I remember when I was first introduced to KAATSU. The chiropractor treating me told me about it and referred to it as “Blood Flow Restriction Training”. My immediate response was “that sounds horrible”. He laughed and said it would be good for me. Regardless, it still sounded horrible.
Trying to explain KAATSU can be daunting. The version I’ve come up ended up in the latest version of the KAATSU C3 user manual. It reads:
KAATSU is a unique, patented modality that uses automated air pressure bands to gently modify blood flow to and from the limbs. It is clinically proven to trigger beneficial physiological effects in the body.
These effects include:
- Increased production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Nitric Oxide (NO), Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), ceramides, plasmalogens, beta endorphins, testosterone, and other biologically metabolites.
- Increased elasticity of vascular tissue throughout the body.
These physiological effects in turn enable KAATSU users to tone muscles, increase strength, improve blood circulation, improve metabolic syndrome, strengthen bones, improve sleep, burn additional calories, reduce pain, improve agility and endurance, and facilitate recovery from injuries and surgeries.
While this is accurate, it’s wordy and relies upon people knowing what all those metabolites do in the body. Not necessarily the easiest thing to understand.
If you were to write a description of KAATSU, what would you say about it? How would you explain it to people? I’m curious, so if you have any suggestions please write them below in the comments. Thank 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.