Introduction
Partly stagnant or motionless condition of the portal vein is the fundamental cause of hemorrhoid. Indigestion problems e.g. diarrhea, sprue, dysentery, etc; constant use of cold water to clean the anus; injuries; gas problems; use of strong blood coagulating drugs to stop bleeding; use of strong astringent drugs to stop diarrhea; wrong delivery, abortion, miscarriage; the problem of liver, etc. result in slow motion of the portal vein. The blood of the portal vein, in the condition of slow motion, can not circulate properly and causes dilatation of the extremities of the portal vein attached around the anus. The dilated extremities of the portal vein, in chronic condition, develop varicosity, which in fact, is identified as a hemorrhoid or pile. This is the general theory of Ayurveda.
For proper treatment and diagnosis of hemorrhoids, it is classified into six categories. Such as dry hemorrhoids, inflamed hemorrhoids, non-bleeding thick hemorrhoids, complicated hemorrhoids, congenital hemorrhoids, and hemorrhoids with blood defects.
The dry hemorrhoid is considered the result of the aggravated function of the nervous system. It is dry and light blue in color. Occasional bleeding with constipation is the characteristic symptom of it.
The inflamed hemorrhoid is considered the result of aggravated function of the vein system. It is dark blue and red in color, soft and painful. Bleeding (not heavy) with dysentery is the characteristic symptom of it.
The non-bleeding thick hemorrhoid is concerned with the aggravated function of the artery system and mucous membrane. It is thick and big in size and the color of it is the same as that of the skin. Itching and lovely to touch it are the significance of it.
The complicated hemorrhoid is concerned with the aggravated function of the nervous system, the vein system, and the artery system together. It can develop any symptom of dry hemorrhoid, inflamed hemorrhoid, and non-bleeding hemorrhoid.
The congenital hemorrhoid is concerned with parents’ or other ancestor’s genetic problems. It develops with characteristic symptoms of complicative hemorrhoid.
The hemorrhoid with blood defects is similar to the character of an inflamed hemorrhoid. Red in color, heavy bleeding, pain, and constipation are the significance of it.
Hemorrhoid, whatever may be the character of it, develops very slowly not being even known the prognosis of it. Bloated belly, gas problems, burping, heaviness of the stomach especially after meals, constipation, anemia, weakness, and the enlargement of the liver and spleen, etc, are the primitive symptoms of the hemorrhoid. These symptoms come and go and depend upon the digestive power. If there are indigestion problems, the symptoms of hemorrhoid become more clear with the external or internal hemorrhoidal lumps around the anus.
Ayurveda points out that the chronic stagnant condition of the portal vein can disturb any function of the bodily systems and results in diseases of the heart, respiratory system, alimentary system, urinary system, liver, spleen, brain, etc. which are indirectly connected with the neglected hemorrhoid.
The general theory of treatment of hemorrhoids depends upon the medicine to maintain the digestive power, medicine for clearing the bowel movement, medicine to restore the balance of the aggravated bodily systems, medicine for symptomatic treatment, and medicine to avoid varicose veins. Congenital hemorrhoids and complicative hemorrhoids are not curable, however can be maintained well with regular treatments, and not get worse their symptoms. hemorrhoid in the advanced stage is very difficult to cure.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
The fundamental cause of hemorrhoids is concerned with the poor function or motionless condition of the portal vein, which results in poor circulation and less heat in the alimentary system. In this condition, the blood of the portal vein being accumulated dilates the veins and causes varicosity affecting the extremities of the portal vein attached around the anus.
Diarrhea, chronic diarrhea (Sprue), or dysentery, if is not well treated, can be the cause of chronic indigestion problems and result in poor function of the portal vein. This is very common for someone who is careless in diet.
The misuse of strong astringent drugs, which stop the peristaltic movement of the intestine causes the stagnant condition of the portal vein. This is very common for someone who prefers symptomatic treatment of diarrhea to stop.
The misuse of strong astringent drugs or blood-coagulating drugs, which are used to stop bleeding cause motionless condition of the portal vein. This is very common to those who prefer symptomatic treatment to stop bleeding.
Daily use of cold water to clean the anus after defecation can be a cause of varicosity of veins attached around the anus. That depends upon the effect of cold, which can destroy the elasticity of the veins. This results in deformations of the veins. This is very common in Asia where cold water is used to clean the anus.
The injuries of the anus caused by horse ride, bicycles, motorbikes, misuse of enema, using stone to clean the anus after defecation, etc. can aggravate the function of the nerves concerned with the anus and that result in varicosity in some conditions of indigestion.
