Raynaud’s phenomenon treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Raynaud’s phenomenon treatment
Recommended health tests for Raynaud’s phenomenon
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Raynaud’s phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where the small blood vessels in the extremities, such as fingers and toes, suddenly narrow. This often happens in response to cold or stress, leading to the affected areas turning white, then blue, and feeling very cold and numb. Upon warming up or relief of stress, the area turns red, throbs, tingles, or swells. While Raynaud's can be merely uncomfortable for some, for others, it can impair their daily life. Its prevalence varies, but it's more common in colder climates and among women.
Causes
The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be the result of an overreaction of the body's natural responses to cold and stress. There are two main types of Raynaud's: primary, which occurs on its own and is the more common type; and secondary, which is less common and associated with other diseases, particularly autoimmune disorders. Factors that may increase the risk of developing Raynaud's include family history, living in colder climates, and injuries or occupations that cause repetitive trauma to the hands and feet.
Signs and symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes - Skin color changes upon exposure to cold or during stress, shifting from white to blue to red - Cold and painful extremities - Swelling and discomfort during the rewarming phase - Ulcers or sores on the fingertips or toes (in severe cases)
Diagnosing Raynaud’s phenomenon
To diagnose Raynaud's, a doctor will review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may perform blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could be causing the symptoms, such as lupus or scleroderma. In some cases, a test called a nail fold capillaroscopy, where the small blood vessels near the nail are examined under a microscope, is used. This helps differentiate between primary and secondary Raynaud’s.
Prevention and natural treatment
There's no cure for Raynaud's phenomenon, but its symptoms can often be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication. Keeping the body warm, especially in colder environments, is crucial. Wear warm gloves, socks, and layers to protect against cold. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may reduce episodes triggered by stress. Functional medicine advocates for a holistic approach, including diet modification. Foods that improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, like leafy greens, beets, berries, and omega-3 rich fish, are encouraged. Smoking cessation is important since nicotine can constrict blood vessels. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications that dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, such as calcium channel blockers. However, natural treatments favor minimizing drug dependence through lifestyle and diet modifications. Regular exercise improves circulation, while biofeedback and acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks in some individuals. Understanding and managing Raynaud’s phenomenon involves recognizing triggers and employing both conventional and natural strategies to mitigate symptoms. Keeping a daily log of episodes can also help identify specific triggers and gauge the effectiveness of chosen treatments. With informed approaches, many individuals with Raynaud’s can lead comfortable, fulfilling lives despite their condition.
Browse popular locations
Atlanta, GA- Houston, TX
- Chicago, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Austin, TX
- Dallas, TX
- New York, NY
- Seattle, WA
- Charlotte, NC
- Denver, CO
- Maryland, NY
Connect with an expert for Raynaud’s phenomenon
