combining randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improved flow-mediated dilation. In a trial of 90 people, TCR declined from 1390.67 ± 20.77 to 971.39 ± 8.99 dyn·s·cm^−5 in the joint intervention group.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Diabetes Type2
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Overweight
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
FMD (Qiu et al.: WMD 2.62%)
- →PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect3 other sources
One small trial found a greater increase in flow-mediated dilation after Pilates (n = 10; Cohen's d, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.6, 2.5; p < 0.001). A review also mentioned changes in haemodynamic behaviour.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open PilatesStudy result
improvements in haemodynamic behaviour and salivary S-IgA were also mentioned
- →PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCT2 other sources
A review described improvements in flow-mediated dilatation and changes in endothelial progenitor cells with regular asana, pranayama, and meditation practice. A randomized trial found an increase over time (n=30; β = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.19–0.83, SE = 0.16, z = 3.14, P = 0.002).
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Disease
Open YogaStudy result
regular practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation can improve flow-mediated dilatation and change endothelial progenitor cells; yoga significantly reduces circulating inflammatory markers and enhances endothelial function by boosting NO generation and reducing oxidative stress
- →PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical8 other sources
A 2018 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found that postexercise sauna bathing increased plasma volume after 4 days of intervention; this outcome's analysis included 7 people. A 2021 study of 26 males reported a 123% increase in FBF from Pre to Post (+ 4.47 mL·dL tissue⁻¹·min⁻¹ [2.70, 6.23], p < 0.001).
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Common Cold
- Copd
- Coronary Artery Disease
- +5 more
Open Finnish SaunaStudy result
Stanley et al. 2015: postexercise sauna bathing increased plasma volume after 4 days of intervention (p < 0.01)
Medium probability(1)
- →PracticesSwimmingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
In a randomized trial of 40 people, macrovascular function improved in the swimming group compared with the control group (%FMD; swimming group: 9.8% ± 4.2%, p <0.001; control group: 4.6% ± 2.5%). Another randomized trial of 32 people found lower platelet counts after the intervention.
Open SwimmingStudy result
The INT group did show lower platelet counts post-intervention which may be due to reduced platelet aggregation with regular exercise
Low probability(17)
- →PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical18 other sources
A trial of 25 found that an acute session of hot-water immersion changed skin microvascular perfusion. Findings across blood-flow measures were not uniform: after immersion at 40°C to shoulder level, flow-mediated dilation decreased by Δ−3.9 ± 3.8%.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Diabetes Type2
- Obesity
- Peripheral Artery Disease
Open Hot BathStudy result
HWI elicited significantly greater increases in all OCT metrics than EXE (all P<...)... an acute bout of HWI induces changes in skin microvascular perfusion
- →PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
A review reported increased blood flow velocity with elevation in 16 people, with values returning to baseline after 30 min.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open MassageStudy result
Guerrero et al. reported significant increase in blood flow velocity with elevation; values returned to baseline after 30 min (portable continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound).
- →PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
In a 2025 trial of 34 people, peak blood flow during PLM increased by ~8.5% in the thermotherapy group, similar to the ~10.5% increase in the exercise group. A 2024 trial found regional venous blood flow increased during thermotherapy, while regional arterial flow remained unchanged.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open Heating Pads / Warm CompressesStudy result
Peak blood flow during PLM increased to the same extent in both the EX (~10.5% increase, P = 0.009) and PHT groups (~8.5% increase, P = 0.044).
- →PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
An RCT with 52 participants found increased brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in the thermoneutral-yoga group. A quasi-experimental study found an increase among middle-aged and older adults, but not young adults.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open Hot YogaStudy result
Brachial artery FMD increased (P < 0.05) in the thermoneutral yoga group
- →PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2026 randomized trial involving 10 people with chronic kidney disease found FMD was greater following HT than control (3.84 ± 0.61 vs. 6.68 ± 0.76%, P P = 0.01). A 2013 cross-sectional study described development of an endothelium-independent vasodilation mechanism by the end of the treatment period.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Chronic Kidney Disease
Open Infrared SaunaStudy result
FMD (3.84 ± 0.61 vs. 6.68 ± 0.76%, P P = 0.01) were greater following HT compared with CON.
