Ayurveda can be overwhelming, and confusing when you first start learning about it. The practices might seem out there, or be counter advice to what you've always heard. How do you go about uprooting all of what you thought was true to explore this new subject? That is where I was at when I first learned about Ayurveda. I still struggle with transitioning all of my practices to an Ayurvedic one, I just love my cup of coffee to start my day. Well I want to share a few ways with you on where to start. I learned Ayurveda from a feminine form. Which means less rules, and more flow. I want you to listen to your intuition as you read the suggestions and decide what would be best for you to start 10 Practices to examine 1. Your 5 Senses This is one of my personal favorites as it's so easy to do for anyone. I have my son learning some of these techniques as well. Taste - Try and taste the 6 flavors according to Ayurveda during your meals. The 6 tastes are- bitter, sour, astringent, p...
Varicosis, or varicose veins, caused by weakened valves in the veins
of the legs, refers to a condition in which the veins of the legs become
varicose, i.e. they appear swollen and bulging and can be discerned
beneath the surface of the skin. Varicose veins may be dark in color or
may retain their original color, ranging from a light purplish-red to an
almost navy blue. They are nearly always painful. In case of prolonged
varicose veins, they could be accompanied by skin peeling and skin
ulcers may be seen to develop.
Varicose veins are caused due to excessive pressure brought to bear
on the legs or the abdomen. These are brought on by advancing age,
obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and a host of other factors, which
may include genetic or epigenetic factors as varicose veins often run in
families. Standing for long periods of time increases pressure on leg
veins and promote varicose veins.
Some deficiencies in the diet may cause the loss of elasticity of the
veins, which may make them varicose. Standing for protracted periods,
engaging in physical activity that puts more strain on the legs, wearing
constrictive clothing and total lack of exercise can gives rise to
varicosis.
Symptoms include veins that look dark blue or purplish red, swollen,
and twisted under the skin. Some people do not have any symptoms. Mild
symptoms may include: heaviness, burning, aching, tiredness, or pain in
the legs. Symptoms may be worse after long periods of immobility and
include swelling of the feet and ankles and itching directly over the
vein. More serious symptoms include leg swelling, calf pain and skin
changes, such as color changes, dry, thinned skin, inflammation, scaling
and open ulcerous sores, or bleeding after a minor injury.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Varicosis is a condition betokening a
vitiation of vata dosha (particularly vyana vayu) in the rasa and rakta
dhatus and extending into their upadhatus. Consequently, treatment
efforts are directed toward pacifying vata dosha and may include
dietary, medicinal, yogic and other measures.
Dietary measures: In general and with respect to the client’s
constitution, a vata-pacifying diet regimen is usually implemented. Such
a diet should include whole food grains instead of processed or
polished ones. Whole grains should be strongly emphasized, with wheat
and millet seen as especially beneficial. Fresh fruits are very much
needed, since vitamin C deficiency is a prime contributing factor to the
severity of varicose veins. Thus, Amalaki and other citrus fruits high
in this vitamin should be had in good amounts. The diet should be
protein-rich and should include an egg daily and a glassful of milk,
along with legumes and other protein-rich foods (although red meat
should be avoided). To aid in the digestion of a high protein intake,
garlic, onion, ginger and pineapple should also be consumed daily (but
other pungent tasting foods and condiments should be avoided). For
non-vegetarians, fish should be included in the daily diet. A generous
amount of water should be consumed daily, with a minimum of 3 liters of
water daily recommended for a 150 lbs. Adult male with a moderate
activity level.
Yoga asanas & physical exercise: Useful postures include Virasana
(hero pose), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand, should be practiced for 10
minutes daily if possible), Kapotsana (pigeon pose – alternative lying
posture), Bhujangasana; (cobra pose), Shavasana (corpse pose), Halasana
(plough pose), and Pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose).
One particularly beneficial maneuver is to have the client elevate their legs while lying on their back. This should be done 4 or more times daily for 20 minutes. Exercise the feet by pointing and flexing (forward and backward). I like to suggest clients move their feet as if they were using them to sign their name (this will provide a requisite balance of directions and movements).
