Piles or haemorrhoids is a painful, inflammatory condition that is primarily characterised by swollen blood vessels or veins in the rectum or the anus causing significant bleeding and inflammation. This condition usually initiates with some constipation problems and the passage of hard stools. But over time, it causes the development of fleshy projections inside or hanging outside the anus that obstructs the anal passage and causes excessive straining, anal bleeding and burning sensation during the defecation process (while passing the bowels).
If the condition is left untreated, it may further worsen to cause fatigue, weight loss and even anaemia due to excessive blood loss while passing stools. Hence, the primary form of treatment for this condition is preventative measures that help in digestion and easy passage of faeces and manage the condition right in the initial stages to impede it from complicating.
Suffering From Painful Piles? Choose From Our Wide-Range Ayurvedic Formulations To Get Relief!
And on that note, if you want to avoid surgical procedures to remove the fleshy projection and treat piles, then trust us when we say, the holistic approach of Ayurvedic treatment and herbal medicines is your ultimate holy grail. In this 2-minute read, let us delve into the various forms of piles, their causes and the different ways to manage them through Ayurvedic medicines.
Also Read: Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Piles - Ayurvedic View
Piles are categorised as a digestive aberration and the ayurvedic term for Piles is ‘Arsha’, which signifies ‘pain that pricks like a thousand needles’. It usually occurs due to the accumulation of waste material or toxins in the rectum and stems due to an imbalance of the Tridoshas. According to Ayurveda, Arsha can be managed significantly by proper Ahara (food options and diet) and Vihara (lifestyle modifications by incorporating herbs and natural formulations).
Also Read: Hemorrhoids Diet: Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid To Prevent Piles Flare-Ups
Type Of Arsha
There are different types of Arsha in Ayurveda. They include:
Sahaja Arsha: Piles that are inherited from parents and present right from birth
Jattotara Arsha: Piles that are acquired due to lifestyle changes after birth
Shushkarsha: It is a type of non-bleeding pile, which causes strain during defecation but no blood and usually stems from Vata and Kapha irregularities.
Raktarsha: It is a type of bleeding pile that chiefly causes the presence of blood in the bowel that ensue due to Pitta abnormality and impure blood (toxins) in the body
Another classification of Arsha according to Dosha dominance includes:
Pitta dominant: People who have pitta dominant bodies might have blue or yellow-coloured, soft and unctuous pile masses that are inflamed and may bleed. Other symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, a feeling of thirst, syncope, fatigue, and ulceration
Vata dominant: People who have a Vata dominant body might develop small to large-sized, black pile mass in the anus. Piles in that case are marked with stiff, dry and rough anal orifice and region and associated symptoms like constipation, indigestion, regurgitation, chest congestion, sneezing, cough, breathlessness, vertigo, tinnitus etc.
Kapha dominant: People who are Kapha dominant types may develop thick, soft, white-coloured, unctuous pile mass which is associated with cough, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, dysuria, cold, loss of libido, fever, etc.
Stages Of Arsha/ Piles
There are four stages of Arsha which include:
First Degree: This stage is characterised by loss of blood while passing stools or even in the absence of stools.
Second Degree: The presence of a mass of tissue protruding from the anal orifice while passing stools which also moves back on its own.
Third Degree: The prolapsed or protruding piles of tissue do not move back into the anus on their own after defecation and must be pushed inside the anus manually.
Fourth Degree: This stage is also known as permanent prolapse as the protruding mass of tissue is so big that it cannot be pushed inside manually and stays permanently hanging outside from the anus.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Arsha/Piles
There are several methods to treat Arsha or piles depending upon the stage and severity of the condition:
Abhyanga:
This therapy involves massaging a particular part or the entire body with medicated oils to manage the worsening of the condition. In the case of Vata dominant piles, ayurvedic practitioners usually suggest massaging the anal region with Jatyadi taila to act as a rejuvenator where oiling alongside sweating treats the condition effectively.
Basti:
This procedure involves the insertion of a herbal suspension inside the rectum to extensively reduce rectal bleeding, reducing the size of protruding pile mass and pain and inflammation in the anus. One of the best medications for Basti therapy is Apamarga Kshara. The astringent quality of Apamarga in this case prevents loss of blood and stimulates wound healing inside and outside the anal region. Other medicated suspensions include Jatyadi taila and Kasisadi taila.
