Microcirculation Analysis (distal nailfold capillary analysis) is a non-invasive technique where the capillaries in the nailfolds of the fingers are analysed with a specialised microscope. It is gaining popularity with naturopaths, complementary health practitioners, and health coaches around the world due to its ability to provide insights into the underlying state of health of the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole.

One of the reasons why exercise and increasing your heart rate on a regular basis is extremely beneficial is because it increases the microcirculation. While circulation refers to blood flow to and from vital organs, microcirculation refers to blood flow in the smallest blood vessels in the body – the capillaries. These blood vessels are usually embedded in the organs (including the skin) and interact directly with the cells in the tissues.

Poor microcirculation is one of the single biggest contributing factors to nearly all health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, early aging and many others. It is estimated that 80% of the population over the age of 40 may have moderately to extremely serious microcirculation problems and almost every non-injury related pain can be traced to a compromised microcirculation issue.

Microcirculation analysis is valuable in the assessment and early detection of many conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular health
• Thrombosis (blood clot) risk
• Rheumatoid conditions
• Blood pressure
• Systemic sclerosis
• Scleroderma
• Other connective tissue conditions
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• and many more