Natural Care For Varicose Veins By Dr. Rita LouiseOur circulatory system is made up of a complex web of arteries and veins. Our arteries carry oxygen rich blood to
cells of our bodies, while veins are designed to pump oxygen poor blood back to heart. This is accomplished through a series of one-way valves that do not allow blood to flow backwards into vein. When someone suffers from varicose veins, one-way valves of their veins do not close adequately, resulting in inefficient transport of blood back to heart. This causes blood to flow backward within vein, creating pressure and causing vein to become swollen and distended.
While rather benign, this health condition affects about 15% of all adults worldwide. Most people recognize varicose veins because of their knotted, twisted, swollen and often bluish of these veins. In addition to any cosmetic concerns they may pose, these veins can cause discomfort in form of dull nagging aches and pains, night cramps, ankle swelling, feelings of burning or leg fatigue after prolonged standing.
There are a number of factors that play a part in development of varicose veins including heredity, gender, lifestyle, occupation and age. They are also known to form during pregnancy due to dilating effect progesterone has on veins. Because they are associated with lack of circulation, formation of varicose veins is more common in people who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time, habitually sit with their legs crossed and those who lack regular exercise.