Sitz Bath:
This is a simple procedure which involves the patient sitting or taking a bath in a bathtub filled with warm shallow water mixed with medicated herbal powders like Triphala powder. Submerging the anal region in the lukewarm water helps in cleansing and relaxing the anal area, and soothing pain and inflammation due to piles. This therapy is usually carried out for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day for effective healing.
Kshar Sutra:
This procedure involves using a medicated thread to ligate the protruding piles of tissue at its base and keeping it inside the rectal area. The ligated tissue usually falls off within a week on its own. The procedure may require the application of anaesthesia and can be carried out in a day. However, it is strongly contraindicated in some cases of piles and in people who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, heart troubles, and diabetes.
Shasta Karma:
This is a surgical procedure which is carried out in Ayurvedic hospitals and centres and is extremely useful in case of bleeding piles marked by large masses of protruding tissue and also intro-external piles. Surgical procedure is also strongly objected to in some stages of piles and in people who are suffering from gastrointestinal abnormalities, heart problems, and diabetes.
Incredible Ayurvedic Formulations To Manage Piles
Chitrak Haritaki
Chitrak Haritaki is a type of ayurvedic Avaleha (jam-like) formulation that combines the goodness of both Chitrak and Haritaki. The formulation is inherently blessed with astringent, rejuvenating, laxative and anthelmintic properties that not only treat bleeding and non-bleeding piles but also improve constipation and diarrhoea by promoting digestion.
Avipattikar Churna
This herbal formulation is a boon for people suffering from different types of digestive anomalies and those who are afflicted with Vata and Pitta irregularities. Not only does Avipattikar Churna effectively mitigate constipation and indigestion but also owing to its Rechana (laxative property), it subdues the pain and inflammation emanating from piles. Prescribed usage treats constipation in the earliest stages and prevents it from worsening into piles.
Triphala Churna
This magical concoction of the three major myrobalans (Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki) is a digestive stimulant that is blessed with antioxidant, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, astringent and laxative. The Rechana trait of Triphala churna allows it to seep into the deepest tissues and organs of the body to help get rid of toxins. It promotes digestion and stimulates the absorption of nutrients in the alimentary canal to have a smooth evacuation of bowels, thus reducing the chances of straining and the occurrence of piles significantly.
Guggul
Prized for its powerful anti-inflammatory property, the Balsamodendron Mukul (a variety of Guggul) extensively diminishes inflammation in fistula-anorectal and hemorrhoidal conditions and is highly beneficial in delivering quick and lasting relief from piles. Being a laxative and astringent agent, Guggul balances the Kapha dosha in the body, eliminates toxins (Ama) and vastly promotes digestive health.
Drakshasava
Drakshasava is a liquid ayurvedic proprietary medication that primarily uses dry grapes or raisins as the main active component. Replete with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory traits, it can extensively impede the attack of secondary microbial infections in the gut and manage bleeding because of haemorrhoids. The alkaline nature of this formulation has an astringent effect that can help shrink the protruding pile tissue and provide relief from pain, inflammation and itching due to piles. Furthermore, by improving the digestive fire (Agni) in the stomach, Drakshasava helps promote digestion and prevent constipation and the occurrence of piles.
Additional Home Remedies To Treat Piles
Fibre-Rich Diet
Consuming a balanced diet with ample insoluble as well as soluble is effective in reducing piles. While soluble fiber promotes a healthy gut. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it less strainful during stool passing.
Hydration
Consuming water and other healthy liquids is a great way to make the bowel less dry. When your body is well-hydrated, the digestive health also gets better and causes less strain to the body during bowel movements.
Relaxation And Good Sleep
A restful sleep effectively soothes the stress of the body which can help to regulate and ease bowel movement and maintain digestive health. 6 to 8 hours of sleep is considered essential for the digestive system to function at its best.
Exercise
An effective way to manage symptoms of piles, exercising can be of great help. Simple pelvic floor exercises that help strengthen your pelvic muscles can. This eases the process of bowel movements without putting much pressure.
References
Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management
Zhifei Sun, MD1 and John Migaly, MD1
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755769/
2. https://www.ejmed.org/index.php/ejmed/article/view/1014
