Alternative medicine cures for varicose veins
Varicose veins are unsightly, sometimes painful and nobody wants them. If you’re a woman, the chances of getting varicose veins are double that for a man and a family history of the condition further increases your chances still. Varicose veins are generally harmless but the tenderness and look of them on your legs, ankles or feet can cause physical and psychological damage to your well-being. Don’t put up with varicose veins, consider using alternative medicine and complementary therapy methods to prevent the onset of the condition or ease the problems that already exist.
The causes of varicose veins and how holistic treatments can help
Blood is carried to the heart by veins and the process is generally working against the force of gravity. Blood can pool within the veins when excessive pressure is placed on the legs and this pressure causes the vein to twist and lose its shape. Common factors that lead to varicose veins include being overweight, constipation, ageing, standing in one position for too long or lifting heavy objects. Other factors that cause varicose veins are unavoidable such as hormonal changes in women from the menopause or being pregnant.
The first thing to remember when looking for a treatment for varicose veins is to seek medical advice if the veins have sores next to them or if the vein is particularly red or swollen. Once any major underlying problem has been ruled out, natural therapies can be explored.
Herbal medicine remedies and extracts such as Horse chestnut, Witch Hazel, St. John’s Wort and Butcher’s Broom are known for relieving varicose vein discomfort. Horse chestnut extract is more beneficial for mild cases of varicose veins but people with conditions of the kidney or liver should avoid using it. Butcher’s broom is a holly extract and is used to help tighten blood vessels that have become stretched by excessive pressure. Witch Hazel is able reduce inflammation and ease pain. Containing tannins and oils, Witch Hazel can be taken as a tea and is beneficial for tightening vessels and soothing the ache of varicose veins.
St. John’s Wort can be used as topical oil or ingested in capsules or tinctures. The extract is beneficial for inflammation and helps nourish veins that have become stressed. Lavender and Rosemary are also known herbal remedies for easing varicose veins and Grape Seed or Pine Bark can help repair blood vessel connective tissue which will help strengthen veins and reduce inflammation.
Reflexology focuses on specific reflex points on the feet that correspond to the lower limbs. Reflexologists are able to reduce swelling and any pressure in the legs that can result in varicose veins. Pregnant women should take advice from their GP and local therapist before beginning reflexology treatment.
Chiropractic is a therapy that uses manipulation to the joints and bones of the spine and can be beneficial in preventing varicose veins. Chiropractors can treat problems in the spine that may be causing pressure to the lower limb resulting in the condition.
Acupuncture and Acupressure are Traditional Chinese Medicine practices that can help varicose veins. Through application of needles or pressure on specific points of the body that channel energy (known as meridians), circulation is improved and blood can flow more freely through the veins.
Trained practitioners can help or prevent varicose veins
For any of the therapies that we’ve mentioned above, you should visit a trained practitioner for safe and effective results. Natural and holistic methods are a popular way of helping or preventing varicose veins so book an appointment today.