AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO VARICOSE VEINS DURING PREGNANCY A CASE STUDY

Pregnancy is presumed to be a significant contributory factor in the increased incidence of varicose veins in women. Approximately 20% - 50 % of pregnant women worldwide suffer from varicose veins. Valve dysfunction, venous pressure and sexual hormones play a key role in the onset and progression of the disease. In pregnancy, there is a decrease in the tension of the blood vessels leading to slowed blood flow and resultant oedema, which leads to substantial pain, night cramps, numbness, tingling sensation, and itching. As a result of this, varicose vein formation occurs in predisposed women. A 29-year-old pregnant female with a gestational age of 27 weeks and 2 days presented with aching type of pain and cramps in both legs for 4 months associated with heaviness and inability to stand for a long duration to do her daily activities. The patient was diagnosed to be a case of sira granthi and treated with sthanika upanaha with Punarnavadi churna daily throughout pregnancy. Internal medicines, along with compression stockings, were also advised. The patient was clinically assessed, and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores showed remarkable improvement after the completion of treatment. This single case report demonstrates that the case of garbhini with sira granthi can be successfully managed with shamana aushadhi and sthanika upanaha.