Have you noticed swollen or spidery veins on your legs or feet? If so, you may be suffering from varicose veins. Varicose veins can cause long-term health complications due to irregular blood supply to the heart. But don’t stress! Yoga can help alleviate this condition.
Sitting for long hours or frequently walking in high heels are just a few ways you can develop varicose veins. The affected veins are large, swollen, and clearly visible under the skin.
Yoga- How Does It Help?
Yoga can alleviate the pain caused by the pressure in your veins. The recommended poses for alleviated pressure are typically leg elevation poses. Elevating your legs helps ease pressure and blood flow to the heart. Here are a few yoga poses to try:
Uttanasana
Stand straight and place your hands on your hips. Inhale, and bend your hips as you exhale. Make sure to place hands on the floor besides your feet. Keep your feet parallel to each other. Push your torso forward as your extend the stretch and lift the tailbone. Hold, then release.
Dandasana
Sit on the floor with your legs together, extended out in front of you. Sit forward and draw your thighs together. Flex your feet and press out through your heels. Pull the tops of your thighs up towards your hips and down to the floor. Draw your lower belly in and up. Draw your shoulders back and down along the spine. Bring the bottom shoulder blades towards each other. Stay in this position between 5-10 breaths.
Navasana
Sit in Dandasana and lift your legs off the ground. Try to balance and lift your hands off the floor, stretching them out in front of you. Breathe long and deep. Release.
Viparita Karani
Position yourself across a wall and raise your legs up the wall. Lie down and stretch your arms to the sides, making sure your palms are facing upwards. Close your eyes and breathe. Release after a few minutes.
Pawanmuktasana
Lie flat on the floor with your back on the ground. Fold your knees and hug them. Lift your head off the floor, and bring your nose in between your knees. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply, and then release.
Yoga takes patience and practice and is an effective way to promote healthy veins. You may find these simple yoga poses to help relieve pressure from your veins. If you have any questions about veins, schedule a healthy leg consultation by contacting The Vein Centre today, at 615-269-9007!
