We have all heard the famous quote that prevention is better than cure. Due to the stressful and busy lifestyles we lead, there are many discomforts we deal with to get through our stresses. Physical stresses such as sitting and standing long hours in the day and working in air-conditioned rooms slowly cause poor blood circulation in the body which, if neglected, over a period of time causes varicose veins. Understanding and managing varicose veins thus becomes very important.
Regular exercise and yoga, especially stretching, helps in good blood circulation, constantly removing blockages, strengthening the veins and making them efficient for longer. Let us look at a few stretches you can do in order to prevent varicose veins.
Note: Though these postures are easy to do and can be done by all at home, as with all exercise, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before starting them.
Posture 1: Raised leg pose with the help of the wall or a chair
Procedure:
1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the ground.
2. Use a chair or the wall as a support and raise your legs up until your knees are straight and your toes are pointing upwards.
3. Flex your toes up and down till you feel a gentle stretch in the hamstrings.
4. Hold position for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
5. Note: keeping the legs up pushes the blood backwards, unblocking knots and improving blood circulation.
Benefits:
1. Relieves pain in the calves due to varicose veins
2. Strengthens the legs, especially the hamstrings
3. Removes blockages and stresses collected in the legs