One particularly beneficial maneuver is to have the client elevate their legs while lying on their back. This should be done 4 or more times daily for 20 minutes. Exercise the feet by pointing and flexing (forward and backward). I like to suggest clients move their feet as if they were using them to sign their name (this will provide a requisite balance of directions and movements).
Simple exercises like walking, swimming, cycling and stretching the
legs while sitting on a chair also help. Avoid excessively vigorous
exercise and after any exercise take a brief period of relaxation. Avoid
bathing in overly-cold water.
Herbal medication: Useful Ayurvedic herbs include Amalaki, Arjuna,
Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Guduchi, Guggul and Shatavari – and most
especially, notwithstanding the fact that it not of Ayurvedic
provenance, HCSE (Horse Chestnut Seed Extract) taken orally as well as a
topical application.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): The indigenous Indian herb, Brahmi is
perhaps the best Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins. It provides the
necessary nutrients required for the proper toning of the veins and
makes them less tortuous. Ayurveda prescribes the Brahmi as the drug of
choice for the treatment of varicose veins. Brahmi is used for four
continuous weeks to get permanent benefits. (Dosage: 2 to 6 g. daily).
Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) is taken in conjunction with some mineral
supplement like Jasad bhasma. This bhasma has three benefits – (i) it is
a rich source of the mineral zinc, (ii) it helps in healing and blood
clotting through the formation of collagen and (iii) it helps in the
concentration of vitamin E in the blood. Other popularly prescribed
medicines taken with Brahmi are Chandraprabha vati, Nagarjunabhra rasa
and Punarnavadi guggulu, among others.
Garlic (Allium sativum): Among its many advantageous properties,
garlic also has effects in the treatment of varicose veins. Garlic can
break down the protein content in the body and distribute it evenly.
This increases the protein supply to the lower limb region. (Dosage: 6
to 15 g. daily)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Like garlic, ginger too breaks down and
distributes the protein in the body. (Dosage: 1.5 to 5 g. daily)
Onion (Allium cepa): Onion helps in the proper assimilation and
distribution of protein in the human body. It gives inner strength.
Chomping on one onion everyday can help to solve the problem of varicose
veins permanently.
Horse Chestnut Seed extract (HCSE, Aesculus hippocastanum): Horse
chestnut extract is in widespread use in Europe in the treatment of
chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins. It has been
repeatedly shown to diminish leg pain and improve circulatory function
in individuals with this problem. It is as effective as support
stockings are at removing fluid from the lower legs and is a synergistic
cardiovascular support nutrient that enhances your circulatory
structure and function (Dosage is standardized to 50-100 mg twice daily)
Available in India is a proprietary multiherbal formulation marketed
under the name Pilex and manufactured by Himalaya Pharmaceuticals, but
its availability outside of India is limited.
There are some Ayurvedic oils available for local application to seek
temporary relief. These are Prasarini taila and Chandanabala taila.
Mahanarayan oil (whose main plant ingredient is Shatavari) is aid to be
particularly useful, as is both Brahmi oil and Carrot Seed essential oil
(mixed usually with some carrier oil). Sahacharadi oil is also said to
be of great benefit.
Great care must be taken never to massage any oil directly on the
varicose veins, as it would increase pressure on them. A simple
application is sufficient, without any pressure being exerted. For
external treatment, apply oils very gently over the affected veins.
Massage the affected leg – avoiding the vein - against the direction of
the hair.
In addition to all of the foregoing, any measures that can be taken
in terms of one’s lifestyle to generally pacify vata dosha – e.g.,
avoiding stress, ensuring a sound night’s sleep, and adhering to a
regular daily schedule – will all assist the sufferer in overcoming
varicosis.
Article provided by William Courson, BVSA, Dpl. Ayur., C.H. an
Ayurvedic Practitioner, faculty member and the College Dean of
Institutional Development at Sai Ayurvedic College & Ayurvedic
Wellness Center.
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