improving your energy

Energy - Don't We All Want More?

May 18, 20254 min read

energy, circulation, ATP, Krebs cycle

What’s Energy Got to Do With It? Exploring Energy, Circulation & Cellular Fuel

I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of a learning geek. Give me a puzzle to solve or a curious health question to explore, and I’m all in. Recently, a situation with my horse Rosie got me thinking a lot about energy. Not just the day-to-day kind, but the kind that starts deep in the body—on a cellular level.

As a registered nurse, equine massage therapist, and BEMER practitioner, I’ve always been fascinated by how the body works. But this time, I found myself looking for answers not just for my horse—but for myself too. Why do we get so run down? Why does fatigue sometimes linger even when we’re eating right or getting rest? And what can we do to truly support our energy?

This post is a mix of science and personal experience. It explores how things like healthy cellular function, circulation, gentle movement, and microvascular health all impact how we feel—whether we’re on two legs or four.


The Body’s Energy Factory: The Krebs Cycle

Before we dive too deep, here’s a quick explanation of ATP. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the main energy source for your body’s cells. Think of it like a fully charged battery that powers everything from your muscles to your brain. When your body breaks down nutrients (like carbs and fats), it creates ATP. The more efficiently your body does this, the more energy you feel—physically and mentally.

Inside every cell in Rosie’s body—and mine—is a tiny powerhouse called the mitochondrion. This is where the Krebs cycle happens. The Krebs cycle is part of how our cells turn nutrients (like glucose and fatty acids) into ATP, the energy currency that fuels every biological function.

But here’s the catch: that system only works efficiently when the cells are getting enough oxygen and nutrients, and when the surrounding tissues can remove waste products quickly.

That’s where I started making connections between what I do as a BEMER practitioner, an equine massage therapist, and a nurse.


Circulation Matters: How Movement & certain Modalities Support Cellular Energy

1. Exercise Supports Energy (Even When You're Tired)

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to combat fatigue is through gentle movement. Exercise improves:

  • Circulation, delivering more oxygen to muscles and tissues

  • Mitochondrial function, helping your cells produce more ATP

  • Mood and mental clarity, by releasing endorphins

In horses, this can mean hand-walking, ponying off another horse, or short low-impact sessions. For me, it’s riding, playing with my dogs, barn chores, or just getting outside and moving.

2. BEMER Therapy Supports Microcirculation

BEMER doesn’t treat diseases—what it does is support the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate by:

  • Improving microcirculation (blood flow in the tiniest vessels)

  • Enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells

  • Supporting waste removal from tissues

All of this creates a more favorable environment for things like the Krebs cycle to function smoothly, helping the body create and sustain energy more efficiently.

3. Massage Enhances Lymphatic & Circulatory Flow

Massage complements this process by:

  • Increasing blood and lymph flow

  • Relaxing tense muscles that may restrict movement or circulation

  • Encouraging parasympathetic activation (rest and recovery mode)

The combination of BEMER and massage has always helped Rosie feel better post-session. But now, I have the rationale as to why. :)

4. Nutritional Support for Energy

Energy starts with what we put in our bodies. Some key nutrients that support energy production include:

  • Iron – essential for red blood cell function and oxygen transport

  • B vitamins – especially B12 and B6, which help convert food into energy

  • Magnesium – supports hundreds of biochemical reactions, including ATP production

  • Hydration – even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, so drinking water consistently is essential

Eating balanced, nutrient-rich meals with enough protein and fiber can provide steady, sustainable energy throughout the day.


The Bigger Picture: What I’ve Learned

This journey started with Rosie, but as always, it’s teaching me just as much about myself. Energy isn’t just about sleep or coffee (although I do love my coffee). It’s about what’s happening on a microscopic level—how our cells are functioning, and how supported they are.

So whether you're a horse dealing with EMS or a human navigating stress and fatigue, the answer might lie in something as simple and profound as better blood flow, more movement, and a little more kindness toward yourself.

And a good BEMER session never hurts either. :)

Wendy McLaughlin is a retired registered nurse, certified equine massage therapist, and BEMER practitioner and distributor with over 30 years of horse experience and western riding. She combines her medical background with a passion for holistic horse care to help horses and humans restore, recover, and thrive.  wendyrestorerecover@gmail.com     restorerecoverRN.com

Wendy McLaughlin, RN, CEMT

Wendy McLaughlin is a retired registered nurse, certified equine massage therapist, and BEMER practitioner and distributor with over 30 years of horse experience and western riding. She combines her medical background with a passion for holistic horse care to help horses and humans restore, recover, and thrive. [email protected] restorerecoverRN.com

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