KAATSU systems consist of pneumatic AirBands® worn on the upper arms, or upper legs. These AirBands are pressurized and depressurized using small air compressors. When air is added to the AirBands, the bands inflate and exert pressure all around the limb, slightly compressing the limb. This compression has a mechanical effect on the circulatory system.
While KAATSU AirBands are compressing the limb, the flow of blood from the limb back to the heart (venous flow) is slowed down. Arterial blood flow from the heart to the limb does not slow down when the compression begins, which creates a situation where there is more blood flowing into the limb than there is leaving. As a result, the blood vessels in the limb expand (dilate) slightly to try and accommodate the additional blood volume. Once the veins and capillaries have expanded to their maximum blood-holding capacity, the flow of blood into the limb has to slow down, to match the blood flow out of the limb going back to the heart. When KAATSU compression ends, the veins and capillaries are able to contract, pushing out the additional volume of blood they were holding and returning to their normal size.
An important feature of KAATSU is that when KAATSU is properly applied, blood flow NEVER stops. Venous and arterial blood flow are slightly modified on a very time-limited basis. The compression of KAATSU AirBands causes MORE blood to be held in the limbs, not less. This is one reason why KAATSU is more properly referred to as "Blood Flow Modification/Moderation" rather than "Blood Flow Restriction".
One influence on cardiac output is total peripheral resistance (TPR), which is a measure of how easily blood flows through the blood vessels and organs of the body. During KAATSU compressions, TPR increases above the rest value. When KAATSU compressions end, one would expect the TPR to go back to the rest value, but it actually goes lower. While this can also result from exercise, the effect is more pronounced when using KAATSU. You can also achive this result from simply wearing KAATSU while resting. A decrease in TPR increases blood flow and overall cardiac output.
This increase in blood flow is not only to the limbs wearing KAATSU. The circulatory system is a closed system. When KAATSU is worn, stroke volume and heart rate increase as the body tries to overcome the compression applied by the KAATSU AirBands. This slightly increases blood pressure, which in turn pushes more blood throughout the body, not just to the limbs. For a bit of proof of that concept, you can see this research paper that measured cutaneous blood flow in the forehead of women using KAATSU.
What does an improvement in blood circulation mean for your body? Here are a few benefits:
- better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your cells
- removes waste products more effectively
- helps wounds heal faster
- improves brain health
- boosts immunity
KAATSU's Cycle mode follows an automated compression and decompression algorithm that makes KAATSU an easy and comfortable way to boost circulation without having to exercise. Wearing KAATSU passively while watching TV, surfing the internet, or reading a book has a beneficial effect on your circulatory system. It seems amazing that KAATSU can benefit circulation throughout the body, but with a little bit of knowledge of how the body works, it's clear that KAATSU could be an important way for people to improve their cardiovascular system.
In my next blog post, I'll discuss some other ways the body responds to KAATSU and potential benefits to your health. I hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for reading!
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.
Great read. would love to trial the product if possible and be a guinea pig.
Greetings Tim. Thanks for the nice comment! Since you’re local, we can set that up once I have a demo unit available. I’ll put you on the list 🙂