Overview

Varicose veins, also known as Varicosities, are a disease affecting the veins. In this, there is engorgement of veins, the veins are enlarged, twisted, mostly seen in the legs, resulting because of weakened or damaged valves inside the veins that impair the blood flow.

Causes

• Prolonged standing or sitting 

• Pregnancy (increased blood volume and pressure inside the veins)

• Obesity

• Age-related weakening of vein walls

• Genetics also plays a role. 

• Hormonal changes (mostly during menopause)

Symptoms

• Visible, bulging of veins, which appears blue or purple

• Aching or heavy feeling in the legs

• Swelling in the lower limbs

• Throbbing, cramping or itching around the veins is observed.

• In severe cases, The Skin discolouration is observed, and there is the formation of venous ulcers. 

Ayurvedic View

Sira vaha srota dushti - due to aggravated vata kar ahara(food) and activities, this aggravated vata enters into sira(blood vessel), vitiating rakta, changing the way of blood flows in sira(blood vessel), resulting in varicose veins. The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct the imbalance of dosha by Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and local treatment done for improving circulation in blood vessels.