During the period of delivery miscarriage or abortion, the unusual labor pain dilates the portal veins. In some conditions, indigestion can be a cause of hemorrhoids, which is very common among women.
The enlarged liver or spleen whatever may be the cause of it can create a partial blockage to the circulation of the portal vein. In this condition, the portal vein being dilated causes hemorrhoids. This is very common to those who have hepatitis or some liver or spleen disease and is not well treated.
The cause of congenital hemorrhoids is the hereditary effect, which depends upon the indigestion problems of parents.
Constipation or gas problem, whatever may be the cause of it, reverses the function of the alimentary system and the portal vein, which in general, aggravates the symptoms of hemorrhoid.
The cause of inflamed hemorrhoids is the inflammatory diseases of the alimentary system e.g. dysentery, peritonitis, proctitis, colitis, abscess, etc.
The cause of hemorrhoid with blood defect is concerned with the pathogenic defect of hematorrhea. In this condition, the blood of the portal vein turns acid with high volume and causes pressure on it.
Excessive or daily use of alcoholic beverages; roasted, fried, or burnt foods; rotten or stale foods; meat; greasy foods or food preparations, etc. can be the aggravating causes of hemorrhoid.
Overindulgence in sex; sedentary life; bad habit of defecation spending a long time in the toilet; squatting position; and withholding the natural urges of stool, urine or gas can also be the aggravating causes of hemorrhoid.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Foods to be stocked in the stomach without digestion, bloated stomach, weakness, loss of weight, burping without reason, weakness of the thigh, constipation (sometimes even diarrhea with gas), anemia, and problems of the liver and spleen are the primitive symptoms of hemorrhoid. These symptoms come and go, not even being known as the prognosis of hemorrhoid, which develops very slowly to be seen as the hemorrhoidal lump around the anus either outside or inside.
Hemorrhoids with the aggravated function of the nervous system (Vata) are dry, irregular in shape; light blue in color, and painful. Occasional bleeding, constipation, tympanitis, back pain, and gas problems are the characteristic symptoms of it. If it is not treated well and neglected, it can be the cause of many other problems such as palpitation, heart attack, tumor, abdominal colic, gastritis, headache, the hot sensation of the head, ear pain or noise, error of vision, sneezing, cold, edema, neurasthenia, intestinal obstruction, etc.
Hemorrhoids with the aggravated function of the vein system (Pitta) are dark blue and red in color; soft and burning painful. Inflammation, bleeding (not heavy), and dysentery are the characteristic symptoms of it. If it is not treated well, it can be the cause of many other problems such as fever, edema, delusion, anorexia, etc.
hemorrhoid with the aggravated functions of the nervous system, vein system, and artery system (Sannipata) is always complicated without any particular symptoms. It has no definite shape and size, color, and morbid conditions. Constipation, bleeding, inflammation, swelling, burning pain, and itching are the main signs of it. It is not curable. However, it is very rare.
Congenital hemorrhoid has the same character as the complicative hemorrhoid. A person suffering from congenital hemorrhoids can have many problems. Such as being very weak and skinny; having bladder stones; anemia; constipation; weak digestion; blood in stool; often fever; angry mood; disease of the respiratory system; headache; gas problems; gastritis; voice defects; laziness; edema etc.
hemorrhoid with blood defects has the same characteristic symptoms as inflamed hemorrhoids. All of a sudden heavy bleeding is the main significance of it. It is red in color and very painful with a burning sensation. It can lead to pernicious anemia and edema.
hemorrhoid, whatever may be the character of it, at the beginning, is not easy to diagnose in the proper way because the symptoms disappear for months and months. Especially in the condition of good digestion, the symptoms of hemorrhoids can not be identified at the beginning stage. In this condition, the patient of hemorrhoid always neglects this problem. Also, it is more difficult to diagnose if the hemorrhoidal lumps are developed inside the anus. Regarding this condition of complicative situation for proper diagnosis, it is very important to pay attention to the round shape of the stool whether the lines are marked by pressure of hemorrhoidal lumps or not, or whether the stool is coated with blood or not.
Prevention from Hemorrhoids
Indigestion problems whatever may be the cause of it should not be neglected for the proper treatment.
Diarrhea, especially caused by food defects, at the beginning, should not be stopped immediately with astringent drugs. It has to be controlled with digestive drugs and by fasting.
Bleeding conditions whatever may be the cause of it, should not be stopped immediately with astringent drugs or blood-coagulating drugs. It has to be watched at the beginning letting the dirty blood flow. Then it has to be controlled with refrigerant drugs and rest.
