Doctor warns of DVT risk on long flights, offers 3 tips to reduce danger

As the summer travel season peaks, many are embarking on long-haul flights, often spending hours confined to airplane seats. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Wang Dayuan warns that this prolonged immobility, combined with the dry cabin environment, significantly elevates the risk of developing "economy class syndrome." This condition, medically known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), occurs when blood clots form in the legs due to reduced blood flow.

The consequences can be severe. If these blood clots dislodge and travel to the lungs, they can cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly for older individuals. While commonly associated with air travel, DVT can also arise from extended periods of sitting in cars or at desks.

Wang explains that from a TCM perspective, "prolonged sitting damages the muscles," impairing the circulation of vital energy and blood. This, coupled with irregular sleep patterns and high-sodium airplane food, can lead to stagnation, causing symptoms like leg heaviness, swelling, and cramping.

To combat these risks, Wang recommends several preventative measures. During flights, passengers should stand up and walk around every so often. If unable to move freely, simple in-seat exercises like flexing feet, rotating ankles, and contracting calf muscles can aid circulation. Crucially, staying hydrated by drinking water in small, frequent amounts and abstaining from alcohol is advised. He also suggests acupressure on points like Zusanli, Chengshan, Sanyinjiao, and Taixi to alleviate leg discomfort.