Varicose vein’s

Varicose veins are a result of high blood pressure in the superficial veins lying close to the skin, and a poorly functioning valve that is supposed to regulate blood flow back upward to the Heart. There are two other kinds of deeper veins that also move the blood.

Office workers and those who do not exercise are at risk for varicose veins, caused by blocked energy and blood. TICM recommends foods and herbs to stimulate circulation, exercise, massage and acupressure.

People with varicose veins need to stimulate blood and energy circulation in their legs and change bad habits, such as maintaining the same posture for too long. Exercise helps, so does acupressure, massage and elevating the legs at night while sleeping.

TICM treats the problem by treating energy and blood stasis. Too much physical fatigue such as standing, sitting or walking for too long will hurt the weak energy channels, resulting in blocked energy and blood circulation in the legs. Weak veins cannot handle accumulated energy and blood and become enlarged and twisted. Some cases are also caused by prolonged exposure to cold and damp. Being caught in the rain or walking through water for a long time may bring on an attack by pathogenic cold and dampness. This can block energy channels causing varicose veins.

Herbs that reinforce energy like Huang Qi and Dang Shen are recommended, which can be purchased at the Asian stores. A nutritious diet with more fruits and vegetables will also help.

TICM recommends foods that stimulate blood circulation and resolve blocked energy and blood, such as hawthorn, rapeseed plant and red phaseolus bean. Beef, mutton and chicken also warm and unclog energy channels.

Hijama, acupuncture, moxibustion and massage on acupressure points promote synergy and blood circulation and relieve pain. Stimulating acupuncture points known as Zu San Li, which is three inches below the sunken point at the outer knee and San Yin Jiao, which is three inches above the ankle bone on the inner side of leg are used in treatment. These 2 are two of my favourite points in clinic for acupuncture.