Yes, sitting in a recliner can be good for circulation, especially when elevating your legs, as it helps blood flow back to the heart, reduces swelling, and alleviates pressure from legs and joints, benefiting conditions like edema and varicose veins, but it's crucial to move periodically and avoid prolonged, static reclining to maintain circulation and prevent issues like DVT. Zero-gravity recliners are particularly effective by positioning the body neutrally, while features like heat/massage can further help.
Enhanced Circulation and Blood Flow
Recliners can be a solution for that, too. Swelling, or oedema, in your legs and feet might be due to poor circulation, standing too long, or pregnancy that strains your whole body. That's where recliners come in handy!
Also, with the heart working harder to pump blood, there is a potential for elevated blood pressure with the increased cardiac workload. The reclined position can also affect the body's autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
This is often due to a pinching of the nerves (sitting bones and/or pelvis pressure on the nerves). This pinching is what causes the numbness down your legs. Elevating your seat (ie. Placing a small cushion under your buttocks) will initiate a subtle pelvic tilt.
Recliners are a comfortable addition to any living space, providing a cozy spot to relax, read a book, or watch TV. However, sitting incorrectly in a recliner for extended periods can lead to back, neck, and joint pain, as well as circulatory issues in the legs.
Disadvantages of Recliners
The Unhealthiest Sitting Positions
One of the most common bad sitting habits is slouching. It often occurs when you're tired or sitting for extended periods without proper back support. Slouching can compress the discs in your spine and lead to misalignment of the vertebrae.
5 ways to boost your circulation
Position your bottom all the way to the back of the chair so the chair's backrest can support you. The chair should follow the natural inward curve of your lower spine – this is known as lumbar support. Proper lumbar support cradles your lower back and encourages a neutral spine position.
Regularly sitting for long periods leads to poor circulation in your legs. When you sit your veins must work harder to move blood to your heart. This can lead to swelling in your ankles, varicose veins, and even blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Sitting with your feet flat on the floor and not crossing your legs improves circulation. Use a footrest or other object under your feet if needed. Even if your feet reach the floor, propping up your feet while sitting may improve blood flow.
The 60-second trick to lower blood pressure involves deep, controlled breathing, often called "square breathing," where you inhale for 4-5 seconds, hold for 4-5, and exhale for 4-5, repeating to calm your nervous system and slow heart rate, alongside other quick tactics like sipping water, splashing your face with cold water (mammalian dive reflex), or gentle movement. While these provide quick relief, remember consistent lifestyle changes are key for long-term management, and severe spikes need medical attention.
They were reporting on new research that found people's blood pressure readings were higher when their arm hung by their side or rested on their lap, compared to when their arm rested on a table at the same level as their heart, which is how clinical guidelines recommend readings are taken.
Poor circulation can cause a number of symptoms, including:
Yes, doctors often recommend recliners for specific health needs like post-surgery recovery, back pain, circulation issues (swollen legs/edema), and acid reflux, as their adjustable positions can improve comfort, aid healing by elevating legs, support spinal alignment (especially with lumbar support), and make standing easier with lift functions. However, choosing the right recliner with proper support is key, so consulting your doctor for personalized advice is always best, notes La-Z-Boy Australia and VSI® (Virginia Spine Institute).
Swedish massage
Like deep tissue massage, this style of massage applies pressure to muscles with long, slow strokes in the direction of blood flow. This helps blood cycle through the heart faster (aka venous return) so the heart can pump clean blood back into the arteries.
The idea that recliners are “bad” for your back is a common myth. While it's true that sitting in the wrong type of recliner or sitting in one for too long without adjusting your position can lead to discomfort, a properly fitted recliner can support your back and reduce pain.
1. What does the 90/90/90 rule mean in ergonomics? It refers to maintaining 90-degree angles at your hips, knees, and ankles while sitting. This posture ensures balanced spinal alignment and reduces musculoskeletal strain.
Vitamin E is among the best Vitamins for Legs Circulation
Moreover, it's one of the best vitamins for legs. It's key for boosting blood circulation, particularly in the legs. Physicians often prescribe Vitamin E for patients who complain of leg cramps that may be caused by narrow or hardened arteries.
The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.
Easy and Safe Foot Circulation Exercises
Signs You Sit Too Much
What to avoid doing while sitting?
Begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine. Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, move your chair either up or down.