Functional Medicine | Naturopath | IV Nutrition | ECP (EECP) | Om Integrative Medicine

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Better Blood Flow, Better Heart Health: The Science Behind External Counter Pulsation Therapy

As a naturopathic physician, I often come across patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease and have been through multiple invasive methods to repair their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and despite modern medicine's best efforts, many people continue to struggle with it. That's why I'm excited to introduce a non-invasive and highly effective treatment called External Counter Pulsation (ECP), also known as EECP.

ECP therapy involves using cuffs around your legs and/or arms that inflate and deflate in synchrony with your heart's rhythm. The cuffs work to improve blood flow throughout your body and reduce the workload on your heart. This therapy has been clinically proven to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from angina, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. In this article, I will explain the reasons why you should consider ECP therapy and the benefits it can provide.

Reasons to consider ECP Therapy

Poor Blood Flow

Cardiovascular disease often leads to poor blood flow throughout the body, which can cause a range of symptoms. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. ECP therapy can help improve blood flow and reduce these symptoms, allowing you to live a more active and fulfilling life.

Angina

Angina is a common symptom of cardiovascular disease, characterized by chest pain or discomfort. It occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. ECP therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of angina by increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing the workload on it.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can be caused by a range of factors, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. ECP therapy can help improve blood flow throughout the body, reducing the workload on the heart and improving the symptoms of heart failure.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. ECP therapy can help reduce blood pressure by improving blood flow throughout the body, reducing the workload on the heart, and increasing the production of nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels.

Benefits of ECP Therapy

Non-Invasive

One of the biggest benefits of ECP therapy is that it is non-invasive. Unlike many other cardiovascular treatments, it does not require surgery or the use of drugs. This makes it a safe and effective option for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo invasive procedures.

Improved Quality of Life

ECP therapy has been clinically proven to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. Patients report reduced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, allowing them to engage in more physical activity and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Long-Term Results

ECP therapy provides long-term results, with many patients experiencing improvements in their cardiovascular health for up to three years after treatment. This makes it a cost-effective option for those looking to improve their cardiovascular health over the long term.

Few Side Effects

ECP therapy is FDA Approved and has minimal to no effects, making it a safe option for most patients. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment, but this is usually temporary and resolves quickly.

Benefits of improved circulation for other conditions

Since ECP/EECP systematically restores nourishment and oxygenation to areas of the body that have slowly deteriorated over time with age and brings improvement in function of the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, eyes, and extremities. Furthermore, the following conditions have shown great promise with ECP/EECP:

  • Peripheral Vascular Disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Kidney disease

  • Lung disease

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • High blood pressure or hypertension

  • Dementia

  • Alzheimer

  • Prophylactic management of the above conditions

In summary, External Counter Pulsation therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for those suffering from cardiovascular disease. By improving blood flow throughout the body and reducing the workload on the heart, ECP therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of angina, heart failure, cardiovascular and other chronic conditions. It provides long-term results and has few side effects, making it a cost-effective option for improving your cardiovascular health.

Best of all, You can take control of your health with External Counterpulsation Therapy (ECP) right here in our office.