Skip to main content
    Annual subscribers get the entire Medi-Chi library — modern versions of the classics and the seasonal TCM dietetics cookbooks — FREESee the libraryClinical Education Tool — This platform provides educational resources for TCM practitioners and students. It does not issue medical certificates, prescriptions, or clinical diagnoses.
    Medi-Chi logo — AI-powered TCM diagnosis tool
    Medi-Chi
    cardiovascular

    Varicose veins (adjunctive care)

    Also known as: varicose veins, venous insufficiency, spider veins

    Varicose veins are swollen, twisted leg veins from weak valves. Compression and medical treatment are the mainstays. Chinese medicine sees sinking Spleen Qi, Blood stasis and Damp-Heat, and uses acupuncture for heaviness and aching around the main care.

    Plain-English one-pager you can print or hand to a patient. Free, no sign-in needed.

    All clinical details on this page are for practitioner premium subscribers only.
    Checking your practitioner access
    Verifying your Medi-Chi access…

    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Wear compression stockings as advised by your GP.
    • •Walk daily and raise your legs when resting.
    • •Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods.
    • •Keep a healthy weight.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Never needle directly into a varicose vein.[]
    • •Don't treat a suspected DVT — refer urgently.[,]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Track leg heaviness and swelling every 4 weeks; refer for vascular review if ulcers, bleeding or worsening skin changes.

    Explore more diseases

    Achilles tendinopathy (adjunctive care)Acid reflux (GERD)Acne vulgarisAcute bronchitisAcute cystitisAcute gastritisAcute lumbar sprainAcute otitis media

    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Varicose veins — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Varicose veins — NICE CG168
      NICE · 2013
    3. Deep vein thrombosis — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.