Naturopathy Treatment Approach for Varicose Veins

What Are Varicose Veins?

The veins grow, widen, and overfill with blood to become varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities. Varicose veins usually have an elevated, reddish, bluish-purple, bloated appearance. They hurt a lot sometimes. The illness is extremely prevalent, particularly in women. Varicose veins affect about 25 percent of adults. Varicose veins are typically present on the lower legs.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins form when veins do not function properly. The vein's one-way valves prevent blood from moving backward. When these valves fail, blood accumulates in the veins rather than flowing back through the heart. The veins then enlarge. Varicose veins are most typically found in the legs. Because these veins are far from the heart, gravity causes it to be more challenging for blood to rise. The following are the reasons for varicose veins:

• Standing for extended periods during pregnancy, menopause, and old age.

• Obesity and varicose veins in the family.

The symptoms of varicose veins are high visibility and abnormally shaped veins, typically on the legs. Additionally, one can experience discomfort, edema, heaviness, and achiness over or near the swollen veins. People can have some edema and discoloration. In severe situations, veins may bleed profusely if the ulcers develop. Consult the doctor immediately in case of any of the above symptoms. They might then advise using a more forceful strategy, such as surgery or other natural procedures.

What Are Naturopathic Treatment Approaches for Varicose Veins?

The following natural cures for varicose veins can help manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.

• Compression Stockings - Compression stockings, which function by applying pressure to the legs, are widely available in pharmacies. This promotes blood flow into the heart via the veins and muscles. A 2018 study found that people who wore knee-high stockings with compression for a week at pressure levels of 18 to 21 mmHg felt fewer symptoms from varicose veins.

• Exercise - Regular exercise helps to increase blood circulation in the legs. Exercise aids in moving venous blood that has accumulated. High blood pressure can increase the chances of varicose veins. Exercising can help in reducing it. Low-impact exercises can help engage the calf muscles without too much stress on them. Cycling, swimming, yoga, and walking are all good low-impact workouts.

• Plant Extract - Aesculus hippocastanum L may aid persons with chronic venous insufficiency. A significant contributing factor to varicose veins that experience leg pain, heaviness, and itching. Before using plant extracts or essential oils directly or in a diffuser for aromatherapy, they should be diluted with carrier oils.

• Eat More Flavanoids - Flavonoid-rich diets help reduce varicose veins in some people. Flavanoids help to increase blood flow. Flavanoids help to prevent blood from pooling in the veins and keep it moving. Flavanoids help relax blood vessels and lower the blood pressure in the arteries. It can lessen varicose veins. Flavonoids can be found in citrus fruits and grapes; cherries, apples, blueberries, onions, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli are examples of vegetables.

• Dietary Changes - Limiting salty food helps reduce water retention since salty or sodium-rich foods can make the body retain water. Intake of potassium-rich foods can help to reduce water retention. The foods high in potassium are

  1. Lentils, white beans, almonds, and pistachio nuts.

  2. Potatoes with leafy greens.

  3. Several fish, including tuna and salmon.

  4. Fiber-rich foods help in bowel movement and aid in warding off constipation. This may be significant because straining can aggravate or worsen damaged valves.

• Wear Non-restrictive Clothes - Blood flow is restricted by tight clothing. Wearing loose-fitting clothing that does not limit the blood supply to the lower body may help with circulation. Varicose veins in the legs may also be prevented by wearing flat shoes rather than high heels.

• Herbal Medications - Although there is currently little data to support its efficacy, taking grape seed extract, Vitis vinifera, orally may help reduce edema in the lower legs and help with symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Grape seed extract, which is a dietary supplement, must be avoided by persons who have been prescribed blood thinners. It can interact with these drugs and increase bleeding risk.

• Keeping the Legs Elevated - Circulation can be improved by raising the legs to a level equal to or greater than the heart. As a result, the amount of pressure in the veins of the legs is lessened, and gravity aids in the simple return of blood to the heart. The legs should be lifted when sitting for a lengthy period, such as when performing tasks or relaxing.

• Massaging - The blood flow through the veins can be maintained by gently rubbing the affected areas. For the best results, use a moisturizer or gentle massage oils. However, refrain from pressing the veins directly as it may cause damage to the sensitive tissues.

• Try to Keep Moving - Avoid sitting for long. In case of long sitting hours, people must try to get up and walk around. They can even try and change positions occasionally to keep the blood flowing freely. Sitting with the legs crossed might restrict blood flow to the feet and legs and worsen circulation.

Conclusion:

Varicose veins typically get worse with time. This is still the case even if one makes the necessary lifestyle adjustments to manage them and the pain. But they often do not have any long-term negative effects on health. People with severe varicose veins should get medical treatment which will help them feel better. People can choose the best and most effective treatment by discussing different treatment options with their specialists.