Using Yoga to Supplement a Vein Center Visit
Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 | Revised: April 2, 2014
If you have varicose veins in your legs — enlarged, twisted, or discolored veins just beneath the skin — then yoga could help you reduce troublesome symptoms. When used as recommended by Michigan vein doctors, certain yoga poses can help push blood from your legs back to your heart. In addition, practicing yoga regularly promotes improved blood circulation throughout the entire body.
What Are Varicose Veins?
This refers to veins, commonly in the legs and ankles, that contain weakened valves. This makes it harder to pump blood out of the legs and back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the leg veins. Over time, the affected veins may become swollen and painful. Varicose veins may also be accompanied by a change in color or a sensation of fatigue, burning, itching, cramping or throbbing.
If you are concerned about your varicose vein symptoms, then visit a vein center for an evaluation and treatment plan.
How Can Yoga Treat Varicose Veins?
Yoga may not cure varicose veins entirely, but it can help reduce the amount of blood that accumulates in the legs. The best yoga poses for this purpose involve elevating the legs above the head so that blood can descend towards the heart. Other positions place the head and legs at the same level so that the weak leg veins no longer have to fight the effects of gravity. Overall, yoga can refresh your heart and quiet your mind. However, these particular positions seem to offer the most benefit for varicose vein treatment, as described by livestrong.com:
* Reclining Hand to Toe Pose
Lie flat on your back on the floor. Hold the ends of a yoga strap, an old tie or a towel in your hands. Lift your right leg and position the strap across the center of your foot. Flex your foot, pushing moderately against the strap. Bend and straighten your leg a few times, leading with your heel. Repeat with the left leg.
* Legs Up the Wall Pose
Lie on your back on the floor and place your legs against a wall. Position your buttocks close to the wall. A pillow under the tailbone may make the position more comfortable. Try to relax while holding your legs straight up the wall; hold the position for five minutes.
* Seated Forward Bend
This position stretches the hamstring muscles and helps to relieve pain caused by varicose veins. Sit on the floor, stretching your legs in front of you. Hold your spine straight and bend forward towards your toes, as far as you can go. Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds, then sit upright slowly. Repeat twice.
Whenever you practice yoga, remember to breathe calmly and evenly as you hold each pose. In addition, as with any exercise program, you should consult your doctor before you begin a yoga regimen.