If you are looking for an Ayurvedic treatment approach to varicose veins, there are many options to consider that may help to improve symptoms and overall quality of life. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at eleven of the best types of Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Ayurvedic treatments?
Ayurvedic treatment is a holistic system of medicine that has been used for centuries in India to treat various health conditions, which is why Ayurveda is known as the oldest healing science in existence. The Ayurvedic treatment approach to healthcare involves identifying and treating the root cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatments are designed to restore balance in the body by restoring balance in the dosha. Dosha is the fundamental energy that governs all aspects of human health and well-being. According to ayurvedic treatment, there are three doshas:
- Vata dosha: Responsible for movement in the body and is made up of the elements of air and ether. A person with this type of dosha imbalance is usually a person who is thin, often feels cold, has dry skin, or has raging thoughts. And it is recommended to increase the intake of warm cooked food, avoid cold raw food, and more protein and fat.
- Pitta dosha: Responsible for transformation, digestion, and metabolism and is made up of the elements of fire and water. A person with this type of dosha imbalance is usually a person who is of medium build, often feels cold, and has acne-prone skin. They tend to be busy, accomplished, and always on the move. And it is advisable to take cold showers, consume comfort food or drinks, and avoid hot, spicy, or fermented foods.
- Kapha dosha: Responsible for stability, structure, and lubrication in the body and is made up of the elements of earth and water. A person with this type of dosha imbalance can usually cause jealousy, lethargy, and weight gain. And it is advisable to avoid oily foods and solid carbohydrates such as pasta and rice. Instead, choose bitter, astringent ingredients and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
How do Ayurvedic treatments help to treat varicose veins?
Ayurvedic treatments can be highly beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins and can help to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. Here are some of the benefits of ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins:
- Reducing inflammation and swelling - Ayurvedic treatments help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the veins, which can help to improve blood circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Strengthening the veins - Ayurvedic treatments help to strengthen the veins, which can help to prevent them from becoming swollen and twisted.
- Reducing stress - Ayurveda is renowned for its ability to reduce stress, and this can be highly beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins. Stress can aggravate the symptoms of varicose veins, so reducing stress levels can help to improve the condition.
- Repairing the damage - Help repair veins that are not functioning properly.
- Detoxify - Purification of the resulting blood through a valve that is not functioning properly.
- Increase metabolism - It can help promote better heart function by reducing cholesterol and helping the opening of blood clots that form due to valve dysfunction.
What do scientists say about ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins?
There are currently only a few studies dedicated to Ayurvedic treatments for varicose veins. The majority of the information available is in the form of tiny research or case reports. Overall, more study is needed to analyze the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins.
According to the National Institutes of Health states that one of the ayurvedic treatment protocols is 80% able to treat diagnosed cases of varicose ulcers.
Also, another study published in the Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants Indigenous Medicine in 2016 reported that a 60-year-old woman with symptoms of pain in the lower legs from the calves to the dorsum of the feet, as well as both legs accompanied by tortuous veins and discoloration, can greatly improve their condition through the use of any of the ayurvedic treatments.
What type of Ayurvedic treatment is most effective for varicose veins?
According to Ayurvedic treatment, varicose veins are known as Siraja Granthi. The meaning of the word "Siraja" refers to the blood vessels and tubular structures in the bloodstream, and "Granthi" means swelling like a cyst. From this information Ayurvedic treatment concludes that a person suffering from varicose veins is experiencing an imbalance in the three doshas.
So, here are the most effective and recommended ayurvedic treatments to treat the symptoms caused by varicose veins and prevent them from getting worse:
1. Panchakarma Raktamokshana treatment - Jaluka charana
Generally, this type of therapy is known as leech therapy. This therapy is usually used by practitioners of Ayurveda to treat severe varicose veins because it is safe.
Leeches have long been used to treat varicose veins because it is believed that leech saliva offers blood-thinning characteristics, which help prevent blood clots from forming and dissolve existing clots. Its main benefit is to increase the circulation of blood and nutrients throughout the body.
2. Panchakarma Raktamokshana treatment- Siravyadha
This type of treatment uses a needle to remove unhealthy blood from a vein. This is very useful for improving blood circulation in the legs, can relieve pain in the legs, and treat swelling in the legs due to buildup in the blood vessels.
3. Panchakarma Basti treatment
Basti is one type of treatment in ayurvedic, the method used in this treatment uses a liquid in the form of herbal ingredients and medicinal oils into the large intestine through the rectum. This is a highly specialized procedure that aims to achieve a therapeutic goal and should be performed by an expert. And this treatment is very beneficial for reducing inflammation, repairing damaged nerves, and fatigue.
4. Snehan - Abhyanga treatment
In Ayurvedic treatment, Abhyanga is a massage method that focuses on painful areas. And usually, the oil that is often used in the Abhyanga massage method for varicose veins is Santhwanam oil, the reason being that Santhwanam oil can improve blood circulation, reduce pain, heaviness, numbness caused by varicose veins, and can improve your sleep patterns.
