Piles is a condition when the swollen veins in the anal canal obstruct the normal function of defecation, bleed, cause painful prolapses or produce discharge. Obesity, constipation, overindulgence in intercourse, suppressing urges, leading a sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical strain, consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, cold, heavy, uncooked or spicy foods are some of the known causes of piles. Ayurveda offers effective treatment options for piles (haemorrhoids) in Kerala, India. With its holistic approach, Ayurveda aims to address the root cause of the condition and provide long-lasting relief.
Haemorrhoids are intestinal problems
According to Ayurveda, haemorrhoids are caused by one of the three doshas.
Vata – Dosha causing haemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are hard and dark in colour, almost black. Symptoms include constipation and acute pain.
Pitta – Dosha causing haemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are soft and reddish in colour. Symptoms include bleeding during bowel movements, feelings of thirst, fever and diarrhoea.
Kapha – Dosha causing Hemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are large, soft and whitish in colour. Symptoms include persistent digestion problems.
The main cause of haemorrhoids or piles is the accumulation of toxins in the rectal area. Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma Therapy for the elimination of toxins. Panchakarma is a bio-cleansing treatment, which removes toxins from all over the body.
Swollen anal canal veins can block faeces, bleed, and cause painful prolapses, or discharge. Obesity, Constipation, overindulgence in intercourse, suppressing urges, leading a sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical strain, and consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and cold, heavy, uncooked or spicy foods are some known causes of piles.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Classification and Causes of Hemorrhoids (Piles) as Digestive Disorders
Vata – Dosha causing haemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are hard and dark in colour, almost black. Symptoms include constipation and acute pain.
Pitta – Dosha causing haemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are soft and reddish in colour. Symptoms include bleeding during bowel movements, feelings of thirst, fever and diarrhoea.
Kapha – Dosha causing Hemorrhoids: These haemorrhoids are large, soft and whitish in colour. Symptoms include persistent digestion problems.
The main cause of haemorrhoids or piles is the accumulation of toxins in the rectal area. Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma Therapy for the elimination of toxins. Panchakarma is a bio-cleansing treatment, which removes toxins from all over the body.
Thus panchakarma treatment is adopted for treating piles in Ayurveda comprises of :
Purva Karma – Preparatory Stage
Snehana – Medicated oil or ghee is administered orally and through massage. Enables easy elimination of fat-soluble toxins and removes blockages created by metabolic waste.
Swedana – Heat opens pores and channels to remove water-soluble methods like a steam bath.
Pradhana Karma – The Treatment stage
Vamana (emesis) – Therapeutic-induced vomiting reduces the imbalance of Kapha dosha.
Virechana (Purgation) Medicated purgation through bowels, eliminates the imbalance of pitta accumulated in the liver and gallbladder.
Basti (oil enema) Anally administered medicated oil or ghee lubricates the large intestine, balancing Vata.
Nasya (nasal medication) Medicated oil or powder introduced through the nose reduces Kapha imbalances above the clavicle region.
Paschat Karma – The final stage
This is the final stage of Panchakarma. The patient receives moderate-intensity treatments to maintain the beneficial effects of the entire cleansing procedure. For one month after therapy, it’s important to have a vegetarian diet and a healthy lifestyle while taking Rasayana herbs.