Warm water or toilet paper should be used to clean the anus after defecation.
The use of enema should not harm the physical condition of the anus.
Horse rides, motorbikes, bicycles, etc. are strictly prohibited when someone has indigestion problems.
At the time of delivery, without strong labor pain, a woman should not be forced to deliver. Washing work in a squatting position is strictly prohibited during the period of pregnancy.
Diseases of the liver or spleen e.g. hepatitis should be treated properly.
Constipation or gas problems should not be neglected for treatment. Exercise, regular time for meals and defecation are very important.
Treatment of Hemorrhoids
The general treatment of hemorrhoids contains medicines, which are digestive, carminative, laxative, specific against varicosity, symptomatic and restorative.
The main purpose of digestive medicine in the treatment of hemorrhoids is to activate the portal vein for proper function and not to have the stagnant condition of blood in it. The portal vein when functions in the proper way, hemorrhoid whatever may be the character of it, can not develop and aggravate the symptoms of it. It is well investigated. Therefore, digestive medicines such as Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), Pippala (Piper longum), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), etc. play a major role in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Some aromatic seeds of plants are used as a carminative drug to eliminate gas problems, which are very important in the treatment of hemorrhoids for proper function of the peristaltic movement and to stop the reversed function of the portal vein. Jirakam (Cumin seed), Ajamoda (Carum roxburghianum), Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), etc. are well-known carminative drugs.
Constipation is always a problem for a person who is suffering from hemorrhoids. The stool being loaded in the same place where there is the hemorrhoidal lumps are developed, causes much pressure and dilatation of the vessels. In this condition not to have pressure, laxative medicines must be prescribed. Lolimbaraja, a compound of Senna leaf with other plants is one of the best and harmless laxative medicines.
The specific drugs against varicosity have to be applied with external and internal processes. There are some plastering drugs for external use, which can dissolve the hemorrhoidal lumps or varicosity. Arkadilepa, a plastering drug made from the milk of Calotropis gigantia with some other corrosive drugs is one of the best drugs for external use. While using this drug, the area of the anus where there is no effect from the hemorrhoidal lumps should be protected, otherwise very painful ulcer can be developed in the anus.
Greaseless whey, Surana (Amorphophallus companulatum), Patha (Stephania hernandifolia), etc. are the specific drugs against hemorrhoidal lumps or varicosity. These drugs are prescribed for internal use only along with the other medicines of hemorrhoid.
Symptomatic treatment depends upon the condition of the hemorrhoid e.g. periodical treatment of heavy bleeding, dysentery, inflammation, burning pain, swelling, etc. Mustadi, the compound of Cyperus rotundus, Holarrhena antidysenterica, and some other herbs is very effective for bleeding, dysentery, and inflammation. A hot compress made from the decoction of carminative drugs is beneficial in relieving pain and swelling.
Restorative drugs contain some ingredients, that restore the balance of the nervous system, the vein system, and the artery system. Ayurveda points out that restorative drugs must be applied in two ways: one way is to counteract the non-bleeding or less bleeding hemorrhoid and the other way is to counteract the bleeding hemorrhoid. The first restorative drug contains bitter and carminative ingredients. Nimbadi, a compound of Azadirachta indica, is one of the best remedies. The second restorative drug contains refrigerant and blood-cleaning ingredients. Indrayava, a compound of Holarrhena antidysenterica is one of the best medical preparations.
The general treatment of hemorrhoids including digestive, carminative, laxative, specific, and restorative drugs must be prescribed for 3-6 months. That depends upon the condition of the patient. If it is not treated properly with the complete course, it can develop again. Congenital hemorrhoids and complicative hemorrhoids are not curable; however, they can be well maintained with regular treatments of hemorrhoids so as not to make worse their symptoms.
NOTE:
Ayurvedic surgeons are proud in their practices that hemorrhoids, at the beginning stage, can be cured with surgery. It is true; however, the patient with hemorrhoids who has an operation, after a few years, complains again of the problems of hemorrhoids.
Prohibited Foods and Behaviors
Prohibited Foods
- Excessive or daily indulgence in chili,
- Hot spices,
- Greasy food preparations,
- Alcoholic beverages,
- Heavy meals,
- Meat,
- Roasted, burnt, or fried food;
Prohibited Behaviors
- Sex;
- Sedentary life;
- A bad habit of defecation spending a long time in the toilet;
- Squatting position;
- Withholding the natural urges of stool, urine, and gas, etc.
Author
Dr. Mana Bajra Bajracharya
PIYUSHAVARSHI AUSHADHALAYA
Ayurvedic Clinic
Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
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References
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