For decades, varicose veins were dismissed as a cosmetic issue of old age. The data says otherwise. Recent clinical reviews estimate 22 million women and 11 million men between 40-80 years in India live with varicose veins. Other population studies put overall prevalence at 15-20% of adult Indians, with some experts warning it is 25-30% if early stages are counted. It is now the fastest-growing lifestyle disorder in vascular clinics, showing up in people in their 30s and 40s.
And most of them are still working on their feet.
The Indian Pattern is Different: It is Occupational
Dr. M. V. Ural noticed this 15 years ago while treating chronic cases who had exhausted all hopes. The pattern was not random.
In his study of Sira Granthi - the Ayurvedic correlate of varicose veins, hyper-pigmentation, DVT and venous ulcers - the vulnerable groups were consistently:
Security guards, Teachers, Sales & Marketing personnel, Police, Agriculturists, Construction workers, Drivers, Hospital staff, and Desk job professionals.
Add to that our common abdominal contributors: obesity, chronic constipation, haemorrhoids, and post-pregnancy strain.
These are not people who can take 2 weeks off for surgery. These are people who stand 8-12 hours, sit in traffic for hours, or sit at a desk with legs hanging. Their calf muscle pump fails, abdominal pressure rises, and blood pools in the legs.
Our studies show Indian patients don't come for cosmetic reasons. They come when pain becomes unbearable. In a tertiary hospital study from Jharkhand, swelling along veins and pain were the top complaints, 58.9% had skin discoloration and 44.6% already had active ulcers. This is late-stage presentation. Awareness at early stage is missing.
This is where the current system fails.
The Gap: Between Ignoring and Operating
Today, India's varicose vein treatment market is booming at 6.7% CAGR. Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities are getting EVLT, RFA, laser ablation and glue. But what about a teacher in Sringeri, a traffic policeman in Chikkamagaluru, a farmer in Belgaum?
There are three gaps:
1. No prevention culture. We wait for ulcers and bleeding.
2. No work-compatible advice. Telling a policeman to "not stand" is not a solution.
3. No affordable, non-surgical early care. Surgery is concentrated, costly, and many are afraid of it or develop post-surgical complications.
Dr. Ural foresaw this and founded the Varicose Veins Free Society with one principle: Prevention first, early detection second, renovation without surgery wherever possible.
What Makes Dr. Ural's Protocol Different?
After studying Ayurvedic treatises and contemporary literature, and discussing with peers, traditional practitioners and research labs, Dr. Ural formulated "Dr. Ural's Varicose Veins Care Protocol" - a structured, Ayurvedic, non-surgical approach.
It is not just a medicine. It is a system:
1. Education First: Through PowerPoint presentations, short videos and pamphlets, he explains causes, very early signs, and vulnerable groups. He has done this for free with Lions Club, Rotary Club, schools, MNCs.
2. Work-While-You-Work Techniques: Simple techniques to optimize calf muscle function and reduce abdominal pressure - addressing constipation, obesity, posture during pregnancy - designed to be practiced during work without interrupting workflow.
3. Ayurvedic Core - Sira Granthi Chikitsa: In Ayurveda, varicose veins are understood as Sira Granthi - Vata vitiation in Sira, with Rakta Dhatu dushti and Sanga (obstruction). The protocol uses:
• Classical poly-herbal internal medicines to pacify Vata and support vein wall health
• Local Sneha (oils) for external application
• Pathya: Leg elevation, warm easily digestible food, walking breaks, prescribed compression
• Para-surgical when needed: Raktamokshana, Siravyadha, Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) to relieve congestion - only after physician examination, never as first-line for all
4. Affordable and Decentralized: Poly-herbal formulations at affordable prices, so care can be taken even in district clinics, without heavy infrastructure.
5. Proven in the Field: The success brought an opportunity to work with Karnataka Police. Dr. Ural conducted free consultation and awareness camps for Traffic Police in Chikkamagaluru and Mangaluru - personnel who are on their feet for their entire career. The model is being extended across the state.
Why India Needs This Now
Because varicose veins, if ignored, are not just blue lines. As vascular experts warn: Color changes to black, non-healing ulcers, bleeding, and in rare cases, clots that can migrate to the heart and lungs.
Because 15-20% of our workforce stands or sits all day.
Because we need a protocol that a teacher can follow between classes, a driver can follow during a halt, and a farmer can afford.
Dr. Ural's protocol is needed not because it replaces surgery - in advanced stages, surgery saves limbs - but because it creates a stage before surgery. A stage of awareness, prevention, early Ayurvedic renovation, and lifestyle correction that India has skipped for too long.
Legs carry the whole nation. It's time we started caring for them before they give up.
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Consultation: Urals Ayurveda has branches across Karnataka and centres connected to Hyderabad, Narayanpet and Pune.
Call for nearest clinic: | Helpline: 8015371042 / 8982082089
Website: http://uralsayurveda.com