Does reading the KAATSU patent make me an official KAATSU geek? Probably 🙂
I found this information on page 16 of the patent for KAATSU:
The compression and decompression control system 1 of the embodiment described above can control the compression force applied to the particular parts of the limbs of a user with the bands 110 in such a manner that the compression operation and the decompression operation are altenately repeated twice or more, and thus can stabilize autonomic nerves of the user. In other words, the compression operation can enhance the activity of sympathetic nerves of a user, whereas the decompression operation can enhance the activity of parasympathetic nerves of the user. The repetition of the compression operation and the decompression operation can thus stabilize autonomic nerves of the user.
That’s a long way of saying the KAATSU Cycle mode can stabilize your body’s overall function. The autonomic nervous system controls your major body functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, among others. Two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is often described as the “fight or flight” system while the parasympathetic nervous system is described as the “rest and digest” system.
Our modern western society is super stimulating to our sympathetic nervous system. Stress, caffeine, poor sleep, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and other internal and external factors get our sympathetic nervous system stuck on “on”. KAATSU’s compression and decompression provides a stimulus to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and by doing so, can bring them back into more of a balance. It is often reported by KAATSU users that they are more relaxed, sleep better, feel less anxious, and have other indications that their parasympathetic nervous system is more active (i.e. the “rest and digest” system is more dominant).
In addition to the proven physical benefits of KAATSU, having a more balanced autonomic nervous system could provide a major health benefit to KAATSU users. While more research is undoubtedly required, 50 years of clinical experience with KAATSU has provided a wealth of anecdotes that suggest the beneficial effects of KAATSU on the autonomic nervous system are real. As we gain more experience with KAATSU in Canada, I am hopeful that Canadian KAATSU users will feel these types of benefits.
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.