Yoga Therapy for Varicose Veins: Discover the 3 Most Effective Asanas

Varicose veins can be caused by experiencing hormonal fluctuations, sitting for long hours or walking in high heels. These veins become swollen and are clearly visible under the skin. Yoga can help improve the condition.

1. Boat pose

How to:

• Sit with your knees bent in front of your chest and your feet flat on the floor.
• Place hands behind knees and sit tall.
• Now let the palms go and keep the arms parallel to the floor with your palms facing upwards.
• Straighten the legs and make a V with the legs and torso.
• Hold for 5 breaths and return to position.
• Number of repetitions: Do this 2-3 times for 5 breaths.
• How it helps: Pools of blood will flow upwards and this is good for weak veins. You will also gain some core strength.

2. Standing forward bend

How to:

• Stand in mountain pose with legs parallel and hip-distance apart.
• Place the hands on the hips and inhale to reach the head towards the ceiling.
• As you exhale, hinge at the hips and bend the legs forward. Let the torso lean against the legs.
• Shift body weight forward, slightly on balls of feet.
• Now slowly come out of the pose.
• Number of repetitions: Do 3-4 times holding the position for 30 seconds.
• How it helps: This improves blood circulation throughout the body and gives a good stretch to the legs, especially in the calves and thighs which may be prone to varicose veins.

5. Wind relief pose

How to:

• Lie on your back and stretch your arms and legs.
• Exhale and pull both knees towards the chest while wrapping the arms around them.
• Release the left leg holding the right knee. Extend this along the floor. Maintain the pose for one minute.
• Repeat it with the other leg and finally draw both your knees towards the chest.
• Exhale and bring both feet to the floor and relax.
• Number of repetitions: Repeat this entire process 10 times.
• How it helps: It relieves fatigue and cramps from the legs. Also, it loosens the joints and muscles of the knees and hips.