Muscle anatomy starting from bottom ie CALF The calf muscle in your legs Behaves like your second heart The veins in your calf act like a reservoir for blood your body does not need in circulation at any given time. These reservoir veins are called -muscle venous sinuses.- When the calf muscle contracts, blood is squeezed out of the veins and pushed up along the venous system. These veins have one-way valves which keep the blood flowing in the correct direction toward the heart, and also prevent gravity from pulling blood back down your legs. Acts like a secondary pumping supporting the heart. Various exercises like Walking , running , strength workout Headstand enables your foot to play a major role in the pumping mechanism of the calves. The foot itself also has its own (smaller) venous reservoir. During the first motion of taking a step, as you put weight on your foot, the foot venous reservoir blood is squeezed out and ‘primes’ the calf reservoir. Then, in the later stages of a step, the calf muscle contracts and pumps the blood up the leg, against gravity. The valves keep the blood flowing in the right direction and prevents gravity from pulling the blood right back down. *That’s why walking or running is so good for overall blood circulation* Another condition called -venous insufficiency, or venous reflux- can cause blood to pool in your legs due to the failure of the valves to work properly. The valves fail to prevent the backflow of blood down your legs. Symptoms of -venous insufficiency- can include heavy, tired, throbbing, painful legs, ankle swelling, bulging VARICOSE VEINS, cramps, itching, restless leg, skin discolouration and even skin ulceration. When a person is even more immobile, such as laying in a hospital bed, the pooled blood can become stagnant and develop into a blood clot, causing DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS- (DVT). The best way to improve circulation is to get moving. Every time the calf muscles contract, it helps blood to flow against gravity. If you don’t move for long periods, blood and toxins will collect in your lower legs and cause swelling . For more information connect to #ironmenacademy #trainwithironman #ironm https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj_eLdnai_/?igshid=x6a7ddgotwzj