Circulation

The circulatory system (or cardiovascular system) is an organ system that moves nutrients, gases, and wastes to and from cells, and helps stabilize body temperature and pH to maintain homeostasis.

While humans, as well as other vertebrates have a closed circulatory  system, some invertebrate groups have open circulatory system. The most primitive animal phyla lack circulatory  systems. The main components of the human circulatory system are the heart , the blood, and the blood  vessels.

Furthermore, these components can either belong to the systemic circulation and the pulmonary circulation . The systemic circulation  is the main part of the circulatory  system, while the pulmonary system oxygenates the blood . Systemic circulation  is the portion of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygenated blood  away from the heart , to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood  back to the heart . In the systemic circulation , arteries bring oxygenated blood to the tissues. As blood  circulates through the body, oxygen diffuses from the blood into cells surrounding the capillaries, and carbon dioxide diffuses into the blood from the capillary cells. Veins bring deoxygenated blood  back to the heart .

The release of oxygen from red blood  cells or erythrocytes is regulated in mammals. It increases with an increase of carbon dioxide in tissues, an increase in temperature, or a decrease in pH. Such characteristics are exhibited by tissues undergoing high metabolism, as they require increased levels of oxygen. Pulmonary circulation  is the portion of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygen-depleted blood  away from the heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated blood  back to the heart. De-oxygenated blood  enters the right atrium of the heart and flows into the right ventricle where it is pumped through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. Pulmonary veins return the now oxygen-rich blood  to the heart , where it enters the left atrium before flowing into the left ventricle. From the left ventricle the oxygen-rich blood  is pumped out via the aorta, and on to the rest of the body.

The open circulatory system is an arrangement of internal transport present in animals such as molluscs and arthropods, in which fluid (called hemolymph) in a cavity called the hemocoel bathes the organs directly and there is no distinction between blood and interstitial fluid; this combined fluid is called hemolymph or haemolymph. Muscular movements by the animal during locomotion can facilitate hemolymph movement, but diverting flow from one area to another is limited. When the heart relaxes, blood  is drawn back toward the heart through open-ended pores (ostia).

Hemolymph fills all of the interior hemocoel of the body and surrounds all cells. Hemolymph is composed of water, inorganic salts (mostly Na+, Cl-, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+), and organic compounds (mostly carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids). The primary oxygen transporter molecule is hemocyanin. There are free-floating cells, the hemocytes, within the hemolymph. They play a role in the arthropod immune system. The circulation  of the blood  around the body is vital to the action of essential oils. Whether they are absorbed through the skin or inhaled aromatic molecules pass quite quickly though the blood  stream and this is how they are transported to all parts of the body.

Aromatherapy Treatments

As well as acting as a transportation system for essential oils the circulatory  system can itself be affected by some oils . There are various circulation problems but each has its own category on the web site. Look at high and low blood pressure or varicose veins.  However for general circulation  use essential oils such as Black Pepper , Juniper, Marjoram and Rosemary which stimulate local circulation. This causes the capillaries to widen and so more blood can blow. The extra oxygen which this blood flow brings can help to heal. Other essential oils such as Chamomile Roman and Cypress have the opposite effect and bring about a contraction of the capallaries.

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£4.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£10.25

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens (10ml)

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£3.75

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£4.25

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana (10ml)

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£4.05

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper Nigrum (10ml)

Black Pepper is best used for circulation and sore muscles. It is good for chilblains and can help the digestive tract as well as being valuable for catarrh and chills.

£4.25