5. Ayurvedic pharmacology treatment (Dravyaguna)
The medicines used in ayurvedic treatments are herbal remedies and this method is part of the Shamana Chikitsa, which aims to help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the disease. There are various kinds of Ayurvedic herbal remedies that can be used to treat symptoms caused by varicose veins, including:
- Gotu kola: Help improve capillary permeability, reduce inflammation, varicose veins, ulcers, and heal wounds and ulcers.
- Chirabilva: The anti-oxidant content in it is useful for treating inflammation, leg pain, healing chronic wounds quickly, and other skin disorders.
- Guduchi: Can be useful for relieving inflammation, speedy wound healing, and other skin disorders.
- Manjistha: This type of herb can be used to reduce burning, reduce pain, heal wounds, and reduce swelling.
- Ashwagandha: This can help your body manage stress better, help reduce inflammation, and reduce aches or leg pains.
- Garlic: Treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, and antibiotics.
- Onion: Treats blood vessel problems and prevents hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Turmeric: Very useful for treating inflammation, and wound healing.
- Horse chestnut: Can improve circulation of blood in the veins.
- Eranda: This plant is very useful for treating inflammation, helping improve blood circulation, pain, and swelling.
6. Podikizhy treatment
This type of massage is a strong uses bundles and is made of cotton cloth containing herbal powder, applied and pounded rhythmically all over your body for about 45 minutes. this type of massage really works to stimulate your blood circulation and lymphatic system. Another benefit of this method is that it reduces inflammation.
7. Lepanam Treatment
Lepanam Treatment is a type of ayurvedic treatment that uses heated herbal paste to treat varicose veins. The paste is applied to the skin around the varicose veins and left on for a few minutes. This treatment is believed to improve blood circulation, smooth your skin, reduce inflammation, help heal wounds and other skin disorders.
8. Parisheka sweda - Dhanyamla Dhara treatment
This type of treatment uses a massage method, with a special herb warmed and poured all over the body continuously. The benefits of this treatment can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help improve blood circulation properly.
9. Sweda treatment - Upanaham
Upanaham is one of the treatments in which the active ingredients are left overnight in contact with the body. The thick herbal paste is applied to the varicose area, then wrapped in a bandage or cotton cloth, and left for 12 hours. This type of treatment is very useful for relieving stiffness, pain, swelling, and inflammation.
10. Njavara Kizhi treatment
Njavara Kizhi is a type of ayurvedic treatment that uses a massage method, but massage in this type of treatment is different from the massage method which usually uses oil, the Njavara Kizhi massage method uses rice mixed with milk and Kurumthotti herbal extract (Sida Rhombifolia) which contains cotton.
A cotton swab dipped in Ayurvedic medicinal oil will be rubbed all over the body or parts of the body affected by varicose veins. And the benefits of this treatment can nourish the skin, increase the body's blood circulation, relieve inflammation while relieving stiffness and pain.
11. Vata yoga treatment
Vata yoga is one of the ayurvedic treatments. Vata yoga has several benefits related to varicose veins including treating pain relief, reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and helping you to get a good night's sleep.
12. A healthy diet and lifestyle treatment
According to ayurvedic treatment, varicose veins are caused by individuals having problems with Vata dosha. Where the repair of the Vata dosha diet and lifestyle changes are needed. Here are some diet and lifestyle changes according to Ayurvedic treatment:
- Do not do strenuous exercise or walk for long distances.
- Never soak your feet in cold water after exercise.
- Do not compromise with your sleep time, meaning try to get to sleep, not after ten o'clock.
- Don't stand for long periods of time.
- Doing light exercise, not only helps improve blood flow but can help you avoid obesity
- Drink more water, avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid bitter, astringent, spicy foods, salty foods, and red meat.
- Consumption of citrus fruits such as Amla, the vitamin C content in it can help to revitalize tired veins and varicose veins.
Frequently asked
Can Ayurvedic treatment cure varicose veins permanently?
Varicose veins are a chronic condition that cannot be treated without surgery. Varicose veins can also be hereditary, making them difficult to cure. In addition, as you get older, the valves that regulate blood flow through your veins deteriorate, raising your risk of developing this problem. However, while ayurvedic medicine can not cure varicose veins permanently, it can help to improve your symptoms and help you to live a more comfortable life.
Is ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins safe?
Yes, ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins is safe. However, it is always important to consult with a qualified ayurvedic practitioner before starting any ayurvedic treatment. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have any other medical conditions.
How can I permanently cure varicose veins?
The only way to permanently cure varicose veins is surgery. Apart from that, there are several other most popular methods for treating varicose veins, including Sclerotherapy, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Endovenous embolization. These methods are performed by medical professionals.
Conclusion
It should be noted that the ayurvedic treatment is not to cure or eliminate the varicose veins that you are experiencing, but the treatment is only to relieve and improve the symptoms caused by varicose veins and help you to live a more comfortable life with varicose veins. However, before you start any type of treatment for your varicose veins, it is important to consult with your doctor first to make sure that the treatment is appropriate for your problem.
Our board-certified vein specialists have extensive experience in treating vein disease. Schedule a consultation and meet one of our providers for a consultation to learn more about your vein health.
