What are the methods of traditional Chinese medicine for treating varicose veins?

Generally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats varicose veins primarily through oral herbal medication, topical herbal applications, acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage therapy. The specific methods are analyzed as follows:

1. Oral Herbal Medication

TCM believes that varicose veins are often associated with "qi deficiency with blood stasis" or "damp-heat descending." Oral herbal medicines can regulate internal organs and improve the circulation of qi and blood. For cases of qi deficiency with blood stasis, medications such as *Maizhiling* tablets, *Mailuoning* granules, and *Xuefu Zhuyu* capsules may be taken under medical guidance. *Maizhiling* tablets help promote venous return and reduce venous congestion. For damp-heat descending, *Simiao Pills* may be used to clear heat, resolve dampness, unblock meridians, and relieve pain, thereby improving venous function from within.

2. Topical Herbal Application

This method involves applying herbal medicines directly to the affected area to alleviate local discomfort. A common approach is to prepare a decoction using blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs such as *Salvia miltiorrhiza* (Danshen), *Carthamus tinctorius* (Honghua), and *Ligusticum chuanxiong* (Chuanxiong), then soak gauze in the liquid and apply it externally over the varicose veins. The medicinal components penetrate the skin to enhance local blood circulation, reduce swelling and pain, and relieve venous congestion.

3. Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture regulates qi and blood flow and unblocks meridians by stimulating specific acupoints. Commonly used points include Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuehai (SP10), and Taichong (LR3). Zusanli strengthens qi and spleen function, enhancing the driving force for qi and blood circulation; Xuehai activates blood and resolves stasis, improving local blood flow; Taichong soothes the liver and regulates qi, helping maintain smooth meridian flow. Stimulating these points can relieve symptoms such as soreness, heaviness, and swelling caused by varicose veins and improve venous return.

4. Moxibustion Therapy

Moxibustion uses thermal stimulation on acupoints to warm the meridians, dispel cold, activate blood circulation, and unblock collaterals. It is particularly suitable for varicose veins caused by stagnation of cold-dampness. Commonly used acupoints include Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Zusanli (ST36), and Yanglingquan (GB34). The warming effect of moxa penetrates the acupoints, promoting qi and blood circulation, reducing venous congestion, and relieving local discomfort. Treatment duration should be controlled according to medical advice.

5. Massage and Tuina Therapy

Tuina massage uses gentle techniques on the lower limbs to promote local blood circulation and reduce venous pressure. The massage is typically performed slowly from the ankle upward toward the thigh, focusing on the posterior calf muscles. Techniques such as kneading and pinching may be used to relax muscles and assist venous return. Care should be taken to use moderate pressure—excessive force on varicose veins should be avoided to prevent vascular damage. This therapy should ideally be performed under the guidance of a physician or licensed TCM practitioner.

In addition, during treatment, patients should avoid prolonged standing or sitting. When resting, elevate the legs appropriately. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight socks that compress leg vessels. Engage in moderate lower-limb exercises regularly to support improved venous circulation. If symptoms such as skin ulceration or worsening pain occur, seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan.