Can heat application promote nerve recovery?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Warm compresses can usually promote nerve recovery. After nervous system injury, a large amount of neurotrophic substances are required for self-repair. Local warm compresses dilate capillaries, thereby increasing blood supply to the damaged nerve and enabling timely delivery of abundant neurotrophic substances to facilitate rapid restoration of the repair process. Warm compresses also accelerate blood circulation and help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Warm compresses can generally promote nerve recovery. The details are as follows:
After nervous system damage, a large amount of neurotrophic substances are required for self-repair. Local warm compresses dilate capillaries, thereby increasing blood supply to the damaged nerve and enabling timely delivery of abundant neurotrophic substances, which accelerates the repair process. Warm compresses can also dilate veins and lymphatic vessels, facilitating the timely removal of toxins and free radicals produced at the site of nerve injury through venous and lymphatic return. Additionally, warm compresses improve blood circulation, helping reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They also accelerate metabolism, promoting the dissipation and absorption of inflammation.
The duration of warm compress application should not be too short or too long. If too short, it will not effectively improve circulation; if too long, it may cause skin damage, particularly on the face. Therefore, it is recommended to apply warm compresses for about 10–15 minutes per session. Moreover, during warm compress application, it is advisable to focus on areas around the cheeks and avoid regions around the eyes and mouth, where the skin is more delicate, to prevent adverse effects.
