The Auckland-based health initiative tackling heart disease

Sports stars including Joseph Parker have used ECP to increase oxygenated blood flow around the body.
Sports stars including Joseph Parker have used ECP to increase oxygenated blood flow around the body. Photo credit: Supplied / ECP Australasia.

A health initiative aimed to enhance blood flow has been found to have worthwhile benefits for Chronic Artery Disease (CAD) and angina. 

External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy works by patients lying on a bed with cuffs around the calves, thighs and waist. 

In between heartbeats, the cuffs inflate and deflate, working with the cardiovascular system.

It is a non-invasive treatment which increases oxygenated blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys and skin, improving the cardiovascular system and overall health.

It tackles angina, heart issues, type 2 diabetes and other circulatory related diseases. 

Experts say heart disease and angina patients, as well as stroke victims, who respond well to the treatment will experience reductions in chest pain and other related symptoms. 

It is currently practised in 49 countries and recently been introduced in New Zealand and Australia. 

Elite athletes are also using ECP therapy to assist with recovery and performance. 

Players from the Warriors, boxer Joseph Parker and basketballer Corey Webster are among Kiwi athletes working with ECP Australasia. 

Owner Luke Barwell said more than 300 studies have been published showing the benefits of ECP

The Auckland-based practitioner said it had become the most effective non-invasive treatment for heart disease and other chronic illness relating to poor circulation. 

"ECP Therapy has tremendous results for all types of people, from those wanting to be more health-conscious all the way to elite athletes," he said. 

Barwell said it has treated individuals looking to be proactive about general health as advanced in the wellness industry move to include holistic healing. 

"We are trying to change people’s mindset to being proactive about their health instead of being reactive to illness." 

Newshub.