VARICOSE VEINS AND AYURVEDA

Veins plays important role in circulation. They are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. In lower limbs, veins have to work against gravity. So here,Nature has equipped them with non return valves. But when, the valves fails, varicosity appears.
It is more common in women.
Symptoms are dark blue or purple color veins, appearance is twisted or bulging like cords,cramps,swelling,bleeding from varicose vein, Pain may achy, burning, throbbing, heavy feeling and get worsened after prolonged sitting.
Main causes are prolonged standing, family history, aging, pregnancy, obesity , medical conditions like tumor, DVT.
Common complications are bleeding, thrombosis, varicose eczema, varicose ulcer and thrombophlebitis.
Palliative treatment includes avoid prolonged standing, exercises, weight loss, use of compression socks or stockings.
If still condition worsened , have to go for surgical treatment like vein ligation, stripping, sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy or LASER surgery.
It is not complete cure, as recurrence is there.

According to ayurveda this condition is may due to vitiated bood by dosha , weakened valve or incompetent veins due to lack of nourishment.
So treatment should be accordingly. But the basic principle of treatment is prasadan i.e, appeasing  of Rakta dhatu. Some changes in lifestyle and diet are required for it. Let see how can ayurveda improve.
1. Diet and lifestyle.
 Take care of your digestion by avoiding indigestion and  overeating.

 Welcome home made and fresh food and 2 tsp of ghee.  No stale food.

Avoid excess of  sweet, sour, salty or spicy.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Exclude preservative added, canned, dehydrated food, caorbonated drinks, curd, cheese, cottage cheese, fried food, ecxess tea or coffee, vinegar, radish, pork, lassi,fruit milk shake and sea food from kitchen.

Food causing constipation should be avoided.

Include grapes, dates, dry grapes, pomegranate, ridge gourd, bittergourd, gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd in diet.

2. Lifestyle

 Avoid work near to fire, heat or direct exposure to high temperature.

Avoid simultaneous use of cold and hot, Drinking cold water or coldrinks, cold showers after work out or physical activity. Cold and hot beverages or food at a time.
Do exercise, some aasana are really beneficial.
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting, legs in strangulation.
Have adequate sleep. Avoid daysleeping and late night tasks.
Daily gentle application of oil will prevent varicose eczema or varicose ulcer.
3. Panchakarma
Use medicated oil for gentle massage , don't apply pressure.
Internal oleation by panchatiktak or mahatiktak helps a lot.
Gentle massage and pindasweda helps to restore strength of valves.
Virechana or Basti are useful panchakarma.
 Blood letting is also helpful.
But all panchakarma part should be done under guidance of vaidya.
4. Medicine
 Raktapachak yog, guduchi, sariva, vasa, Arogyavardhini are the drug of choice but should be consumed by vaidya consultation.

With the help of ayurveda, we can definitely defeat this condition. Lifestyle modification, Diet correction, Panchakarma and Medicines are keys to success.