Varicose Veins-Golden TCM Clinic Natural Medicine

Brisbane Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Varicose Veins

Definition
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous, elongated superficial veins that are usually seen in the legs.

Causes
The predisposing causes of varicose veins are multiple, and lifestyle and hormonal factors play a role. Some families seem to have a higher incidence of varicose veins, indicating that there may be a genetic component to this disease. Varicose veins are progressive; as one section of the veins weakens, it causes increased pressure on adjacent sections of veins. These sections often develop varicosities. Varicose veins can appear following pregnancy, thrombophlebitis, congenital blood vessel, weakness, or obesity, but is not limited to these conditions. Edema of the surrounding tissue, ankles, and calves, is not usually a complication of primary (superficial) varicose veins and, when seen, usually indicates that the deep veins may have varicosities or clots.

Signs & Symptoms
Varicose veins are a common problem. Women have a much higher incidence of this disease than men. The symptoms can include aching, pain, itchiness, or burning sensations, especially when standing. In some cases, with chronically bad veins, there may be a brownish discoloration of the skin or ulcers (open sores) near the ankles. A condition that is frequently associated with varicose veins is spider-burst veins. Spider-burst veins are very small veins that are enlarged. They may be caused by back-pressure from varicose veins, but can be caused by other factors. They are frequently associated with pregnancy and there may be hormonal factors associated with their development.

Example Case:
lady, 52 years old, came in with difficulty walking (varicose veins). Her calf was tight and she can't stay stand. after the 1st treatment, her calf was more loosen and pain level was decreased to 4/10 (10 is very pain, 1 is no pain), and she can fall in sleep in the night. After the 4th acupuncture treatment, her calf was loosen and she don't felt as much pain as before. The cause of her varicose vein is due poor blood circulation, in Chinese medicine, it called blood stanation caused by blood dificiency. thereofre, the treatment was given under this diagnosis. The aim is to improve her blood circulation, therefore, the blood can run to the tip of toe and go back to heart. When the calf can be noruished, the pain of calf will be eased as well.