Therapeutic Effects of Yoga on Varicose Veins: A Comprehensive Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins, a common venous disorder, result from venous valve incompetence, leading to  blood pooling and vein dilation. Conventional treatments such as compression therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical  interventions focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying causes. Holistic approaches such as  Yoga and Ayurveda offer promising complementary strategies by improving circulation, reducing venous stasis, and  promoting vascular health. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a structured Yogic regimen on primary varicose veins  among female subjects, assessing changes in venous function, symptom severity, and overall vascular health. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 female participants diagnosed with primary varicose veins from Nurpur, Kangra,  Himachal Pradesh, were selected through purposive sampling. Participants underwent Doppler ultrasound testing for initial  diagnosis. Aquasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was employed, with assessments based on the revised venous  clinical severity score (VCSS). Ethical approval was obtained from the Chandigarh Yoga Institutional Ethical Committee. Intervention: The intervention consisted of a structured 12-week Yogic regimen, including Asanas (Tadasana,  Trikonasana, Viparita Karani, and others), Pranayama (Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika, and Bhramari), and  Relaxation (Shavasana). Sessions were conducted 6 days a week for 60 min, focusing on improving circulation,  reducing venous congestion, and strengthening lower limb muscles. Dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as  increased fiber intake, hydration, and avoiding prolonged standing, were also incorporated. Results: The mean VCSS score significantly decreased from 7.67 (pre-test) to 1.94 (post-test), indicating substantial  improvement in varicose vein symptoms. The standard deviation reduced from 1.902 to 0.617, reflecting uniform  improvement among participants. A paired t-test analysis yielded a t = 16.9532 (P < 0.05), confirming the statistical  significance of the intervention. Participants reported reduced pain, swelling, and discomfort, demonstrating the  effectiveness of the Yogic regimen in alleviating varicose vein symptoms. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Yoga serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing  primary varicose veins. Significant improvements in venous function and symptom relief highlight Yoga’s potential  in vascular health management. Further studies with larger sample sizes and comparative analysis with conventional  treatments are recommended to validate these findings.