KAATSU and the “-itises”. Sounds like a bad name for a band 😉
Many physical ailments that end in “-itis” are related to inflammation. Your body needs inflammation – it’s part of the body’s natural healing process. However, inflammatory processes are not good for the body when it lasts too long. Chronic inflammation is damaging to the body.
I’ve had a lot of inflammation in my time due to kendo (Japanese fencing). I had bad “tennis elbow” (Lateral Epicondylitis) for a couple of years from overuse of my extensor tendons due to improper technique. I followed that up many years later with undiagnosed tendinosis in both my Achilles tendons. Tendinosis is what you get when you don’t take care of tendonitis. Nasty stuff.
Chronic inflammation is involved in heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, czema, IBD, depression, and other conditions. [1] A common market of inflammation is C-Reactive Protein (CRP). When you have high levels of inflammation your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream. CRP levels are measured using a blood test. Higher levels of CRP mean higher levels of inflammation.
Using KAATSU in Cycle mode has been shown to lead to a decrease in CRP. KAATSU also increases circulation and vasodilation which are both associated with aiding the body’s own healing mechanisms to reduce inflammatory processes. There have been many people with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis/tendonisis who have reported reductions in pain and symptoms when using KAATSU.
This is what originally brought me to KAATSU. The chiropractor treating my torn Achilles tendon recommended KAATSU to help me heal faster and to help keep inflammation under control as I began my return to normal activity. I use KAATSU faithfully after kendo practices and I feel I am back to my pre-tendonisis level of kendo.
If you’re dealing with inflammation issues and are interested in trying KAATSU, my advice is to check with your physician or qualified healthcare professional to see whether KAATSU might be appropriate for your condition. There is a short list of contraindications here. I hope you’ll be able to try KAATSU and see whether it works for you!
Disclaimer: KAATSU protocols have not been evaluated by Health Canada. KAATSU is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and its use should be evaluated by your own physician before use.
[1] Source: https://www.nfam.org/chronic-inflammation