Systems and methods for enhancing blood circulation

1. A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person, the method comprising:

interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event, wherein the valve system is interfaced for a time period in the range from about 30 seconds to about 24 hours;

permitting the person to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation.

2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the valve system is incorporated into a facial mask, and further comprising coupling the facial mask to the person's face.

3. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the valve system includes a pressure responsive inflow valve, and further comprising setting an actuating pressure of the valve to be in the range from about 0 cm H 2 O to about −40 cm H 2 O.

4. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising varying the actuating pressure of the valve over time.

5. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the valve system is further configured to prevent or decrease exhaled gases from exiting the person's lungs during at least a portion of an exhalation event to further increase blood circulation.

6. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising adding a supply of oxygen through the valve system to supplement oxygen delivery to the person.

7. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the person is suffering from a disease that is related to impaired venous blood flow.

8. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the person is suffering from a disease resulting at least in part from poor blood circulation, and wherein the valve system functions to increase blood circulation to treat the disease.

9. A method as in claim 8 , wherein the disease is selected from a group consisting of venous stasis ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, wound healing, and lymphedema.

10. A method as in claim 8 , wherein the disease comprises renal failure.

11. A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person, the method comprising:

interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event;

permitting the person to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation, and wherein the person is suffering from a disease that is related to impaired venous blood flow.

12. A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person, the method comprising:

interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event;

permitting the person to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation, wherein the person is suffering from a disease resulting at least in part from poor blood circulation, and wherein the valve system functions to increase blood circulation to treat the disease.