Haemorrhoids/Piles

A person in their whole span of life may have an experience of toilet seat getting spilled with blood while passing stool. There may be multiple reasons for the scenario, but one such condition is Hemorrhoids. Even WHO declared 20^th November as “World Piles day “ which indicates infiltration of this condition globally.

Haemorrhoids are also called ‘PILES ‘.The word is derived from the Latin word Pila which means a ball. It is a condition where the painless passing of stool is followed by a spill of blood like a splash on the toilet seat. This happens when the swollen veins in the anal canal tend to rupture while passing stool. Haemorrhoids can be observed at any age, most particularly it is seen in the elderly age group, and is one of the most prevalent ailments showing a significant impact on the quality of life.

Structure of Anal canal :

The anal canal is the end part of the large intestine measuring 3.8cm in length extending from the end of the rectum to the anal verge. It is divided into 3 parts.
1. Upper part lined with more mucous layer 2. Middle part 3. The lower part is lined by true skin containing sweat glands.

All the parts are abundantly supplied with large blood vessels (arteries and veins). The veins in all the parts are situated at 3,7 and 11 o’clock positions that constitute potential sites for the formation of haemorrhoids.

The causative factors for the formation of hemorrhoids vary from person to person. Irregular bowel habits associated with chronic constipation, long standings or sedentary lifestyle, lifting heavy weights, more intake of spicy foods, improper toilet seating, constant straining while passing stool, regular long-distance traveling, low-fiber diet, dehydration, weak blood vessel walls, and genetic predisposition also can cause haemorrhoids. Pregnancy due to prolonged weight-bearing conditions and constipation can lead to hemorrhoids.

Types of Haemorrhoids :

Haemorrhoids mainly are of two kinds. Internal and External depending on the site of haemorrhoids. The haemorrhoids present within the anal canal are internal and the haemorrhoids which can be felt on palms while passing the stool are external. Depending on the stage of the prolapse of haemorrhoids they are 1^st,2^nd,3^rd, and 4^th degrees. The haemorrhoids which bleed but do not come outside the anal canal comes under 1^st degree, which comes out while passing stool and go in spontaneously are 2^nd degree, when it cannot goes in by itself but has to be done manually are under 3^rd degree, haemorrhoids which are out completely are 4^th degree.

Arshas in Ayurveda :

Ayurveda discussed haemorrhoids ages back in their classical texts under the name ‘ARSHAS’. It is placed under 8 main grave diseases in Ayurveda as ‘ASHTAMAHAGADAS ‘ as they are difficult to manage and troubles the person immensely. Regular intake of sour and pungent foods, irregular dietary habits, excessive consumption of alcohol, prolonged exposure to extreme climatic conditions, imbalances the Agni (digestive fire) and all three humours (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which altogether further vitiate Dhatus (tissue component of body) Twak (skin), Mamsa (muscle tissue ), meda (adipose tissue ) and cause muscle mass kind of swelling at anal canal called Arshas.

Management of Hemorrhoids at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic :

The primary management of Hemorrhoids includes a proper lifestyle that ceases causative factors by preventing constipation through herbs having laxative properties like Triphalachurna, Isabgol husk powder, etc.

Improvement of digestive fire is achieved through herbs like Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica), Ginger, cinnamon, peppercorn, etc.

Herbs that shrink the hemorrhoid mass at the anal canal are recommended by our experienced Ayurveda practitioners according to the age, and chronicity of the condition.

All the tips for lifestyle management and guidelines of treatment will be well explained by our expert Ayurvedic practitioners at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic