Ayurveda and Varicose veins: An overview

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, focuses on attaining balance in the mind, body, and spirit to achieve overall wellness. Ayurveda provides a distinctive viewpoint on a range of medical conditions, including varicose veins, a condition that causes veins, usually in the legs, to swell and twist. Ayurveda treats this by combining herbal remedies, dietary changes, and techniques like meditation. Varicose vein treatment in Ayurveda focuses on restoring Vata balance through lifestyle changes, medication, and a nutritious diet.

Varicose Vein Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda employs a multifaceted approach to address varicose veins, incorporating Panchakarma therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications. Let's explore some of the most effective Ayurvedic treatments for varicose veins in the legs:

Panchakarma Raktamokshana Treatment -

• Siravyadha: This treatment employs a needle to remove unhealthy blood from veins, improving blood circulation, relieving leg pain, and treating swelling caused by blood vessel congestion.
• Basti Treatment: Basti, a specialized procedure, involves introducing herbal Ingredients and medicinal oils into the large intestine. This treatment helps reduce inflammation, repair damaged nerves, and alleviate fatigue.
• Jaluka Charana: Leech therapy, known as Jaluka Charana, involves using leeches to enhance blood circulation and prevent clot formation. The saliva of leeches is believed to possess blood-thinning properties, aiding in dissolving existing clots.

Snehan - Abhyanga Treatment:

Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic massage method, utilizes Santhwanam oil to improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and address discomfort associated with varicose veins.

Podikizhy Treatment:

This massage technique involves using herbal powder bundles to stimulate blood circulation and reduce inflammation, providing relief to individuals with varicose veins.

Lepanam Treatment:

Using a heated herbal paste, Lepanam treatment is applied to the skin around varicose veins. This method is believed to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Parisheka Sweda - Dhanyamla Dhara Treatment:

Involving a continuous massage method with a special herb-infused liquid, this varicose vein treatment in Ayurveda aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation.

Sweda Treatment - Upanaham:

Upanaham involves leaving active ingredients in contact with the body overnight. This treatment is beneficial for relieving stiffness, pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with varicose veins.

Njavara Kizhi Treatment:

This massage technique uses rice blended with milk and herbal extract from Kurumthotti to nourish the skin, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Vata Yoga Treatment:

Vata yoga, an Ayurvedic treatment, offers benefits such as pain relief, inflammation reduction, improved blood flow, and enhanced sleep quality for individuals with varicose veins.

Lifestyle Treatment:

Avoiding intense exercise, not soaking feet in cold water after working out, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, preventing prolonged standing, doing light exercise, drinking plenty of water, and consuming certain foods—like citrus fruits—for their reviving qualities are all Ayurvedic recommendations for treating varicose veins.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Varicose Veins

Ayurvedic medicine for varicose veins includes:

• Guduchi: It Relieves inflammation, aids in speedy wound healing, and addresses various skin disorders.
• Ashwagandha: Manages stress, reduces inflammation, and alleviates leg pains.
• Sariva (Indian Sarsaparilla): Offers complexion-boosting and burn-relieving qualities, promoting skin soothing and even tone. It purifies blood, flushing out toxins and regulating circulation.
• Eranda (Castor Bean): Rich in bioactive ricin-based compounds, castor oil reduces inflammation and relaxes blood clots in affected legs. The topical application improves blood circulation and diminishes dark spots.
• Manjistha (Indian Madder): Anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and pain in the lower legs. It balances pitta dosha, cleanses the blood, and enhances circulation in injured veins.
• Gotu Kola (Asiatic Pennywort): With iron for red blood cell synthesis, it eliminates plaques from blood vessels, promoting smooth circulation and maintaining normal blood pressure.
• Chirabilva (Indian Elm Tree): Balances tridoshas, acting as a natural blood purifier. Consumed as a decoction, it helps dissolve blood clots in the lower legs and treatment for varicose veins in the legs.

Prevention of Varicose Veins

While some risk factors for varicose veins, such as age and genetics, are beyond our control, adopting a preventive approach can help manage the condition.  However, a growing interest has emerged in ayurvedic medicine for varicose veins as a potential solution for the treatment and prevention.

• Regular Exercise: Exercise is essential for maintaining healthy blood circulation in the legs. Leg muscles act as natural pumps, aiding veins in pushing blood towards the heart. Incorporating activities like walking, swimming, and yoga into your routine can significantly contribute to varicose veins prevention.
• Weight Management: Having too much weight increases strain on the legs, causing varicose veins to worsen. In addition to relieving this strain, losing weight lowers the chance of getting varicose veins again.
• Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Modern sedentary lifestyles, especially among office workers, contribute to the development of varicose veins. Taking breaks every half hour to stand, stretch, and walk promotes better blood flow.
• Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothes: Clothing that constricts blood flow can worsen varicose veins. Opt for loose-fitting attire to alleviate pressure on the legs and promote healthy circulation.
• Elevate Your Feet: Periodically elevating your legs, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting, facilitates blood flow back towards the heart. This simple practice can be particularly beneficial for those with jobs that involve extended periods of immobility.
• Support Pantyhose and Compression Hose: Consider wearing support pantyhose or compression hose, as they provide additional support to leg veins. While support pantyhose is a measure for varicose vein prevention, compression hose, available over-the-counter or by prescription, offers stronger pressure to aid blood movement.

Can Varicose Veins Permanently Go Away With Ayurveda?

Ayurveda has been gaining attention as a potential solution for various health issues, including varicose veins. Limited studies and case reports suggest that varicose vein treatment in Ayurveda may offer relief and improvement in symptoms.

A case study published in the Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants Indigenous Medicine in 2016 highlighted a 60-year-old woman experiencing pain and visible varicose veins. The study reported significant improvement in her condition after undergoing Ayurvedic treatments, showcasing the potential efficacy of such interventions.

Conclusion

Ayurveda's holistic approach to varicose veins encompasses a spectrum of treatments, from Panchakarma therapies to herbal remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Ayurveda offers individuals with varicose veins a comprehensive and effective path to healing. Embracing the wisdom of this ancient system, one can find relief with minimal side effects, emphasizing the natural harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

References:

• https://www.conwaymedicalcenter.com/news/varicose-veins-treatment
• https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-varicose-veins
• https://www.lybrate.com/topic/ayurvedic-treatment-options-for-varicose-veins/3926cf515d61eaef64e2c2a52b220ef3
• https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/ayurveda-for-varicose-veins-fantastic-herbal-remedies-to-heal-swollen-legs-and-blood-clots
• https://www.veinenvy.com/blog/ayurvedic-treatment-for-varicose-veins