A recent video shared by Alia Bhatt’s yoga instructor, Anshuka Parwani, introduces five yoga poses aimed at improving circulation and alleviating discomfort caused by varicose veins. Varicose veins, often seen as swollen, twisted veins in the legs, can cause significant pain and discomfort. Parwani’s suggested yoga poses aim to help those dealing with these symptoms by promoting better blood flow and reducing pressure on the affected veins.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins, or varicosities, are veins that become enlarged, swollen, and twisted, usually visible around the legs. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), while these veins most commonly appear in the legs, they can sometimes develop in other parts of the body, such as the rectum.
Common Symptoms
Varicose veins manifest in various ways, and symptoms may differ between individuals. Some of the most common signs include:
- Bulging, bluish veins
- Itching or burning sensations around the veins
- Skin discoloration near the affected veins
- Swelling in the legs
- Aching or pain in the legs
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
- Nighttime leg cramps
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Weak or damaged valves in the veins are the primary cause of varicose veins. According to the Mayo Clinic, arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins return blood back to the heart. For the veins in the legs, this process involves working against gravity.
Muscles in the lower legs act as pumps to help push the blood back to the heart, with vein walls assisting in this process. Tiny valves inside the veins open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent it from flowing backward. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to stretch, twist, and become varicose.
Five Yoga Poses to Manage Varicose Vein Pain
In her recent video, Parwani shares five key yoga poses designed to improve circulation in the legs and alleviate symptoms like swelling, throbbing, and muscle cramping caused by varicose veins. While yoga cannot cure varicose veins, it can provide relief from their painful symptoms. Here are the poses she recommends:
1. Lunge Walk Back and Forth (Anjaneyasana variation)
Start with 1 minute, gradually increasing to 3 minutes.
2. Butterfly Pose (Bhadrasana)
Begin with 1 minute, building up to 3 minutes.
3. Seated Forward Fold (Janu Shirshasana)
Start with 1 minute, extending to 3 minutes.
4. Legs Up on the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Flex and extend toes 5 to 15 times during the pose.
5. Sleeping Pigeon (Supta Kapotasana)
Hold the pose for 1 minute, gradually increasing to 3 minutes.
These yoga asanas help reduce pressure in the veins by encouraging better blood flow and reducing discomfort in the legs. While they cannot fully treat varicose veins, regular practice may provide significant relief from the symptoms.
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