Practise these yoga poses to boost blood circulation and ease varicose vein

Most people dismiss the persistent pain in their legs, saying that it might be because of standing for long hours, weight gain or even exhaustion. However, doctors say that such pain could be an initial symptom of varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that are often visible just under the skin’s surface and commonly appear in the legs and feet. Valves in veins help blood flow in one direction, back towards the heart, overcoming gravity.

If these valves or flaps do not work properly, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein, causing it to stretch and bulge. Varicose veins can be painful, with aching, pain, heaviness and discomfort as the common symptoms. Practising a few yoga postures can boost blood circulation, relieve the stress on the veins, and ease the varicose veins. Here are four yoga poses that can relax your legs and help ease varicose veins.  

1. Ardha sarvangasanam/ Sarvangasanam
To do ardha sarvangasana lie flat on your back on a yoga mat, arms by your side, palms facing down. Inhale, raise both legs together. Exhale and lift your hips and lower back off the floor using your hands to support the lower back and hips. Keep the neck relaxed and chin slightly tucked towards the chest. Breathe normally and hold the posture for a few seconds. To release, slowly lower your hips and legs down to the mat by holding the weight in your hands. Repeat the posture two to three times. 

Sarvangasana – In Sarvangasana, which is the full shoulder stand. The upper body is held perpendicular to the raised hips, knees and feet. Meanwhile, the body weight is concentrated on the shoulders.

2. Thadasana
Also known as the mountain pose, thadasana engages the entire body. Stand upright with your feet a foot apart. Distribute the weight evenly on both feet and focus your gaze on a fixed spot. Inhale and raise your hands with fingers locked. Gently raise your heel and concentrate the weight on your leg fingers. Exhale and bring the heel back into the mat. Repeat this at least ten times. 

3. Utkadasanam 
Stand straight with legs hip–width apart. Keep your weight evenly distributed across both feet and focus your gaze on a spot. Inhale and lift your hands and heels. Gently bend your knees and lower your hips as if sitting back into an invisible chair. Try to bring the thighs as parallel to the floor, without letting your knees go past your toes. The body weight should be evenly distributed on the legs and fingers. Breathe steadily and hold the pose for at least a minute. Exhale and straighten the legs, lowering the arms to your sides. 

4. Sahaja Bhavasana  
Sit on the floor or a cushion in a cross-legged posture. Keep the spine erect but not rigid. Rest your hands on your thighs or knees, palms facing upward or downward. Fold and release the feet at least ten times. This movement will stimulate the blood vessels. Elderly people, persons who suffer from diseases or even healthy individuals, could lie on their backs on a mat, with their bottom leaning on the wall and keeping their legs raised on the wall. The blood flow that happens due to gravity helps the legs relax. Focus on natural breathing and how your stomach expands and contracts as you breathe. Lie in this pose for at least ten minutes. 

After doing all these postures, you can relax with the Makarasana pose. Lie flat on your belly on a mat. Keep your legs extended, feet slightly apart, and toes pointing outward. Place one hand on top of the other, and rest your forehead or chin on your hands.