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Please read our Golden Rules of self help before considering the information on this page.
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Believe it or not varicose veins and spider veins are NOT part of the ageing process. This means that you can prevent them and if you already have them, you don’t need to give up simply because that is your lot. Haemorrhoids are simply anal varicose veins. Some pregnant women get varicose veins in the vulva; this is caused by a baby that is carried low and usually disappears as soon as the baby is born. Spider veins are just fine versions of varicose veins and they don’t present a health problem.
So what are varicose veins caused by? Well, when the circulation is poor the blood has difficulty going back up the legs, the veins stretch and the blood stagnates. Therefore varicose veins are not just unsightly but they are a symptom of poor circulation. This is caused by a diet high in saturated fats, constipation, lack of exercise, smoking, crossing the legs, tight clothing, long periods of standing and also weight lifting. Usually varicose veins are accompanied by heaviness, tiredness and aching in the calves and legs.
Not My Favourite Solution
You know I am not a fanatical naturopath and when some serious medical treatment is needed I am the first to tell my patients to go to the doctor. When varicose veins are concerned however, surgical intervention or ‘stripping’ (sclerotherapy: injection of a solution in a vein), in my experience, always causes further problems. It stands to reason that if the circulation is poor, taking away a vein is only going to increase the burden in the other blood vessels. This is why we must improve the circulation, not cut away veins.
Improving the Circulation:
DIET:
Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and eat more fish and less meat. Avoid deep fried food and refined (white flour) carbohydrates. You need foods rich in bioflavonoids: berries, blackcurrant, buckwheat, and dark grapes. As a rule of thumb: the darker the fruit or vegetable, the richer it is in bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are important because they keep the blood vessels strong and supple. Vitamin C and vitamin E improve the circulation. You need to eat lots of fibre in order to avoid constipation and also drink enough fluids. Herbal teas which are great both for the circulation and rich in flavonoids are: Hawthorn, Lime Flowers, Rosehip, you can also get Horse Chestnut or Stone Root from your herbalist or healthfood shop.
EXERCISE:
Weight lifting is bad for varicose vein because it causes pressure in the lower back and cuts down the circulation in the lower body. On the other hand, yoga, Tai chi, stretching and brisk walking are excellent. And if you want something a little special: so are dancing and skipping. Of course, if you have bad varicose veins, don’t overdo it but start slowly.
HOME THERAPY:
The most important thing you can do is to GET OFF YOUR FEET. Elevate your feet, not just by lifting them now and then, but by being systematic about it:
Even when you are sitting down at a desk, table or in an armchair, put a little stool under your feet.
Do not cross your legs.
Lie on the floor with your legs comfortably rested on a chair or armchair.
Watch TV this way as much as you can, rather than sitting on the couch.
Before you get up in the morning and before you go to sleep; in the comfort of your own bed, lift one leg, point with your toes to the ceiling and make circles with your ankle. Make twenty circles then change legs.
When you come home from a long day on your feet you can help circulation by doing the following things.
Bandage your legs (LOOSE bandages please) with bandages that you have soaked in Chamomile tea or Calendula tea. Let the tea go cold before you use it. Or you can put 20 mls of Witchhazel lotion in 100mls water to soak the bandage. Start at the ankle and work up the legs, the bandage must be supportive but not tight. If you are desperate, you can always soak the bandages in cold water (not iced water).
It is not a good idea to massage varicose veins because you could damage the already fragile blood vessels. But you can make the following cream:
To 100 gms of AQUEOUS cream (from the chemist, it’s nice and cheap) add:
30 mls of Witchhazel lotion (also from your chemist)
A couple of drops of the following essential oils:
Peppermint, lemon, cypress, rose, chamomile. Choose one or two of these oils and only put ten drops at the most.
Apply on your legs by caressing, not massaging, and going from the ankle up. Then put your feet up.
For a personalised treatment please contact me here.
The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. None of the products mentioned on this website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information on this website is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional.
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