Introduction:
The blood vessels usually pump the blood and nutrients to all body parts. There is an extra effort in pushing the blood toward the heart in the legs as it works against gravity. Due to excess pressure, these veins become incompetent and cannot pump the blood back to the heart. Therefore, excess blood pooling inside the veins leads to swelling, which causes varicose veins to occur. These yoga poses will help ease excess pressure and drain the accumulated blood into the heart. This will, therefore, relieve pain due to varicose veins.
What Are the Yoga Poses for Varicose Veins?
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Tadasana (Mountain Pose): The basic standing pose helps improve posture and balance. Stand tall with toes touching and heels together. Draw abdominals in and up and relax shoulders down and back. Breathe five to eight breaths in a day. It is simple and effective in relieving varicose veins. All muscles work rigorously to maintain tadasana and release stress from the limbs. Knees, thighs, and ankles become stronger by regularly practicing tadasana. The heaviness in the legs is alleviated due to varicose veins. It also boosts circulation to the veins in the legs and improves balance.
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Balasana (Child's Pose): This pose can help relieve neck pain and headache. It reduces stress and anxiety. It promotes blood circulation to the entire body. This will prevent blood stagnation in varicose veins by regulating it throughout the body. From a kneeling position, sit back on heels and bring knees to a comfortable position. Lengthen the spine and walk hands in front. The hips are hinged to fold forward. The arms are extended in front to support the neck. Breathe deeply and relax. Rest in this pose for a few minutes.
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Uttanasana (Upstanding Forward Bend): This pose stretches and relaxes the aching calf muscles. It improves blood circulation to the calves and legs. These are the main parts where varicose veins develop. In this pose, stand erect, inhale deeply, and gradually bend forward while exhaling. Continue bending till the head touches the toes, and the knees should not be bent. Hold this position for ten to thirty seconds. Return to the resting position and repeat the exercise. This pose also cures high blood pressure, asthma, infertility, osteoporosis, and sinusitis.
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Navasana (Boat Pose): In this pose, arms, legs, and the body are fully extended in an acute boat-like V-shape. This pose helps to fight pain against varicose veins. It also makes the spine, hip flexor, and abdomen stronger. Since the legs are elevated in this posture, it prevents blood pooling in the blood vessels and reduces pressure instantly, which helps build strength.
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Matsyasana (Fish Pose): In this pose, lie flat on the back; legs and hands are placed beside the body. Place the palms under the hips such that the palms are facing the ground. Then cross the legs so the thighs and knees are placed flat on the floor. While breathing in, lift the chest along with the head. Hold this position for some time until you are comfortable, and while exhaling, release the position, and lift the headfirst, and drop the chest to the ground. It is one of the best exercises for varicose veins treatment. It stretches the feet and legs and helps to relieve stress and cramps. It also improves the overall body posture.
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Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall): In this pose, exhale and lie on the back. The back of the legs is pressed against the wall, and the sole of the feet faces upwards. Take support by placing the hips a little away from the hip or pressing them against the wall. Rest the head or back by placing the body at a ninety-degree angle. Use your hands to support the hips, close your eyes, and breathe to form the curve. This pose improves blood circulation throughout the body and significantly relieves the problem of varicose veins. This pose also helps to prevent wrinkles, so it helps in anti-aging effects.
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Pawanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose): This asana helps to release muscle tension in the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. It subsides the swelling and pain that is caused by varicose veins. It also strengthens the abdominal muscles and internal organs of the digestive system. In this pose, lie back with feet together and hands beside the body. While exhaling, bring the knees toward the chest and press the thighs on the chest. Clasp the hands around the legs and hold the asana while breathing normally. Exhale, release the pose, and repeat this asana three to five times.
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Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Yoga Pose): This pose improves blood circulation and soothes varicose veins' swelling and throbbing pain. It also reduces fatigue and insomnia. In this pose, lie flat on the back with your legs and hands by the side. Lift the legs, buttocks, and back to the elbows support the lower body, and stand on the shoulders. Straightening the spine and legs and weight should lie on shoulders and upper arms. Firm the legs and point your toes out. Then release by lowering the knees and bringing hands to the floor.
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Malasana (Garland Pose): This is one of the simplest poses for curing varicose veins. In this pose, stand on the mat and spread the thighs wider than the torso and while exhaling, start squatting by keeping the feet supported on the ground. Then join the hands in namaste and press the elbow against the inner thighs. Hold this pose for a few seconds.
Conclusion:
Varicose veins mostly affect the legs as while standing or walking, most pressure is on the leg and can cause pain and swelling. Yoga helps reduce pain and swelling, reduces excess pressure in the legs, and pumps blood toward the heart.
