Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around your anus or in your lower rectum.
Causes of Hemorrhoids or PIles :
Precisely why hemorrhoids develop is unknown. The major contributing factor appears to be too much pressure on the veins in the rectum. If the pressure continues, the veins become enlarged and protrude.Common causes and risk factors of hemorrhoids include:
However, some people will have none of these conditions and still develop hemorrhoids. Humans are prone to hemorrhoids because erect posture puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal region.
Types of Hemorrhoids or Piles :
There are several groups of veins that surround the rectum and anus -- one group is known as internal hemorrhoidal veins, and the others are known as external hemorrhoidal veins.
The cause of hemorrhoids is too much pressure on either the internal or external hemorrhoidal veins. The two types of hemorrhoids -- internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids -- are named for the set of hemorrhoidal veins they affect.
Internal hemorrhoids occur when there is too much pressure on the internal hemorrhoidal veins. Frequently, the only sign that internal hemorrhoids exist is bright-red blood that appears on the surface of the stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper. But, if the pressure and swelling continue, the hemorrhoidal veins may stretch out of shape, sometimes so much that they bulge through the anus to the outside of the body.
Pain is not usually common with internal hemorrhoids, unless a blood clot forms or an infection occurs.
The external hemorrhoidal veins around the anus can also become swollen, causing external hemorrhoids. These swollen veins bleed easily, either from straining or rubbing, and irritation from draining mucus may cause itching in the anal area. If blood clots form in these hemorrhoids, the pain can be severe.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids or Piles :
Ayurvedic View of Hemorrhoids or Piles and it's Treatment :
In Ayurvedic Texts Hemorrhoids are known as Arsha. In Ayurveda, Hemorrhoidal pain is called as Arsha Shoola, which literally means ‘pain from pricking like needles’. This is indeed how the pain from the hemorrhoids is felt. It is caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas. It is classified as a digestive disorder; accumulation of waste materials in the rectal area can give rise to piles. The chances of piles are increased by other factors such as sitting on hard seats, chronic constipation and pregnancy.
Since hemorrhoids can be caused due to any of the three doshas, the symptoms are different.
Causes of Haemorrhoids or Arsh according to Ayurveda :
According to Ayurveda, the basic cause of Arshas is ‘Agnimandya’ (reduced digestive power) and Malabandha (constipation). When people suffering from constipation ride on rough roads, sit on an uneven surface or even squat for a long time, there are chances of them developing hemorrhoids. Chronic use of very cold water for cleaning, suppressing impending natural urges (like urine, flatus and faeces) or forcefully doing them, causes the vitiation of Apana Vatha (Vatha which is situated below umbilicus) which in turn causes Arshas
Ayurvedic Treatment of Hemorrhoids or Arsh :
Ayurvedic treatment for hemorrhoids has a twofold intention:- (i) to reduce the constipation that is associated with the hemorrhoids and (ii) to relieve the pains of the piles and reduce them.
In order to reduce the constipation, asafetida, fennel and cumin are generally prescribed. There are other dietary elements like ghee, buttermilk and green leafy vegetables which the patient is supposed to take.
Once the constipation is brought under control, methods are employed to reduce the pains of the piles. Application of sandalwood or sesame oil on the piles can help in case of external piles.
Kankayana vati, Arshogni vati and Pranada gutika are medicines of choice if the piles are caused due to a vata constitution. If the hemorrhoids are due to a pitta constitution, then Avipattikara choorna is prescribed. For bleeding piles, Kutajavaleha taken in a quantity of 1 teaspoon twice a day is beneficial.
Herbs and Herbal Formulations to treat Hemorrhoids or Arshas are :
Following Home remedies have proven efficacies -
Ayurvedic herbal treatments are proved to be very effective to cure Hemorrhoids or Piles; for expert opinion about your condition, you can contact Dr. Sandeep Kumar and Dr. Anupam Vasudeva at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal clinic, Adelaide.
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Disclaimer : Sandeep Kumar and Anupam Vasudeva are not GP, they have Ayurveda medical degree from India where it is considered equal to any other medical degree. This qualification is recognized in Australia by vetassess governing body as Complementary Health Therapists. Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic does not claim to cure a disease or terminal illness and does not create any unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment. Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are generally considered to be safe but rarely may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases. We recommend seeking urgent medical attention in the case of an adverse reaction. This website provides you with information. You must contact your Ayurvedic or another health professional before you apply them. Read More