Varicose+Veins

=Varicose Veins=

Western Diagnosis dilated, tortuous, superficial veins with incompetent valves

Etiology
1. valvular incompetence 2. family history 3. vein wall weakness 4. increased pressure

Signs and Symptoms
1. fatigue, achiness, warmth of legs

Diagnosis
1. clinical

Treatment
1. compression hosiery 2. ablation 3. surgery 4. horse chestnut seed: escin - 50 mg BID [toxic, be cautious w/ dose] 5. Blood-letting/plum blossom

Prevention Keep abdominal pressure low

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Definition:
dilated, tortuous superficial veins; usually of the lower limbs; due to incompetent valves

• primary varicose veins: generally benign; occur without deep vein pathology • secondary varicose veins: occur as a result of obstruction and valvular incompetence of the deeper veins; a more serious condition

Etiology:
Usually, the greater and lesser saphenous veins are affected. There is a familial component. Other risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, and sedentary or standing lifestyle or job. May also follow increased abdominal pressure from ascites or tumors.

Somatic Therapies:
• see thrombophlebitis • deep breathing exercises

Nutrition:
eating principles: • low sugar, low fat diet • high complex whole carbohydrates, high fiber • protein 12-15% diet • low cholesterol/cholesterol foods • low sodium/sodium-restricted diet • vegetarian cleansing diet or short fasts • Fasting, General Sample Diet, General Guidelines for Eating, Sample Vegetarian Diet

therapeutic foods: • foods rich in rutin and silicon, Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, Vitamin E, buckwheat (Airola, p. 158) • foods high in water-soluble fiber: psyllium seed, flax seed, pectin, guar gum, oat bran • foods that invigorate the Qi and Xue (Blood), disperse Stagnations • barley bran, eggplant • cabbage, also externally as pack (Shefi) • blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries

fresh juices: • carrot, celery, spinach, and parsley (Walker, p. 157) • carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 157) • carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 157)

specific remedies: • to protect against varicose veins increase cellulose and hemi-cellulose foods in diet

avoid: • meat, alcohol, hot sauces, spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, rich foods, salty foods, coffee, caffeine, sweet foods and sugar, cow's milk and other dairy products, white bread, refined foods, processed foods

Botanicals
• Calendula officinalis: externally: opposes varices; internally: varicose veins (Felter, p. 263) • Chamomilla spp.: (Bastyr) • Collinsonia canadensis: atony of venous circulation (Felter, p. 316) • Ginkgo biloba (standardized extract): increases vascular integrity • Hamamelis virginiana: internally, or loose compress locally (Ellingwood, p. 388) • Quercus alba: as compress, or internally; astringent

see also: thrombophlebitis

Chinese Formulae
• Salvia Shou Wu (patent): Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) with leg pain (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 55)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Xue Yu (Blood Stasis)

» illustrative combinations: • GV-14, GV-12, GB-21 and GV-4, plus local points on the legs for varicose veins (A. Chamfrault as per Mann, p. 111); note: "only slight effect"

Homeopathy
• Arsenicum album: swollen, burning, may ulcerate; inflamed; > heat • Calcarea carbonica: painless; in overweight people who complain of cold feet; < overwork or overexertion • Fluoric acid: left leg, main remedy for varicose ulcers; ulcer dark, bleeding, burning pain • Hamamelis: swollen, tender to touch; bruised; < standing, walking, and in pregnancy, > cold • Pulsatilla: bleeding, inflamed, stinging pain; during pregnancy, • Sepia: ever since childbirth

Subtle Support
• notes: A#, B, C, D#, E, G, G#

• chords: diminished 8th, C Major, D# Major, G# Major (Gimbel, p.116)

cardiovascular: • The Barcarole • The Blue Danube • Chopin's A minor Waltz • Tango music • Humoresque • Cui's Orientale • Song of India • Donna e Mobile • Oley Speak's Sylvia (Heline, p. 18)

