Download as PDF
Yoga Therapy For Varicose Veins: Raised Leg Poses
yoga pose
Chair Hip Flexion
yoga pose
Chair Ankle Curl
yoga pose
Chair Leg Lift
yoga pose
Chair Big Toe Hold
yoga pose
Chair Hamstring Lift
yoga pose
Chair Tree I
yoga pose
Chair Tree II
yoga pose
Chair Hamstring Stretch
yoga pose
Chair Lunge II
yoga pose
Chair Hip Stretch Standing
yoga pose
Chair Supine Legs Up
yoga pose
Chair Bridge
yoga pose
Bridge Wall
yoga pose
Bridge Leg Raise
yoga pose
Legs Up On Bolster
yoga pose
Scissors On Bolster I
yoga pose
Scissors On Bolster II
yoga pose
Legs Up Wall
yoga pose
Cradle Baby
yoga pose
Cow Leg Raise
yoga pose
Cow Arm Leg Raises
yoga pose
One Handed Tiger
yoga pose
Tiger
yoga pose
Half Shoulderstand
yoga pose
Plough
yoga pose
Half Boat
yoga pose
Boat
yoga pose
Boat Partner
yoga pose
Archer
yoga pose
Both Big Toe
yoga pose
Up Facing Intense West
yoga pose
Side Plank Knee Crunch
yoga pose
Side Reclining III Prep
yoga pose
Side Reclining II Prep
yoga pose
Reclined Hand To Big Toe A
yoga pose
Bound Hand Headstand B Prep

An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins or spider veins. That means probably 1 out 2 people in your yoga classes suffer from it. If you've never given a yoga class with a varicose veins theme, now you know why it'll be a hit with your students.

Even the students who don't have varicose veins will enjoy this lesson plan.

Ask your students to get clearance from their doctor (if they have varicose veins). They will need to ask if they have any blood clots that may be dislodged. Once they get the all clear, all asanas are beneficial for varicose veins because they boast circulation.

To prevent varicose veins from getting worse, and to reduce the symptoms of existing ones, stimulate circulation with inverted poses, raised leg poses and headstands.

“What causes varicose veins?” 

Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up toward your heart. When these valves do not work properly, blood gathers in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted.

“What are the good poses for someone with varicose veins?” 

“What are the bad poses for someone with varicose veins?” 

“What food helps with varicose veins (help maintain vein wall integrity)?” 

“Can Yoga treat varicose veins?”

Yes. Non-surgical treatments include sclerotherapy, elastic stockings, leg elevation and exercise.

Here are some quick tips to allow your body to heal itself…

“Can I practice yoga if I have severe varicose veins?”

Before practicing yoga with varicose veins, ask your students to get clearance from your doctor. The student will need to ask if they have any blood clots that may be dislodged. Once they get the all clear, all asanas are beneficial for varicose veins because they boast circulation.

“How long should I practice yoga for?”

If you get the all clear from your doctor, then you can go to a 90 minute yoga class. You can stop during the class at any time you need a rest (e.g. Legs Up Wall Pose).

“Is meditation good if I have varicose veins?” 

Not if you’re planning on sitting cross legged! Meditate with your legs up a wall (Legs Up Wall Pose).

“Will being overweight be bad for varicose veins?”

Yes. Being overweight puts more strain on veins, which can cause more varicose veins to appear.

“I sit down a lot at work. Is that bad for varicose veins?”

Yes. Sitting too much is not only bad for varicose veins, it’s bad for your entire body. Health experts have long been advising people to stand at their workstations for about 15 minutes an hour. But ask any experienced yoga teacher and they’ll recommend that office workers would be better off standing for at least 30 minutes per hour to get optimum health benefits.

“Can yoga be an effective treatment for varicose veins?”

No. Yoga does not treat varicose veins, but it does help reduce the symptoms and pain. Yoga also helps manage your varicose veins so that the condition don’t worsen.