Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a common problem. The swollen vessels inside the rectum or outside the anus can cause pain, anal itching and rectal bleeding. The rectum is the last area of the large intestine before it exits to the anus. The anus is the end of the digestive tract where feces is eliminated out of the body. Swelling from hemorrhoids takes place because of increased pressure in the small blood vessels causing them to swell and overfull with blood.
Swollen blood vessels can be caused by several things, including:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Straining on the toilet
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Holding your breath while straining to do physical labor
Diet plays a large role in both causing and preventing hemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people who prefer a diet high in processed foods face a higher risk of getting hemorrhoids.
A low-fiber diet can leave you constipated, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two ways: it promotes straining on the toilet which aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritates the swollen veins.
In general, the major causes of hemorrhoids include prolonged constipation, poor dietary habits, not drinking enough water and straining while defecating. The complications of hemorrhoids can be prevented by treating the it at an early stage.
Case Study
A 38-year-old male client, suffering from external and internal hemorrhoids had been experiencing anal pain and itching associated with a mass that began 2-3 before he came into my office. The client has consulted with his primary care physician and was diagnosed with external inflamed hemorrhoids at the two and seven o’clock position, as well as internal hemorrhoids at the same positions. His doctor suggested surgery. However, the client is reluctant to go for surgery. He took an over-the-counter laxative, pain killer and external ointment which offered little relief from the symptoms. By profession the client is a marketing manager which requires quite a bit of traveling.
Client Symptoms:
- Chimachimanvita – tingling sensation
- Daha – burning sensation
- Guda avakarshana – pulling pain in anus
- Agnimandya – low digestion
- Mansaankura – appearance of fleshy swelling in the anus
- Vibandha – constipation
- Kandu – itching
Client Medical History:
- History: nothing significant
- Family history: nothing significant
- Bowel movements – constipated
- Appetite – poor
- Micturition – 4-5 times per day
- Sleep – disturbed
Examination:
- Pulse – 74 beats per min
- Blood Pressure – 120/80 mmhg
- Jivha – Samayukta (with toxins)
- Shabda (sound) – Prakrutha (normal)
- Sparsha (touch) – Prakrutha (normal)
- Druk (vision) – prakrutha (normal)
- Akruthi (body frame) – avara (poor)
- Prakruthi (constitution) – vata pradhana pitta
- Cardiovascular system – normal
- Respiratory system – normal
Client’s Daily Regimen Assessment:
He was indulging in an excess of spicy and oily foods and meat, too little water and continuous travelling by car. As well as suppression of natural urges like urine and stool, excessive indulgence in physical exercises, excessive consumption of strong alcohol and psychogenic factors like anger and grief.
Due to above etiology factors vata and pitta dosha became aggravated and he developed on and off constipation problem for a long period of time which caused the muscle tissues and small blood vessels to swell.
Vaidya Vishwanath’s recommended changes:
- Reduce intake of spicy and heavy foods.
- Avoid sitting in one position for long durations.
- Avoid over exertion, limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid vata aggravating foods and lifestyle factors (drying in nature – lack of lubrication)
- Eat a high fiber diet and increase hydration.
- Regular practice of self-oil massage to head and body.
- Practicing yoga and pranayama to relax mind.
Client was given following herbs to address the issues:
- Chiruvilvadi Kashayam
- Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
- Pilocid Tablets
- Pilocid Gel
- Abhaya Arishtam
- Avipathi Churnam
Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol:
Hemorrhoids are a localized health condition but starts from a digestive system disturbance. Agnimandhya (weak digestion) is the main root cause for this condition which leads to the malformation of purisha (stool). It becomes hard and difficult to excrete. Eventually the person starts straining to eliminate stool. The client was advised to take Chiruvilvadi Kashayam and Gandharvahastadi Kashayam which helps to correct digestive strength, reduce gas and bloating, improve evacuation of bowels, and promote a feeling of lightness in the abdomen. Pilocid Tablets were given internally, and Pilocid Gel was applied externally which helped reduce pain and swelling. Abhaya Arishtam is the choice of herbal supplement for this condition which helps increase bowel movements, reduce pain, and improve digestive strength. Avipathi Churnam acts as mild laxative. Within 15 days the client started feeling better and continued the same program for about 3 months, he was relieved from all symptoms and the swollen hemorrhoids were gone.
How An In-Depth Health Consultation Can Heal Your Hemorrhoids
When hemorrhoids become painfully chronic, your best option is to enlist the expertise of an Ayurvedic Vaidya. An in-depth Ayurvedic health consultation will offer you a fresh look at your condition and help you understand the root cause. Once the root cause is known, then personalized foods, activities and herbal protocols can be recommended to bring your body back into balance. Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar is offering Ayurvedic Consultations for all your health concerns. It’s easy and quick to book!
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.