Written by Stasa Misic, certified yoga instructor
What causes Varicose Veins?
There are two predominant theories of varicose veins issues: The first considers that the main cause is the insufficiency of valves in the main trunks of the saphenous veins because insufficient valves allow blood regurgitation (return) and increased venous pressure in the distal segments.
Another theory believes that it occurs due to the weakness of the venous walls, the dilatation of certain segments of the veins, and the insufficiency of the valves. There may be various reasons for people to have varicose veins; it may be due to long hours of standing due to their professions like teachers, surgeons, construction people, etc.
It is common in old age, during or after pregnancy, and may be due to family history, people who are overweight, or due to a sedentary lifestyle.
Prevention and regulation:
Varicose veins can be managed with exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga, as well as by regulating your weight, avoiding high heels, eating a high fiber and low salt diet, and balancing sitting and standing positions at intervals consciously and regularly.
The practice of specific yoga asanas can address the issues effectively and prevent future complications, such as:
Navasana
Parvatasana
Virabhadrasana
Sarvangasana
Pavanmuktasana
Special thanks to Usha Lakshmi, the main faculty of HSTY and yoga therapeutic teacher, who created the original text and supervised this modified version.
