The circulatory system is an organ system that passes nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), gases, hormones, blood cells, etc. to and from cells in the body to help fight diseases and stabilise body temperature and pH to maintain homeostasis. This system may be seen strictly as a blood distribution network, but some consider the circulatory system to include both the cardiovascular system, which distributes blood, and the lymphatic system, which distributes lymph.

The cardiovascular system includes: the heart as the pump, the pulmonary circulation (a "loop" through the lungs where blood is oxygenated), and the systemic circulation (a "loop" through the rest of the body to provide oxygenated blood). An average adult contains five to six quarts (roughly 4.7 to 5.7 litres) of blood, which consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The lymphatic system includes: the lymph, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels. The flow of lymph is encouraged by peristalsis in the digestive system, by general movement and exercise.

The digestive system works with the circulatory system to provide the nutrients the system needs to keep the heart pumping.

Unhealthy circulation is often seen when fluid does not drain from an area or when the blood is not circulating through an area sufficiently.

Sluggish circulation may show as:

Swollen ankles
Swollen legs
Swollen/puffy whole body including face
Cold hands and feet
White hands and feet
Varicose veins

Some reasons of unhealthy circulation

• Lack of mobility
• Nerve interference from the spine
• Myofascia contraction - postural distortions eg Short Psoas muscle
• Digestive problems
• Organ stress eg Kidneys
• Endocrine/Hormone imbalance
• Heart, lung or lymphatic disease

Myosteopractic is helpful in this area, by releasing tension on the nervous system, stimulating organ function and by opening up the connective tissues.