- →PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
A randomized trial involving 30 people reported positive changes in regional hemodynamics of the small pelvis after massage, alongside changes in blood coagulation, immune status, and muscle bioelectric activity.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Swedish (Classic) MassageStudy result
The massage produced positive changes in blood coagulation, immune status, regional hemodynamics of the small pelvis, bioelectric activity of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and lumbosacral region.
- →PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
In a small trial, PABF increased from 79 ± 34 to 97 ± 40 mL min−1 (22.1%; P = 0.02; d = 0.47) in response to TENS15.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Depression
- Peripheral Artery Disease
Open TENS / EMS TherapyStudy result
In response to TENS15, PABF increased from 79 ± 34 to 97 ± 40 mL min−1 (22.1%; P = 0.02; d = 0.47)
- →PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized trial in healthy participants reported that blood viscosity decreased from 1.38 ± 0.25 to 1.11 ± 0.07 mPa·s (p < 0.01).
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Tai ChiStudy result
blood pressure viscosity... very significantly lower (p < 0.01); decreased from 1.38 ± 0.25 to 1.11 ± 0.07 mPa·s
- →PracticesThai MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A cohort study of 30 healthy people found that BF, PS, and DA measurements in the right common carotid artery differed from baseline 30 s after pressure application. The reported finding does not establish the direction of those changes.
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Thai MassageStudy result
BF, PS, and DA of the right common carotid artery measured at MaSP-SH-2 to 4 show statistically significant differences from baseline at 30 s after pressure application (p-value <0.001).
- →PracticesFoam RollingCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a trial involving pregnancy, femoral and popliteal vein blood velocities were higher in the experimental group on the seventh day after the intervention. Femoral vein peak velocity was 13.50 ± 5.50 cm/s versus 10.31 ± 4.34 cm/s in the control group.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Pregnancy
Open Foam RollingStudy result
On the seventh day post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher mean and peak blood velocities in both femoral and popliteal veins. Peak velocity of femoral vein blood flow (cm/s): EG 13.50 ± 5.50 vs CG 10.31 ± 4.34, P=0.004
- →PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A 2025 randomized trial of 57 participants with a clinical condition found higher changes with eccentric cycling than control in cTHb (+1.86 μM) and cO2Hb (+1.94 μM).
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open CyclingStudy result
This was accompanied by significantly higher changes in cTHb with ECC compared to CON (+1.86 μM) ... as well as a significant difference in cO2Hb compared to CON (+1.94 μM).
- →PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyLowSourceReview1 other source
A review proposes that MBSR may support endothelial function through greater attention to physical and mental well-being and a calm state; this account is not based on human trial evidence.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Mindfulness MeditationStudy result
Mindfulness-based stress reduction can effectively enhance endothelial function by encouraging patients to focus on self-awareness regarding their physical and mental well-being while maintaining a state of calmness.
- →PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal2 other sources
Preliminary research is cited for the possibility that grounding reduces blood viscosity and improves blood flow, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health.
Open Grounding / EarthingStudy result
Grounding may reduce blood viscosity and improve blood flow, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health, based on preliminary research.
- →PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 144 YouTube videos discussing it.
- →PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical6 other sources
Studies did not support a general blood-flow improvement. One RCT involving 21 people found Qc was higher only at 30 sec (p<0.001, d=0.84) and 4 min (p=0.048, d=0.55).
Open Ice Bath / Cold PlungeWho was studied
- Healthy people
- →PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical1 other source
Local suction creates negative pressure that dilates capillaries and increases regional blood perfusion, as indicated by the characteristic erythema and ecchymosis; this is a proposed effect.
Open Cupping TherapyStudy result
Local suction creates negative pressure that dilates capillaries and increases regional blood perfusion, as evidenced by the characteristic erythema and ecchymosis.
- →PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical1 other source
Expert guidance suggests regular jump rope promotes endothelial function and peripheral blood flow and reduces arterial stiffness.
Open Jump Rope TrainingStudy result
Regular jump rope promotes endothelial function and peripheral blood flow, reducing arterial stiffness.
