As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have met several patients who come to me with discomfort in their legs. Studies and investigations lead to the conclusion that they have varicose veins. Of course, as someone in the medical profession, I know that genetic issues cause it. But, then, I have also found that a few lifestyle modifications can help avoid the condition from worsening.
I am Dr Surej Subash from Ayur Bathaniya, and this post is to help you understand how lifestyle changes and self-care can help you manage varicose veins.
Varicose Veins – From the Ayurvedic Perspective
As per modern science, varicose veins are the enlarged or twisted veins caused by weak valves and poor blood circulation. However, from the Ayurveda perspective, we see it as a manifestation of Vata imbalance.
Varicose veins show up when there is obstruction in the flow of rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and prana vayu (life force). Some postures aggravate the vata imbalance. Some of these include prolonged standing, poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress.
I always suggest that my patients not only focus on medications and management. But also on maintaining balance in the body, mind, and daily routines.
Lifestyle changes to help with Varicose veins
My lifestyle advice for anyone who has varicose veins would ideally be on the following lines.
Keep moving
Movement is the essence of life. But excessive movement can make the conditions worse. Professionals like teachers, shopkeepers, and office workers are more prone to varicose veins.
My recommendations for such professionals are
- Daily walking: A brisk 30-minute walk stimulates circulation without straining your legs.
- Leg elevation breaks: Every couple of hours, raise your legs above heart level for 5–10 minutes to help blood flow back.
- Yoga asanas: Poses like Viparita Karani (legs up the wall), Tadasana (mountain pose), and Pavanamuktasana (wind-relieving pose) are excellent for circulation and reducing swelling.
Keep a healthy weight
Excess weight can put extra pressure on your veins. The veins would struggle to return blood to the heart. Certain foods should ideally be a good option for a healthy weight.
I often suggest adding 10 superfoods for weight loss into daily meals. These include amla, ginger, turmeric, drumstick leaves, barley, flaxseeds, green leafy vegetables, cinnamon, garlic, and horse gram. They not only help maintain optimal weight. But, they also reduce inflammation. This acts as an important factor in preventing varicose veins.
Have food that supports circulation
Varicose veins can be avoided if your food nourishes your blood. I always suggest my patients take food that makes their veins strong.
My tips for such foods include
- High-fibre foods to prevent constipation, which increases pressure in your veins. Whole grains, legumes, and seasonal fruits are best.
- Antioxidant-rich vegetables like beets and carrots to strengthen vein walls.
- Hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelons, and gourds to keep blood fluid and reduce swelling.
In Ayurveda, spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are considered rakta shodhaka (blood purifiers), improving overall circulation. Many of these foods are also considered weight-loss superfoods as well.
Stay hydrated
Ayurveda believes that proper hydration balances all three doshas. It is particularly helpful in Vata and Pitta. Water also helps prevent blood from becoming thicker, and thus, the pressure on the veins is reduced.
I recommend starting your day with a glass of warm water infused with a slice of lemon or a teaspoon of aloe vera juice—both aid in detoxifying and improving circulation.
Check your footwear
Stylish footwear and high heels may be appealing. But, they can become an open invitation for varicose veins. More so if you are genetically vulnerable to the condition.
Opt for shoes that support your arches and allow your feet to rest naturally if your work demands formal footwear; alternate with flats or low heels whenever possible.
Elevate your legs
Elevating your legs can help you ease the blood circulation and lessen the pressure on the veins. Try elevating your legs above your heart for at least 15 minutes multiple times in a day.
While sleeping, placing a pillow under your legs ensures that blood flows more easily from your legs to your heart. This simple practice can reduce morning swelling and heaviness in the legs.
Stress management is the key.
Ayurveda teaches us that mental stress can manifest physically. Chronic stress tightens the muscles, increases blood pressure, and affects circulation. Daily meditation, pranayama (especially Anulom Vilom and Bhramari), and spending time in nature help calm the mind and protect vascular health.
I have always recommended that my patients to focus primarily on living a stress-free life. Of course, stress is part and parcel of life, but it is always essential to find ways to reduce it. A calm mind can help you fix the issues that you may be facing and causing stress in your life.
Self-care tips to manage Varicose veins
Apart from the lifestyle changes, you can also focus on a few self-care tips to manage varicose veins –
- Compression stockings: Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, which helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins.
- Proper footwear: Wearing shoes with good support can help improve circulation and prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
- Avoid high heels: High heels can put extra pressure on your veins and make varicose veins worse.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your legs can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Warm water soak: Soaking your legs in warm water can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Massage: Gentle massage can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs. Use a circular motion to massage your legs
Conclusion
The key to preventing varicose veins is to adopt a consistent, balanced lifestyle. While some factors like heredity cannot be changed, your daily choices—movement, diet, posture, hydration, and self-care—play a far greater role than most people realise.
At Ayur Bethaniya, we are committed to providing authentic Ayurvedic care rooted in centuries-old wisdom while integrating modern health insights. Our approach to varicose vein prevention and ayurvedic treatment involves personalised diet plans, herbal therapies, lifestyle counselling, and rejuvenation treatments tailored to each patient’s body constitution. Located in the serene surroundings of Kerala, Ayur Bethaniya offers a healing environment that helps restore balance, vitality, and long-term wellness.
Contact us today.
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