In ayurveda varicose veins are called as Siragrandhi. Varicose veins are a common condition characterized by swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and can cause discomfort and pain. While modern medical interventions are available for treating varicose veins, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers natural remedies that can provide relief from this condition. Ayurveda provides treatment for varicose veins in legs focuses on addressing the root cause and promoting overall well-being.

Do you frequently have muscle soreness, especially in your lower legs’ extremities? Do you also notice a distinct dark blue or purple discoloration there? If so, you may have varicose veins, a condition that affects many people and is characterized by swollen, bulging veins most often found in the legs and feet.

Causes of Varicose Veins:

Here are the causes of swollen and bulging veins explained directly:

  • Age: As we get older, the veins may become less elastic, which can contribute to the appearance of swollen veins.
  • Genetics: If your parents or close relatives have experienced swollen veins, you may be more susceptible to developing them as well.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts extra pressure on the veins, increasing the likelihood of swelling.
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to the development of swollen veins.
  • Occupations that involve prolonged sitting or standing: Jobs that require long periods of sitting or standing without much movement can strain the veins and lead to swelling.

Understanding these factors can help individuals take proactive measures to maintain healthy veins and reduce the risk of swelling and discomfort.

Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches for Varicose Veins

Here you can check Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches for Varicose Veins:

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

The most noticeable symptom of varicose veins is a twisted, blue, or purple vein right beneath the skin’s surface. Other symptoms include

  • Bulged veins: Blue or purple, twisted, bulging, and rope-like veins. They appear on your legs, ankles, and feet. They may spread gradually and form clusters.
  • Heavy legs: Especially after exercise, your legs’ muscles may feel heavy, exhausted, or sluggish.
  • Itching: The skin around varicose veins may itch.
  • Leg pain: Especially behind the knees, your legs may feel uncomfortable, achy, or sore, accompanied by muscle cramps.
  • Swelling: Legs, ankles, and feet can swell and throb.
  • Ulcers and skin discolorations: Varicose veins can result in brown skin discolorations if not addressed. Venous ulcers (sores) on your skin can result from severe varicose veins.

VARICOSE VEINS IN AYURVEDA

Internal Medications

Ayurvedic internal medications play a pivotal role in varicose vein treatment. Formulations infused with potent herbs such as Guggulu, Manjistha, and Triphala are prescribed to:

  • Improve blood circulation: Certain herbs have properties that enhance blood flow, helping to alleviate congestion and pressure in the veins.
  • Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory herbs can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected veins.
  • Strengthen the veins: Ayurvedic formulations aim to strengthen the walls of the veins, making them more resilient and less prone to damage.

These natural remedies restore the balance of doshas, fostering overall well-being and supporting the healing of varicose veins.

 

Jaloukavacharana / Leech treatment in varicose veins

Jalaukavacharana therapy is an inexpensive and simple form of bloodletting. It is a convenient Panchakarma technique that can be used in a variety of cases. The mode of action of Jalauka is purification of the body by eliminating deeply-seated toxins and pacifying the vitiated dosha. Varicose veins occur due to vitiation of Vata and Pitta dosha, which results in vitiation of Rakta dhatu and Sthansamshraya in RaktavahaSrotas, which triggers signs and symptoms of Siragranthi.

The secretion of salivary glands of medicinal leech includes more than one hundred bioactive substances which are responsible for performing the desired medical effect. Hirudin is a potent anticoagulant that prevents blood coagulation by blocking the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.

Jalukavacharana is the right choice of Sirajagranti Janya Vrana. Leech therapy proves to be effective, time saving, affordable and acceptable treatment in varicose ulcer. We can roughly conclude that Ayurveda can give a ray of hope in the treatment of varicose veins and varicose ulcer. It is observed that after 30 days of Treatment the wound healed completely.

External Treatments

Ayurveda emphasizes external treatment process to alleviate pain and swelling in the affected areas of varicose vein. The following approaches are used:

  • Application of herbal pastes: A variety of herbal pastes and poultices are prepared using ingredients like turmeric, neem, and aloe vera. These can be applied topically to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Use of oils: Herbal oils infused with beneficial herbs is massaged onto the legs, promoting circulation and providing relief from discomfort. Sahacharadi thailam , Pinda thailam, etc are highly beneficial in varicose veins
  • Medicated fumigation: Steam therapy with medicated herbs is employed to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and relax the muscles in the legs.

These methods provide targeted relief, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Additionally, specialized therapies like Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Vasti (medicated enema) are recommended for detoxification and rejuvenation.

 

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Ayurveda recognizes the influence of diet and lifestyle on our well-being.

The following recommendations are to support the healing process:

Adopt a vein-friendly diet rich in fibre, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables: These foods provide essential nutrients and promote healthy digestion, which is vital for overall circulation.

Minimize processed foods, excess salt, and refined sugars: These can contribute to inflammation and water retention, exacerbating varicose veins.

Engage in regular exercises, such as walking or swimming, to improve circulation and strengthen muscles: Physical activity helps pump blood more efficiently through the veins and reduces the risk of blood pooling.

Uvas ayurveda provides effective treatment in the management of varicose veins. Leech therapy which is highly effective in varicose ulcers are practiced in our clinic along with the others detoxification therapies. We also provide many online courses like Garbh Maata Sanskar, ayurvedic cosmetology etc, which helps the ayurvedic enthusiasts to gain more knowledge and practice Ayurveda more effectively.

 

Dr. Priya Jain

Uvas Ayurveda

Jp Nagar, Bangalore