Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods for Lower Limb Varicose Veins

Lower limb varicose veins can be treated by traditional Chinese medicine, mainly including oral Chinese medicine, external application of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, massage and diet conditioning. Varicose veins in the lower limbs are often caused by stagnation of qi and blood, as well as loss of muscle and pulse nourishment. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment should be based on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

According to the syndrome type, select Taohong Siwu Tang with modifications to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang to nourish qi and unblock collaterals, or Simiao Yong'an Tang to clear heat and remove dampness. Blood stasis syndrome can be seen with tortuous veins and stinging pain, qi stagnation syndrome is often characterized by lower limb heaviness and swelling that worsens in the afternoon, and damp heat syndrome is often accompanied by skin itching and eczema. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners should select medicinal herbs such as Danggui Wei, Danshen, and Chicken Blood Vine after differentiation of symptoms, and avoid self medication.

II. External application of traditional Chinese medicine

Use Huoxue Zhitong San Tiaohuang wine to externally apply Quzhang parts, or use compound sodium aescinate gel to improve local circulation. When combined with stasis dermatitis, Qingdai San sesame oil can be used for adjustment. For skin ulcers, first use Jiuyi Dan to remove decay, and then apply Shengji Yuhong ointment externally. External medication should be avoided at the site of rupture, and should be stopped immediately if skin allergies occur.

III. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai and other acupoints combined with moxibustion were selected for treatment 3 times a week. Electroacupuncture stimulation of the middle and lower limb muscles can enhance the pumping effect. For those with physical weakness, moxibustion on Guan Yuan and Qi Hai can be added, while for those with obvious dampness and heat, blood letting can be combined with acupuncture. This method is contraindicated for patients with skin infections and deep vein thrombosis.

Fourth, Massage and Massage

Massage along the meridians from the distal end to the proximal end, and use acupoints such as Yinlingquan and Taixi as coordination points. Use kneading to relax the gastrocnemius muscle and palm pushing to promote venous return. The technique should be gentle and avoid directly pressing on varicose veins. It can be combined with traditional Chinese medicine essential oils to enhance blood circulation effects, and the daily massage time should not exceed 20 minutes.

Fifth, Dietary Adjustment

Eat more blood activating ingredients such as hawthorn, fungus, onions, and coix seed and adzuki beans to promote moisture absorption. Blood stasis constitution can be replaced by rose tea drinks, and those with qi deficiency should eat yam and red dates. Avoid spicy, stimulating, and high salt foods, control weight, and reduce lower limb burden. Appropriate amount of salvia miltiorrhiza, panax notoginseng and other Tonic Diet decoction can be drunk. During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, it is necessary to avoid standing and sitting for long periods of time, wear second-class pressure medical elastic socks, and raise the affected limb by 15 centimeters during sleep. When redness, swelling, heat pain, or ulcer exudate occur during the acute phase, timely medical attention should be sought to rule out deep vein thrombosis. Persist in ankle pump exercise to promote circulation, and preventive traditional Chinese medicine treatment can be carried out every autumn and winter. For those with severe valve dysfunction, Western medicine surgical treatment should be considered.