Is Yoga Good For Varicose Veins?
When you suffer with varicose veins, gentle exercise is recommended to get the circulation pumping. However, not all types of exercises are suitable for those suffering with the condition.
One type of exercise which could be good for varicose veins is yoga. Renowned for its physical and mental health benefits, yoga is a gentle yet effective workout. Here, we’ll look at how regular yoga practice can help with varicose veins.
How can yoga help with varicose veins?
Yoga is a slow, mindful practice which helps to reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and boost circulation. When you have varicose veins, maintaining good circulation is crucial. This prevents the condition from worsening and can even help to prevent varicose veins in the first place in some cases.
The main way that it helps with the condition, however, is that it can ease any swelling you might be experiencing. Pain and discomfort are common symptoms of the condition and yoga can really help to reduce them.
What yoga can’t do however, is eliminate varicose veins or make them heal quicker. It should simply be used as a way to improve the symptoms until you can undergo proper treatment.
Which poses are most beneficial?
There are a number of yoga poses that have proven to be effective at helping to minimise the symptoms of varicose veins.
The mountain pose for example, strengthens the knees, thighs and legs. The boat pose meanwhile, strengthens the core of the body, taking pressure off the legs. You will also find the legs up the wall pose great for boosting circulation in the legs.
Understanding its limitations
While regular light yoga can help to ease the symptoms of varicose veins, it won’t treat the problem. Varicose veins continue to worsen over time. So, if you don’t get them treated, they will simply become more visible and more painful as time goes on.
There is also the risk that varicose veins can develop into a more serious condition. So, if you do already have varicose veins, book a consultation with a vein specialist. They will be able to assess the condition and recommend the best form of treatment to eliminate it.
