Ayurveda for Varicose Veins management: Does it Work?
Varicose veins usually announce themselves as bulging, bluish cords running just beneath the surface of your skin. They almost always affect legs and feet. Visible swollen and twisted veins sometimes surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries known as spider veins are considered superficial varicose veins. Although they can be painful and disfiguring, they are usually harmless. When inflamed, they become tender to the touch and can hinder circulation to the point of causing swollen ankles, itchy skin, and aching in the affected limb. Ayurveda for Varicose Veins is very efficient for its treatment
Ayurveda is an ancient type of medicine that originated in India. It focuses on promoting balance of mind, body, and spirit to achieve physical and mental health. It often integrates herbal therapies, diet, and massage or meditation.
Causes
Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of your body to your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity.
Risk factors
These factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
- Age.
- Pregnancy.
- Family history.
- Obesity.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Your blood doesn't flow as well if you're in the same position for long periods.
Ayurvedic medicine has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. One of these is varicose veins. These are veins that have become swollen and twisted. They often occur in the legs.
In Ayurveda, each individual is made up of a unique balance of three doshas, or humors. These are:
- vata (air and space)
- pitta (fire and water)
- kapha (earth and water)
Each dosha can have an impact on specific body functions, with imbalances producing illness. Because of this, Ayurvedic treatments focus on keeping the three doshas in balance.
Varicose veins happen due to imbalance of vata.
Ayurvedic medicines
Ayurveda for Varicose Veins
The ingredient lists for Ayurvedic medicines can sometimes be extensive. They can contain a variety of natural products, including:
- Plants
- Animal products
- Minerals
- Metals
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic massage where you apply warm herb-infused oil to your entire body. It’s believed to bring your doshas back into balance.
Leech therapy
Leech therapy aims to promote better blood flow around varicose veins. When a leech attaches to your skin, it naturally secretes a blood thinning compound. This keeps blood in the affected area flowing as the leech feeds.
Enema therapy
This type of therapy involves the use of medicated enemas. These are administered rectally on a specific schedule. Like Ayurvedic medicines, they contain a variety of natural ingredients.
A 2013 case study. Trusted Source discussed Ayurvedic treatment of varicose ulcers in a 61-year-old man. The treatment involved Ayurvedic medicines and enema therapy. The wound healed more than 80 percent after the entire course of treatment.
A 2018 case study reported on treatment of a 54-year-old man who had gone to the hospital due to vein swelling. In this case, he had a history of ineffective Ayurvedic treatment. His condition was treated using endovenous laser ablation.
