Hello Andrew and All - Help for Varicose Veins

[Guest guest]

Good Morning, Dimpill,

 

Thank you for your post. I understand the concern for your father.

 

Your father seems to have other more significant issues that need to

be addressed. I know you want to help him, with all your heart, but

he must want to help himself in order to heal!

 

Suggesting short term remedies work on a very symptomatic level and

do not address the root issue your father is facing.

 

It is my belief, and I see it in my clinic daily, that sitting down

with your father and explaining his situation can be helpful,

sometimes. His behavior is often considered a cry for help and he may

feel like he has no options. Giving the gift of hope maybe just what

he needs to hear. Other times, we can talk to our loved ones until we

are blue in the face and yet they refuse to want to help themselves.

This is a difficult situation and I understand this. Don't give up on

him though, even when he becomes his most difficult or stubborn. Let

him know you are going through this with him.

 

Does he see a doctor on a regular basis? Did he have a diagnosis of

diabietes? Does he take insulin? Did he have a recent complete CBC

done (blood work)? Gangrene is a complication from diabetes. Your

father needs to be under the care of a professional. There are

several Ayurvedic doctors in this community who are located in India.

Perhaps they are in your area. Can you tell me what part of India you

are in?

 

Varicose Veins

 

Someone suffering from varicose veins may have symptoms even before

varicose veins appear. Symptoms can include an achy or heavy feeling

in your legs and burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in

your lower legs. Prolonged sitting or standing tends to make your

legs feel worse.

 

Veins contain valves that keep blood from flowing backward as a

result of gravity. When these valves become too weak, blood pools in

the veins and causes them to bulge.

 

Lack of exercise, obesity, and pregnancy all tend to promote the

formation of varicose veins. Sometimes varicose veins are painful.

 

Elevating the affected leg usually brings significant relief.

 

Even though Witch Hazel is known primarily for combating hemorrhoids,

it may also be useful for varicose veins. Application of a witch

hazel in an ointment or salve 3-4 times per day for two or more weeks

is necessary before results can be expected.

 

Horse chestnut can be used both internally and as an external

application for disorders of venous circulation, including varicose

veins. 300 mg three times per day of a standardized extract of horse

chestnut can bring relief of varicose veins.

 

Bilberry supports normal formation of connective tissue and

strengthens capillaries; these effects might be expected to be of

value for the prevention of varicose veins.

 

Butcher's Broom and Gotu Kola are additional herbs that can be

helpful for varicose veins.

 

Aromatherapy can improve the discomfort and improve the appearance of

varicose veins. Essential oils such as Geranium, Lemon, Rosemary,

Cypress, Ginger, Neroli, Peppermint, Lavender and Juniper are all

wonderful for this condition.

 

 

Homeopathic remedies for varicose veins include:

 

Arnica montana: When this remedy is indicated, the legs look bruised,

or black and blue, and the swollen veins are very sore to touch. The

legs feel deeply sore all over and are also worse from motion. Lying

down may bring relief.

 

Calcarea carbonica: Varicose veins that hurt while the person is

standing or walking may respond to this remedy. People who need this

remedy often have poor circulation, with clammy hands and feet, and a

general feeling of chilliness. They may have weak or flabby muscles,

and be easily tired by exertion. Weight problems, cravings for sweets

and eggs, and a tendency to feel anxious or overwhelmed when

overworked are other indications for this remedy.

 

Carbo vegetabilis: Poor circulation with icy coldness of the

extremities, and mottled skin with distended veins and a bruised

or " marbled " look, may indicate a need for this remedy. The person's

legs feel weak and heavy, and often itch and burn. Poor digestion, a

feeling of faintness, and a craving for fresh or moving air are

strong indications for Carbo vegetabilis. This remedy is often

indicated for older people, or those who are slow to recover from an

illness.

 

Hamamelis: This remedy can help when varicose veins are large and

sore, and very weak and easily damaged, with a tendency to bleed.

Pain is sore and bruiselike, and the legs look bruised and purple. A

stinging feeling may be felt in the irritated veins. The muscles of

the legs feel tired and are often cold. People who need this remedy

may also develop varicose veins in the genital area or have a

tendency toward bleeding hemorrhoids.

 

Pulsatilla: Swollen veins in the legs, and sometimes even in the arms

and hands, suggest a need for this remedy. Varicose veins in the legs

feel hot and painful at night, with heaviness and weariness. Symptoms

are worse when the legs are hanging down without support, and worse

from warmth. Cold applications, motion, and cool fresh air may help.

Pulsatilla is often helpful for varicose veins that develop during

pregnancy.

 

Exercise

 

Keeping the legs elevated relieves pain. People with varicose veins

should avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time and

should walk regularly. Prolonged sitting or standing can cause

problems in your legs because the blood tends to pool. A little bit

of exercise throughout the day, particularly walking, can often

prevent this pooling.

 

 

Added body weight means more pressure on your legs, one reason why

pregnant women often suffer from varicose veins. Keep your weight

down, and chances are you'll have fewer problems with bulging veins.

 

Slip on support hose. Then lie flat on your back and raise your legs

straight up in the air, resting them against a wall. Hold this

position for 2 minutes. This allows the blood to flow out of the

swollen leg veins back toward your heart. Repeat throughout the day,

if possible, as often as needed.

 

 

Managing Varicose Veins

 

Varicose veins are weakened veins that lack the strength they once

had to return blood to the heart. Veins in the legs are the most

susceptible, for they are farthest from the heart. Prop your feet up.

Using an ottoman, pillows, or an easy chair, raise your legs up above

hip level whenever they're aching, and the discomfort should start to

go away

 

Wear support hose. They provide relief. These stockings, resist the

blood's tendency to pool in the small blood vessels closest to the

skin. The blood is pushed into the larger, deeper veins, where it is

more easily pumped back up to the heart. Jobst stocking are a

fantastic wupport hose that can be ordered by your doctor.

 

Wear sensible shoes.

 

Hormonal imbalances, which sometimes occur with birth control pills,

can be the cause of spider veins. If your problem appeared after you

started the Pill, there might well be a connection.

 

Don't smoke. A report from the Framingham Heart Study noted a

correlation between smoking and the incidence of varicose veins. The

researchers conclude that smoking may be a risk factor for those with

varicose veins.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

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