Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles: Causes Remedy and Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles (HAEMORRHOIDS/ ARSAS)

WHAT ARE HAEMORRHOIDS?

Hemorrhoids, commonly referred to as Piles, are enlarged or engorged veins located in the anal or rectal region. These conditions can lead to bleeding, discomfort, and pain, potentially necessitating modifications in lifestyle and the application of Ayurvedic remedies for alleviation. According to Ayurveda, Arsas or Piles may arise from an imbalance of the Tridoshas.

WHAT ARE TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS?

According to Location: 

1. Internal – located within the anal canal.

2. External – positioned outside the anal orifice and encased in skin.

According to Causes: 

1. Primary/Idiopathic

2. Secondary – resulting from factors such as obstruction of the canal, pregnancy, etc.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HAEMORRHOIDS?

1. Genetic – Observed among individuals within the same lineage.

2. Exerting effort during bowel movements.

3. Persistent diarrhea or constipation.

4. Diet low in dietary fiber.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAEMORRHOIDS?

INTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS:1. Bright red, painless hemorrhage during bowel movements.2. Mucous secretion.3. Anemia.4. Prolapse is a later manifestation and may be categorized into First, Second, Third, and Fourth Degrees.

EXTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS:1. Discomfort.2. The pile mass may appear suddenly and is typically associated with significant pain.3. Tender and tense swelling in the perianal region.4. If left untreated, it may lead to fibrosis and rupture, resulting in bleeding.5. Pruritus or itching.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT MODALITIES?

Conservative Approach: Ayurvedic treatment may be deemed appropriate for conservative management. 

1. Bowel Regulation:This encompasses a high-fiber diet, the use of mild laxatives, avoidance of straining during defecation, and ensuring adequate hydration. 

2. Topical Application: Employed to alleviate swelling and itching. 

3. Manual Dilatation.

Parasurgical Interventions:

1. Lord’s Dilatation: A technique aimed at achieving maximal dilation. 

2. Injection Therapy (Sclerosant): Utilized to treat the affected area. 

3. Rubber Band Ligation. 

4. Cryosurgery.

Surgical Intervention:

1. Hemorrhoidectomy.

ARSAS – AYURVEDA CONCEPT

DEFINITION OF ARSAS

In Ayurveda, as outlined in the Ashtanga Hridaya, Arsas is described as Mamsakilaka (muscle sprouts) that become irritated similarly to how flies annoy an individual (arivathpraninah), resulting in a blockage in the rectal passage. The Doshas that disturb the Twak (skin), Mamsa (muscles), and Medhas (fat) lead to the development of muscle sprouts in various shapes within the rectum, culminating in the formation of Arsas.

TYPES OF ARSAS

Classification based on Dosha involvement: 1. Vata-related 2. Pitta-related 3. Kapha-related 4. Blood-related 5. Mixed Dosha (Sannipathaja)6. Congenital (Sahaja)

Classification based on Bleeding Characteristics: 1. Dry hemorrhoids - VataKapha (Sushka Arshas)2. Moist hemorrhoids - RakthaPitha (Ardra Arshas)

NIDANA/CAUSES OF ARSAS

Diminished digestive capacity (Agni) resulting from the aggravation of doshas (dosha prakopa), the accumulation of waste within the gastrointestinal tract, prolonged and improper sitting posture, exposure to extremely cold water, irritation caused by the enema nozzle during Vastikarma, suppression of natural urges, and complications arising from conditions such as Jwara, Atisara, and Grahani, among others.

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS/POORVAROOPA OF ARSAS

1. Vishtabda (Constipation) - The condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements typically for 3 consecutive days.2. Dourbalya (Weakness) - A state of diminished physical strength or vitality.3. Kuksheratopa (Flatulence) - The accumulation of gas in the digestive system, leading to excessive gas formation.4. Karsya (Emaciation, wasting of muscles) - A condition marked by significant weight loss and muscle atrophy.5. Udgara Dorbalya (Eructation/Belching) - The act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth, often accompanied by a sound.6. Alpa Vit (Scanty stools) - The production of minimal quantities of fecal matter during bowel movements.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ARSAS

The medical interventions as delineated by Acharya Susrutha in the treatment of Arsas can be categorized as follows:1. Bheshaja – Medicinal Treatments2. Kshara – Administration of Caustic Alkali3. Agni – Thermal Cauterization4. Shastra – Surgical Procedure- Bheshaja – This approach is indicated in cases of recent onset, with a minor degree of Dosha involvement, and in the absence of significant complications or alarming symptoms.- Kshara – This method is utilized for deep-seated masses that are soft to the touch and exhibit notable elevation and extension.- Agni – This technique is employed when the Arsas are coarse, firm, thick, and hard.- Shastra – This intervention is indicated when the Arsas are elevated, exuding, and slender.

TREATMENT MODALITIES

- Avagaha Sweda (Sitz Bath) using Triphala Kashaya - Pichu (Medicated oil patch) application with Murivenna or Pippalyadi Anuvasana oil - Matravasti (Nourushing enema) procedure - Administration of Apamarga Kshara (Ayurvedic Cauterization)