Mind/Body
• Standing in a situation you hate; discouragement; feeling overworked and overburdened. (Hay, 1984, p. 187) • "The blood is an expression of a person's general dynamism. It arises out of the mutual effects of the behavior of the liquid blood on the one hand and the behavior of the limiting walls of the blood vessels on the other. When considering the blood pressure we always need to bear in mind these two mutually contradictory components: the fluid and the flowing on the one hand, and the limitation and the resistance on the other. To the extent that the blood corresponds to our own inner being, the walls of the vessels correspond to the limits that the unfolding personality sets upon itself and the resistances that stand in the way of our development." In the case of varicose veins, there is weakness of the connective tissue which reveals a lack of firmness, a tendency to compliance and a lack of inner resilience. These people are literally 'unable to stand', they cannot stand the pace, they will not stand up for anybody or anything, they lack steadfastness, and will lie down in the face of every challenge. The person has a pronounced earthy tendency, with a certain sluggishness and cumbersomeness, and lack of resilience and elasticity. (Dethlefsen, p. 195, 202)

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood) and holds it in the vessels; maintains upbearing; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen.
 * Chinese psychophysiology:**

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes, skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down. Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). » Varicosities represent a form of Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and thus ultimately are derived from Qi Stagnation. Liver Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216)

Integrative Therapies
Varicose veins are swollen, elongated veins usually located in the legs. These may be associated with aches, fatigue, or a burning sensation, all of which are alleviated by elevating the legs.

Women may experience a worsening of the symptoms during their menstrual period. If the condition becomes more serious, leg ulcers may develop. Pregnancy or constipation can cause or the worsen varicose veins. Alcoholics also tend to suffer from this condition. The first step toward relief will be to treat the constipation, if present, or deal with the alcohol problem.

If you suffer from constipation, increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. Drink 8 to 10 cups of water a day. If you need more information, refer to the article on constipation.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR VARICOSE VEINS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE: 1. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams 3 to 4 times per day. People with kidney stones should not take more than 2,000 Units per day in divided doses. 2. Bioflavonoids – 1,000 milligrams once a day. 3. Vitamin E – 400 to 800 Units per day. 4. Vitamin A – 25,000 Units twice a day. 5. Bromelain – 500 milligrams 3 times a day, between meals. 6. Chlorophyll – 2 capsules with each meal. 7. Bilberry extract- 2 capsules twice a day.

HERBS USED FOR VARICOSE VEINS: 1. Witch Hazel – Use as a tea or a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. Make a tea by using 1 teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes and steep. Drink 1 cup 3 to 4 times a day for several months. As a tincture, use 30 drops 3 times per day. 2. Horse Chestnut – Use 1 capsule 3 times per day or 30 drops of the tincture 3 times per day. 3. Other herbs, namely Gotu Kola, Butcher's Broom, and Blueberries, have been shown to be very beneficial for varicose veins. Use the herbs in the same dose as those previously mentioned. Use 2 to 4 ounces of berries 3 times a day.

HOMEOPATHY From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. • Hamamelis 6c and Horse Chestnut 6c: Dissolve 2 pellets of each under your tongue, 3 times a day for 3 weeks out of the month; then skip a week. • Pulsatilla 6c: Especially use for women who are either pregnant women or are emotionally sensitive before the period. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue 3 times a day. Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with varicose veins. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES INCLUDE: 1. Regular exercises such as walking, biking, and aerobics are very helpful. Standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time worsens varicose veins. 2. Elevate the foot of your bed 4 inches. 3. Massage your legs upward with warm olive oil and either Myrrh, Sage, or Witch Hazel tincture. Add 2 tablespoons of the herbal tincture to 6 ounces of the oil. 4. Alternate hot and cold leg baths. Put your legs in hot water for 3 minutes then in cold water for 30 seconds. Repeat a total of 3 times. Do it 1 time per day.

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Basic Gemmotherapeutic Treatment
Sorbus Domestica Castanea Vesca Citrus Limonum