How Acupuncture Can Help Improve Your Circulation This Winter | Warm Your Body from the Inside Out

As the winter months settle in and temperatures drop, many people notice cold hands, cold feet, and a general feeling of sluggishness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is often seen as a sign of poor circulation or a body that’s struggling to keep its Qi and blood moving freely. The good news? Acupuncture can help warm your body from the inside out by improving blood flow, boosting energy, and helping you feel more balanced and comfortable all season long.

How Acupuncture Improves Circulation

Modern research continues to confirm what ancient Chinese medicine has known for centuries: acupuncture enhances circulation throughout the entire body. When specific acupuncture points are stimulated, particularly ST36 (zu san li), studies show a significant elevation in whole-body blood flow, especially to the hands, feet, and other extremities that tend to feel cold in winter.

According to the HealthCMi report, researchers using multi-channel photoplethysmography observed “significant elevations in whole-body peripheral blood flow and parasympathetic activities” after acupuncture. In simple terms, acupuncture doesn’t just help you feel warmer, it measurably increases blood circulation and helps your nervous system enter a more relaxed, restorative state.

This modern data reinforces TCM’s long-held understanding that acupuncture restores balance and harmony in the body by keeping Qi and blood flowing smoothly, preventing stagnation, pain, and cold extremities.

The Power of Point ST36 (zu san li)

One of the most well-known and powerful acupuncture points for improving circulation and vitality is ST36, located on the lower leg. The point’s name, Leg Three Miles, comes from an ancient story in which Chinese soldiers used this point to gain enough energy to walk three more miles when fatigued.

ST36 is known to strengthen the immune system, increase stamina, and support healthy digestion, but it’s also key for promoting blood flow to the extremities. In winter, this point is frequently used in combination with others to stimulate warmth and nourish the body’s Qi and blood, helping patients feel more energized and comfortable.

Infrared Heat Therapy and Circulation

In addition to acupuncture, infrared heat therapy is often used to enhance circulation during winter treatments. The gentle heat from an infrared lamp penetrates deep into the tissues, warming muscles, improving local blood flow, and supporting faster healing. When paired with acupuncture, it provides a soothing, deeply relaxing experience that leaves the body feeling restored and revitalized.

Acupuncture’s Broader Benefits for Circulation and Health

While this research highlights acupuncture’s effects on circulation, its benefits go far beyond that. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 60 conditions, including pain, hormonal imbalance, stress, respiratory issues, and more.

Acupuncture continues to be studied for its potential in supporting neurological and cardiovascular health, including conditions such as stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive function, showing that improved circulation is just one piece of a much larger picture of whole-body wellness.

Stay Warm and Balanced This Winter

If you struggle with cold hands and feet, fatigue, or seasonal sluggishness, acupuncture may be the perfect way to restore warmth and vitality. At Deanna Carell Aesthetics + Acupuncture, our treatments are designed to rebalance your body, improve circulation, and help you feel your best, naturally.

Book your seasonal acupuncture session today and experience the difference that balance makes.