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Ayurvedic Treatment for Varicose Veins: Does it Work?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian form of treatment that has been prevalent primarily in the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. Ayurveda uses herbal medicines, massages, diet, and meditation to treat diseases. Varicose veins refer to a condition where veins, especially those in the legs, become swollen and twisted. Varicose veins treatment in Ayurveda comprises traditional therapies like leech and enema therapy, along with medicines. Western health practitioners often consider Ayurveda a pseudo-scientific medicinal practice; however, people in India and abroad have benefitted from Ayurveda. Read on to know more.

Varicose Veins Treatment in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, it is believed that each individual is made up of a balance of three doshas – vata (air and space), kapha (earth and water), and pitta (fire and water). Each dosha can have an impact on body functions, with imbalances leading to illnesses. Ayurvedic treatment focussed on maintaining a balance between the three doshas. Varicose veins happen when there is an imbalance of vata. The different aspects of Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins include:

Diet

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in diet can cause varicose veins. They ask patients to avoid following food types –

• Bitter foods like eggplant, leafy green vegetables, and bitter melon. These foods have a sharp, dry taste.

• Pungent foods like turnips, chillies, and radishes. These foods are usually spicy.

• Astringent foods such as some types of legumes, grains and fruits. This food type leaves your mouth feeling dry.

Medicine

Ayurvedic medicines are different from allopathic medications. These medicines comprise plants, animal products, minerals, and metals and are used in various combinations to treat varicose veins.

Therapies

There are three types of therapies primarily used to treat varicose veins.

• Leech Therapy

This therapy aims to promote better flood flow around varicose veins. In this, a leech is attached to the skin which naturally secretes a blood thinning compound. This keeps the blood flowing in affected area as the leech feeds.

• Enema Therapy

This involves the use of medicated enemas which are administered rectally to treat varicose veins.

• Abhyanga

This is a form of massage that is done using warm herbal oils. This particular form of massage is believed to balance the doshas and cure varicose veins.

Does Ayurveda Work? How Safe is It?

There is little research to support the claim that Ayurvedic treatment works. However, there are many anecdotal testimonials to support Ayurveda. Some studies support Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins, but more controlled trials are necessary to substantiate the results.

The safety of Ayurvedic treatment is debatable. As there is not enough research to prove the efficacy, it is still difficult to comment on the safety.

Conclusion

Ayurveda has been used in India to treat various ailments for centuries. However, modern medicine differs from Ayurveda, and many consider Ayurveda unsafe. However, these days, many people are choosing this traditional mode of treatment for chronic conditions like varicose veins. If you have a health insurance plan, check with your insurer if the treatment for varicose veins is covered under the policy.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Source: healthline.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 24, 2024