English
Spanish
Yoga combines physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing that helps quiet the mind and strengthen the body. It also improves circulation by bringing more oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues. While it’s not a cure, yoga can help slow the progression and relieve the symptoms of varicose veins.
You should consider trying yoga for varicose veins if you struggle with painful, bulging, ropy veins in your legs. Not only can a daily yoga practice help relieve swelling and soreness, but it can also help maintain your flexibility and overall fitness.
The best yoga poses to help manage varicose veins
Treat your veins to the healing effects of yoga with these poses:
- Forward fold
This simple pose can help increase circulation to your upper body and brain. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips. Exhale and slowly bend forward from your hip joints. Extend your arms to the floor with your elbows bent inward. Hold on to each elbow with the opposite hand. - Happy baby
This pose will help increase circulation to your lower body. Start by lying on your back. Bend your knees in toward your chest and grab the outer edges of your feet. Gently pull them toward the ground. - Shoulder stand
Inverted poses like the shoulder stand can reverse your blood flow so that when you stand back up, a fresh wave of blood moves through your body. This rush of blood helps boost circulation and brings more oxygenated blood into the entire body. Start by lying on your back. Next, lift your lower back off the floor as you bring your feet up and over your head, resting your toes on the ground behind you. Once you feel comfortable, extend your legs and press your feet toward the ceiling. - Camel pose
This pose stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, and digestion. It also works to detox the body and lower blood pressure. Start by sitting on your knees so that your body remains straight and your knees form a 90-degree angle. Next, arch your spine backward and touch the heels of your feet with your hands. - Downward facing dog
In this pose, your head is below your heart, which helps improve blood flow throughout the entire body and reduces symptoms of varicose veins. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend forward at the hip joints until your hands are on the floor. Position your hands below the shoulders and your knees below the hips. Curl your toes under and push back through your hands to lift your hips and straighten your legs. It’s important to keep your weight in your heels.
Additional benefits of yoga
If you’d like to start a wellness routine that involves yoga for varicose veins, you’ll be glad to know this practice offers plenty of additional health benefits as well, including:
- Decreases stress levels
- Reduces blood pressure
- Promotes self-love
- Boosts immunity
Are you struggling with the aches and pains of varicose veins? Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a Virginia Vein Care location near you for safe, fast, and effective varicose vein treatment.