... I'm surprised that you did not mention whether you have tried taking the appropriate injections or whether you have tried exercising your toes and feet, for though your writing does not make clear exactly what the ailment is, it does seem to be in the area of blood circulation.
At any rate, it would be worthwhile to bring this matter to the attention of the doctor who is treating you. And when one does what one can using natural means, it also serves as a conduit and vessel to that which transcends nature.
Since a Jew's spirituality and physicality go hand in hand, and our Sages say, "'the property that was at their feet'[12] — which refers to 'money, which stands a person on his feet'"[13] — it follows that you should increase your charitable giving, particularly to those institutions where children exclusively learn Torah, those being the "feet" upon which the body of Israel stands. And all increases to the spiritual life of the Jew surely enhance his physical life as well.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIX, p. 101)
... You have surely inquired of Dr. ... regarding your ailment, whether it is connected to your receiving adequate blood-flow to the feet. By this I mean: at times the smaller veins, those that are distant from the heart, do not speedily and adequately enough convey the flow of blood. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 213)
With regard to [the problem that ... is having with] varicose veins:
It is worth trying rubber stockings, injections and the like.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXIV, p. 357)
... With regard to that which you write about the health of your wife tichye, [specifically] with regard to her feet — that there are some doctors who are advising surgery:
I am surprised that you do not mention whether you have already tried other methods such as wearing [special] stockings, massage, injections and the like. Understandably, before you decide on surgery you should try these measures.
If you have already tried all the above and they have been unsuccessful, then you should make a consultation between two specialists in this field and follow their directive — and [bear in mind that] Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal. May it be G-d's will that you be able to convey glad tidings with regard to all the above.
Surely your wife tichye observes the good custom of upstanding Jewish women, of giving tzedakah before lighting the candles every erev Shabbos and erev Yom Tov. It would also be appropriate for you to check the mezuzos in your home.
Surely you observe the three well-known daily lessons that apply to all, those of Chumash, Tehillim and Tanya, as established by my father-in-law, the Rebbe — [if you do not,] at least begin observing them in the future.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIV, p. 87)
... You write about your wife
shetlita's varicose veins:
It's very surprising that you did not mention whether the doctor told her to wear rubber hose, and whether he told her that she should not stand or walk for long periods of time. [Also, whether he told her] to take short rests as well. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 268)
Notes:
- (Back to text) Devarim 11:6.
- (Back to text) Pesachim 119a.
Pediatrics