Practices compared
Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 18| Practice | How sure | Effect size | Own trials | What worked in trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilates | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | Large effect | 3 trials or pooled analyses | |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | Small effect | 5 trials or pooled analyses | 30–35 min · 3×/week · 8 weeks |
| Acupuncture | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | 4 trials or pooled analyses | 0.4–4 weeks | |
| Finnish Sauna | CertaintyMediumSourceClinical | 4 trials or pooled analyses | ||
| Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | 3 trials or pooled analyses | ||
| Cardio | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | 2 trials or pooled analyses | ||
| Swimming | CertaintyMediumSourceClinical | 2 trials or pooled analyses | 20–33 min · 2–2.2×/week · 8–17 weeks | |
| Yoga | CertaintyMediumSourceRCT | 2 trials or pooled analyses | 30–45 min · 10–17 weeks | |
| Hot Bath | CertaintyLowSourceClinical | 12 trials or pooled analyses | 30–45 min | |
| Hot Yoga | CertaintyLowSourceClinical | 2 trials or pooled analyses |
What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Blood Flow Improvement refers to better movement of blood through the body’s circulation. It is an outcome, not a supplement, treatment, or activity itself. The term describes the result being assessed across different interventions, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Potassium, Citrulline, and Whey Protein, rather than identifying one specific cause or approach.
How interventions help
Interventions linked with improved blood flow generally act through changes in vessel function, including greater ability of arteries to dilate, improved endothelial function, and, in some studies, better arterial compliance. The measured outcome is not identical across studies: some assess flow-mediated dilation or vasodilation, while others assess blood-flow responses or tissue oxygenation. These measures capture related but distinct aspects of circulation, so results are best compared within the same type of measurement.
Timing varies substantially. Some findings followed an acute single dose of Citrulline or an acute infusion of Vitamin C, with immediate changes recorded. Other interventions were studied over several weeks, including Ginkgo Biloba, Lycopene, and Whey Protein, while Vitamin B9 (Folate) was examined across a much wider range of durations. Citrulline is also associated with reported persistence for days after stopping, whereas many interventions were evaluated only during the treatment period. This means an immediate response should not automatically be interpreted as a lasting change.
The evidence covers supplements, foods, exercise, and heat exposure. Swimming, Cycling, Tai Chi, and Yoga represent activity-based approaches, while Dietary Fiber (Prebiotics), Omega-3, and Finnish Sauna were studied in different settings and populations. Most studies do not specify a particular health status, but some focus on people with a clinical condition, including studies of Cycling, Yoga, and Omega-3 in Heart Failure. Findings therefore may not apply equally across healthy people, people with diagnosed conditions, or different forms of circulation impairment.
Choosing guidance
When comparing options, first separate interventions studied in humans from those supported mainly by reviews, pharmacology references, animal studies, theoretical reasoning, or personal reports. Human evidence is available for several options, including Ginkgo Biloba, Potassium, Citrulline, Whey Protein, Swimming, and some others. That does not mean the findings apply equally to everyone: some studies involved people with a clinical condition, while others did not specify health status, so the study population matters when judging relevance.
The time commitment also differs. Citrulline, Potassium, and Vitamin C were examined around short-term or immediate changes, whereas Ginkgo Biloba, Whey Protein, Garlic, and Panax Ginseng involved longer study periods. These categories describe how the interventions were studied, not a guarantee of how quickly an individual will notice an effect. Options requiring repeated use over weeks or months may be a poorer fit for someone seeking a short-term change, while acute approaches may not address longer-term goals.
Some choices are supported by broader human research, while others rest on limited reports or indirect evidence. Dietary Fiber (Prebiotics), Resveratrol, Beetroot Extract, Berberine, and Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), for example, should be interpreted with attention to whether the evidence was human and whether the measured outcome directly represented blood flow. Ice Bath / Cold Plunge and TENS / EMS Therapy have limited or theoretical support in this context.
No listed option is marked as having conflicting evidence, but the evidence types and study populations differ substantially. A practical comparison therefore considers human applicability, the duration and consistency of use studied, and whether the outcome measured matches the kind of blood-flow change of interest.