Do you know Ayurveda can help fight Varicose Veins?

Ayurveda is a science which originates 6000 years back. It is a science dealing with the treatment of diseased people for many years. Ayurveda means Veda related to ayu, to maintain the ayu (age) i.e., “तद् आयुर्वेद इति आयुर्वेद“ . Additionally, Ayurveda also educates about preventive measures to maintain the health of a healthy person. 

As Ayurveda becomes more popular, it becomes increasingly important to find accurate information about it. So, here I will explain the problem with the Ayurveda perspective many females are suffering from, i.e. Varicose Veins. 

Nowadays, irrespective of age, many females are suffering from pain in their legs which aggregates after prolonged standing. It is usually due to the disease name Varicose Veins. 

A varicose vein is a disease in which your veins dilate and elongate. It mainly affects you when you have a habit of prolonged standing, or you are in the profession of nurses, teachers, etc. 

In Ayurveda science, Varicose Veins correlate with a disease named Siragranthi or Siragatavata. Many Ayurveda medicines and Panchkarma therapies are beneficial in managing varicose veins without side effects. 

Risk factors of Varicose Veins: 

Varicose veins are common among females. There are a few risk factors to keep in mind to help you understand whether you are at risk or not. 

Some risk factors are: 

• Obesity: Excess fat in veins causes valves to malfunction, resulting in poor blood flow. Hence, varicose veins can develop.  
• Old Age: In Old age, weakness in valves can lead to Varicose Veins. 
• Multiparous women: In Multiparous women (a female delivered multiple children) a hormone named progesterone is high, causing dilation and relaxation of veins. Thus, increases the risk of Varicose Veins. 

Symptoms Of Varicose Veins: 

Some of the common symptoms of Varicose Veins are:

• Constant pain in the leg.
• Pain aggravates during the night time.
• Dilated veins will be visible on the legs.
• Dilated Veins are enlarged, swelled, and bluish.
• Pigmented skin in the leg. 
• Swelling and itching are also present on the affected leg.

Ayurveda Approach for Treating Varicose Veins-

The approach in treating Varicose veins as per Ayurveda is letting out the impure blood out of the body. For this, the therapy name is Siravedhan used and especially, and Leech Therapy is used for treating Varicose Veins. 

In this therapy, Leech (medicinal leech) is applied on the affected part for some time under an Ayurveda Doctor’s guidance. Leeches suck out the blood thus helping in improving blood circulation. It is also already research-backed that Leech Therapy shows great results in treating the Varicose vein.

Several medicinal preparations are effective in treating varicose veins.

Some herbs beneficial in the management of Varicose Veins are: 

• Kanchnar 
• Amla
• Neem
• Ashwagandha 
• Arjuna
• Guggulu
• Nagakesar 
• Shatavari 

Things to remember in Varicose veins-

• Elevates your limbs to reduce swelling.
• Wear an elastic crepe bandage. 
• Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation.

[Tip –Place your legs on the wall, elevates them to the heart level, and move your legs like you are cycling. Try this exercise for about 15 minutes twice a day. It gives twin-in-one benefits by elevation and exercising.]

Dr. Vaishali Atri is a passionate advocate for holistic well-being and an Ayurvedic doctor. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals achieve optimal health and vitality through the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine.