Management of Haemorrhoids using Ayurveda

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles are varicose veins of the anal canal. They appear as abnormally swollen cushions of tissue in the walls of the canal and may protrude through the anus.

Less common symptoms include anal itching, discomfort, and pain, particularly if the haemorrhoids become inflamed, a heavy feeling in the rectum, and a mucous discharge from the anus.

Types of Haemorrhoids

The following types of haemorrhoids are very common:

  • First degree: Haemorrhoids of the first degree stay inside the anus, but bleed during defecation
  • Second degree:  These Haemorrhoids, bulge down (prolapse) through the anus during bowel opening but return inside afterward.
  • Third degree: They stay outside the anal canal unless pushed back by hand.
  • Fourth degree: The fourth degree type of Haemorrhoids stay outside the anus all the time.

What are Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are varicose veins of the anal canal, which may involve veins at the upper or lower margins of the canal. Internal haemorrhoid are multiple channels of varicose veins inside the anal canal and external haemorrhoids are skin-covered varicose anal vein that cannot be pushed back into the anal canal.

Some of the symptoms of piles or haemorrhoids include:

    • Pain and discomfort around the anus
    • Itchy and painful swelling near the anu
    • Constipation and painful bowel movements
    • Gas, bloating, and sounds in the gut
    • Bleeding during or after bowel movements

What Causes Haemorrhoids

Chronic constipation is the most common cause of haemorrhoids. This is often due to insufficient fibre in the diet. Prolonged straining to pass hard motions increases the pressure in the abdomen and the blood vessels in the anal region become congested. Haemorrhoids are seen because of weak digestion, prolonged constipation, and unhealthy, lifestyle habits. People with haemorrhoids sometimes develop a small but excruciating swelling beside the anus, known as acute perianal haematoma or thrombotic pile. This results from the rapture a small vein in the anus during a bout of straining or coughing.

Some other causes are as follows:

  • Pregnancy and delivery: Pregnancy is a well-known factor for developing haemorrhoids. This is because the pregnant uterus can compress the rectal veins.
  • Straining to pass urine as may happen with men with an enlarged prostate gland
  • Obesity
  • Jobs involving heavy lifting or sitting for long periods
  • A bad attack of diarrhoea.

Can haemorrhoids  be prevented ? 

To reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids, patients are advised:

  • To eat a high-fibre diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain cereals
  • To drink plenty of fluids
  • To keep weight within normal limits
  • To avoid prolonged straining
  • Not to delay emptying the bowels.

Haemorrhoids and Ayurveda

Haemorrhoids are known as Arshas in Ayurveda which can be broadly classified as Sushkarsas (non-bleeding piles) and Ardrarsas (bleeding piles). Ayurveda treats haemorrhoids by balancing doshas which is the root cause. This will improve the digestive fire and relieve the symptoms of haemorrhoids.

Some generic approaches in managing piles in ayurveda are:

  • External oil and ointment application or cotton plugging.
  • Drinking minimum 2 litres of water a day is also important.
  • Sits bath: Sits bath in hot water, or hot herbal concoction for 15 minutes or ice-cold water for 1-2 minutes are very helpful for both bleeding and non-bleeding piles.

For nonbleeding piles:

For non-bleeding piles, Kaphavatahara, ushna, vatanulomana herbs or combinations should be selected. Sit bath is also beneficial. If there is any clot it will disappear in four to six weeks of sit bath therapy.

For bleeding piles:

Pitavatahara, sodhana, sthambana and vatanulomana herbs should be selected.

Following Ayurvedic clinical treatments are being successfully practised in various Ayurvedic clinics in India:

  • Kshara karma: applications of alkaline paste with cauterizing action is applied externally.
  • Ksharasuthra: is an important Ayurvedic treatment primarily used in the treatment of Haemorrhoids, fistula and pilonidal sinuses and other anorectal diseases. Here, specially prepared medicated threads tied externally to cutting off the blood supply to the haemorrhoids.
  • Agnikarma: Cauterization procedure to treat external haemorrhoids.

Dietary Adjustments:

  • Increase Fiber: Foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes such as mung bean are recommended to prevent constipation and improve digestion.
  • Drinking plenty of liquids:  Soups, herbal teas and herbal drinks can help soften the stools and prevent straining during bowel movements.
  •  Avoid gas forming vegetables such as potatoes, pulses and legumes black grams, chickpeas and Rajma, and spicy or pungent foods: These can aggravate vata and Pitta and lead to pain and inflammation in the rectal area.
  • Use of Ghee:  Good quality ghee is considered soothing and beneficial for the digestive tract and can help balance both Vata and Pitta.

Yoga and piles

Yoga asanas increase circulation in pelvic area and relieve constipation can help to alleviate and prevent haemorrhoid such as Pavanamukthasana, savasana, Viparita karani, balasana and Badda konasana.