We are often asked where one wears KAATSU AirBands. There are only two places on the body that KAATSU AirBands should be worn. Dr. Sato experimented on himself to uncover the ideal places to apply AirBands, so make sure you follow these instructions carefully to be able to use KAATSU safely and effectively.
Placement of KAATSU AirBands for Arms
The proper placement of the KAATSU AirBands for arms is the spot where the deltoid and bicep muscles meet. Flex your arm and slide your hand down the side until you feel a small indentation. That’s the spot you’re after. In people with very poor muscle tone, this spot may not be obvious. In that case, wrap the AirBand around the arm approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the armpit.
This is also the spot you should measure when sizing AirBands. Here is the sizing for KAATSU AirBands for Arms:
- Medium: 28~33 cm (11~13 inches)
- Large: 31~41 cm (12~16 inches)
- Extra Large: 41~54 cm (16~21 inches)
Please note: We do sell small AirBands for people with an arm circumference below 28 cm (11 inches). However, most people who purchase small AirBands wind up exchanging them for size medium. Small AirBands are generally too small for all but the most petite people. For people with low grip strength who require small arm bands, we suggest purchasing the medium size so you will have more band material to grip, making it easier to tighten the AirBands properly.
Placement of KAATSU AirBands for Legs
The proper placement of the KAATSU AirBands for legs is as high in the groin as possible. When you apply KAATSU leg bands, sit in such a way that your upper leg is not compressed by what you’re sitting on. You want your muscles to be relaxed when you apply the KAATSU AirBand.
This is also the spot you should measure when sizing AirBands. Here is the sizing for KAATSU AirBands for Legs:
- Medium: 40~51 cm (16~20 inches)
- Large: 49~66 cm (19~26 inches)
- Extra Large: 66~81 cm (26~32 inches)
Please note: We do sell small AirBands for people with a leg circumference below 40 cm (16 inches). However, most people who purchase small AirBands wind up exchanging them for size medium. Small AirBands are generally too small for all but the most petite people. For people with low grip strength who require small bands, we suggest purchasing the medium size so you will have more band material to grip, making it easier to tighten the AirBands properly.
Here are some other interesting questions we’ve been asked about AirBand Positioning:
Q: Can you wear AirBands around your neck to increase cerebral blood flow?
A: No. Please avoid wearing AirBands on any part of the body other than the upper arm or upper leg. Wearing KAATSU on your arms or legs will also increase cerebral blood flow.
Q: What if it’s my ankle that’s sore? Should I position the KAATSU AirBand around the upper calf instead?
A: No. Positioning the KAATSU AirBand on the upper leg is the most appropriate position to apply the AirBand to provide a safe modification of venous blood flow. KAATSU equipment and protocols have been developed with the AirBand worn on the upper leg. Wearing an AirBand elsewhere on the leg could be ineffective or potentially harmful.
Q: I hurt my knee. Should I position the KAATSU AirBand just above the knee?
A: No. See the previous answer.
Q: Can you wear a KAATSU AirBand around your waist/abdomen to help with weight loss?
A: No. That will not help with weight loss. Nor will the AirBands be able to provide the proper stimulation to the body.
Q: Will wearing KAATSU on my arms help my shoulder? The shoulder is proximal to (above) the AirBands, so it doesn’t seem like it would work.
A: KAATSU stimulates a systemic (body-wide) response, which is how it can help other areas of the body.
- KAATSU increases circulation throughout the body. The circulatory system is a closed loop. Compressing the upper arms or legs with KAATSU AirBands stimulates the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise slightly to compensate for the slight decrease in blood flowing back from the limbs. This increases blood flow to every part of the body, not just the limbs.
- KAATSU stimulates the body to release additional amounts of human growth hormone, IGF-1, VEGF, testosterone, nitric oxide, and other metabolites involved in the healing and rebuilding of the body. These compounds are delivered to every part of the body that needs them through the circulatory system. This is why KAATSU can also help build muscle in the glutes, back, abdomen, and shoulders.
I hope this information has been useful! If you have any other questions about KAATSU AirBand positioning, please feel free to contact us!
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.