Yoga Poses for Healthy Veins

Talk to anyone who practices yoga, and he or she will likely tell you about the numerous health benefits to the body and mind. But did you know that yoga is an effective way to keep your veins healthy? It’s true.

The importance of vein health

Healthy veins are vital to our overall health, as they are the pathways through which blood flows back to the heart. Healthy veins have normal, functioning vein valves. But when those valves become damaged or the vein wall is too weak, blood pools in the legs. This can lead to the formation of varicose veins. Left untreated, varicose veins worsen, becoming enlarged over time and causing more serious conditions such as leg ulcers.

Certainly, there are advanced techniques to treat varicose veins, spider veins and other vein disorders. Especially if you have one or more large veins near the surface of your skin. But before those large veins appear, you can fight chronic venous insufficiency (improper blood circulation caused by poorly functioning valves) by practicing yoga.

Yoga poses for healthy veins

Through several asanas, or yoga poses, you can quell chronic venous insufficiency. In general, poses that raise your feet higher than your heart are the most beneficial pose for affected valves. These inverted poses cause the blood to flow naturally, with gravity toward your heart. The following inverted poses should only be attempted with the help of an experienced instructor, especially if you’re just starting your yoga practice:

Legs up the wall pose (Viparita Karani)

Shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)

Headstand (Sirsasana)

Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)

Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara)

Corpse pose (Savasana)

Other helpful poses include stretching and toning the deepest muscles in your calves and hamstrings, (many forward bend poses accomplish this). For gentle movement and to keep your blood flowing, sun salutations are most effective. The final Savasana should be performed to cool down and relax after the exercise.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment, and total dedication to your vein health

Why is Chicago Vein Institute the preferred vein institute in the city? We are proud to say, we have many success stories to share. But more important, our team of vein specialists, led by Dr. Mensur O. Sunje, is experienced and caring. We are passionate about helping people overcome the discomfort of varicose veins and other vein problems. Learn more about the services we offer by calling our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750