Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins. These clots are usually found within the legs. It is dangerous since these clots may break loose and travel to the lungs. This can cause pulmonary embolism, which may be fatal. DVT most commonly occurs in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. Ayurvedic treatment helps reduce the risk factors and avoids the recurrence of blood clots by removing the causes from the root.
DVT often causes noticeable swelling, typically in one leg. This swelling occurs because the blood clot restricts normal blood flow, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues. The swelling can become pronounced, making it difficult to wear tight clothing or shoes on the affected limb.
Pain from the blood clot in DVT is mostly in the calf or thigh and is accompanied by feelings of cramping or soreness. It usually increases with walking, standing, or any activity that requires movement of the leg since normal circulation results in stretching of the muscles around the clot.
The skin over the clot becomes abnormally warm because it will become the body's response to a blocked blood vessel. A person might note a red or bluish coloration in the area, depending upon how greatly that particular blood vessel is blocked and then limitations of its blood supply.
The area surrounding the clot will be sensitive to touch, especially when pressed. Such tenderness makes it unbearable to walk, stand, or even sit in particular positions, and the pain tends to worsen with activity.
However, in some cases, DVT can be asymptomatic, making it more challenging to diagnose.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing DVT:
Immobility: Being in one place, such as on a bed after surgery or while in the hospital, and sitting or lying down for a long time, such as on an extended car trip or flight, results in decreased circulation in the legs. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. This pooling of blood increases a person's risk for the formation of a clot.
Pregnancy: The enlarging uterus compresses the pelvic veins. This reduces blood flow and predisposes one to more clots. Further, hormonal changes increase blood thickness during pregnancy, hence posing more of a risk for people in their third trimester and for postpartum mothers.
Obesity: The excess weight causes pressure on the veins, especially in the lower part of the body, particularly in the leg and pelvic regions, through which blood circulation becomes difficult. The increased pressure on the veins increases the chances of clotting because blood pools in the lower limbs.
Smoking: Smoking interferes with the endothelium lining around the blood vessels, causing inflammation and increasing the chances of clot formation. It further thickens the blood and lowers the level of oxygen which can impede normal circulation and increase the chances of getting DVT.
Birth Control Pills or Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, increase estrogen levels, which can promote blood clotting. Women using these medications are at a heightened risk of developing DVT, especially if other risk factors like smoking or obesity are present.
Previous History of DVT: Those who have had a history of DVT are at a higher risk of recurrence. Scar tissue or damage to the veins from previous clots can increase the risk for the future, thus making proper management of risk factors a priority.
Ayurveda can also naturally manage DVT by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and maintaining the doshas balanced, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It goes around herbal remedies, detox therapies, and a well-adjusted lifestyle which have been clinically proven to prevent blood clots in veins and to improve vascular health.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine, which is considered well-known for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces edema, which generally happens in the body parts of the patient of DVT. It eliminates the wasting of fluid in the body as it is a result of an imbalance of Kapha dosha in the body. It is applied for the overall circulation improvement of body systems, which mainly tends to strengthen the flow of blood in the veins.
Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Guggul is another anti-inflammatory herb that can dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow. It also causes dilatation of blood due to the lowering of its viscosity, which in turn decreases the tendency of blood to form clots. For long, it has been the mainstay of Ayurveda in maintaining vascular health and has been extremely effective in the management of DVT.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, highly valued for reducing stress. As Ashwagandha calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation, it helps to maintain general vascular health and can be used in preventing DVT.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi improves the circulation of blood and the overall functioning of circulatory equipment. Its property of depression of anxiousness and stress is very useful for those patients who are prone to DVT, in order to keep their vascular system in a functioning condition.
Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Virechana is a detoxifying therapy that helps cleanse the body of toxins, which can contribute to poor circulation and inflammation. By reducing excess Pitta dosha, Virechana promotes improved blood flow, lowering the risk of blood clot formation and supporting overall circulatory health.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Abhyanga is an oil-based massage that invigorates the body's circulation, causing blood to flow better and be thicker so clots cannot easily form. It also helps in detoxification, decreases edema in DVTs, and makes one's vascular function better in general.
Basti (Enema Therapy): Basti is one of the cleansing treatments that focus particularly on the colon, using herbal oils to rebalance the imbalance of Vata dosha. Improving circulation along with the removal of impurities decreases the possibility of clot formation in deep veins, proving integral in managing DVT.
Ayurvedic treatment for DVT also includes diet and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal circulation and prevent blood clots.
Leafy greens: These are rich in fibre and nutrients that support healthy blood flow and prevent clot formation.
Whole grains: Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa are high in fibre, which supports vascular health.
Herbs and spices: Ginger, turmeric, and garlic are natural blood thinners that improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Water: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining blood flow and preventing clots. Drinking plenty of water daily helps the blood stay fluid and reduces the risk of clotting.
Processed and Fried Foods: These foods increase Kapha, leading to blockages and poor circulation.
Excessive Salt: Too much salt can lead to fluid retention and increase pressure in the veins, worsening DVT symptoms.
Red Meat: Heavy and difficult to digest, red meat can contribute to sluggish circulation and increased clot risk.
DVT can be prevented or managed with physical exercises. Some light physical activities, such as mere walking or swimming, may enhance blood circulation while the person is on long sitting hours. The Ayurvedic guidelines suggest that some specific postures have the potential to facilitate blood flow while minimising the possibility of clotting.
Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): Viparita Karani, or Legs Up the Wall Pose, is one of the restorative yoga asanas that promotes blood flow from the legs into the heart and may prove to be very helpful for one with DVT or poor circulation in the legs.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Tadasana strengthens the muscles of the legs. That way it improves the general circulation of blood in the body and helps prevent blood clots.
Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) improve oxygen flow and circulation while reducing stress levels, which can help prevent blood clots from forming.
Here at Jiva Ayurveda, the patient is offered holistic treatment for DVT, as the condition is treated at its very core. Our treatments are specialised and composed of time-tested herbal remedies, detoxification therapies from Panchakarma, and lifestyle changes that would help in improving blood circulation and dissolve clots naturally. Thus, the doshas can be balanced by implementing treatments such as Abhyanga or Virechana in order to reduce oedema/inflammation and the risk of clots being added on. Rejuvenate your vascular health with Jiva Ayurveda's guidance care. Book your appointment now and take a step towards wellness!
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, leading to swelling, pain, and the risk of serious complications such as pulmonary embolism.
Risk factors for DVT include immobility, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and a history of blood clots.
Ayurvedic treatment for DVT includes herbal remedies like Punarnava and Guggul, Panchakarma detox therapies, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to improve circulation and reduce clot formation.
Symptoms of DVT include leg swelling, pain, warmth, redness, and tenderness. In some cases, DVT can occur without noticeable symptoms.
DVT prevention can be achieved by staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding prolonged immobility, and practising yoga and Ayurvedic detox therapies to support circulation.
While both conditions affect the veins, DVT involves the formation of blood clots in deep veins, whereas varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins near the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are typically not as dangerous as DVT.
Nursing interventions for DVT include promoting mobility, educating patients about risk factors, and encouraging the use of compression stockings to improve circulation.
With timely treatment and proper management, DVT can be treated effectively. Ayurvedic therapies can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future clot formation.
DVT is diagnosed using imaging techniques like ultrasound to detect clots in the deep veins. Blood tests may also be performed to check for clotting issues.
