It s easy talking about cuts and bruises on your arms and legs but talking about hemorrhoids can be a bit embarrassing. Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen blood vessels in the rectum. They can be internal or external and can irritate bowel movements. Though this condition is not life threatening, it can be quite painful. Hence, it should be treated as early as possible. Homeopathy is a holistic form of healing that addresses the root cause of the problem to resolve it. Here are a few homeopathic remedies that can be used to treat hemorrhoids.

    Hamamelis: Hemorroids that bleed excessively can be treated with this homeopathic remedy. It also treats soreness and bruising caused by the swollen blood vessels. In such cases, the person also often suffers from anemia, breathlessness and weakness.
    Ratanhia: This is one of the best homeopathic remedies to treat painful piles. This pain is usually triggered by the passing of stool, but can persist for hours afterwards. It may also be accompanied by a burning sensation that can be relieved by cold water. In such cases, the passing of stool causes hemorrhoids to protrude.
    Graphites: Piles that are accompanied by constipation can be effectively treated with graphites. It is also suited for cases where the condition is triggered by obesity and menstrual irregularities.
    Nux Vomica: Hemorrhoids caused by a sedentary lifestyle are best treated with Nux Vomica. In such cases, the patient also suffers from burning pain in the rectum and constipation. Eating a lot of heavy food and the ingestion of stimulants like alcohol can trigger this condition. Nux vomica helps set the gastrointestinal system back in order and thus prevents the recurrence of piles.
    Aesculus: Piles that are accompanied by unexplained pain in the back can be treated with Aesculus. These piles may or may not bleed, but the rectum feels as though it is filled with sticks. In such cases, the patient may also feel intense itching, burning and soreness around the rectum.
    Arsenic album: This is used to treat piles that are accompanied by burning pain and restlessness that can be relieved by the application of heat packs. These patients also suffer from painful spasmodic protrusions of the rectum.
    Collinsonia: Hemorroids that cause incessant bleeding and a prolapsed rectum can be treated with collinsonia. The piles often protrude out of the anus in this situation and are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea. It can also be used to treat piles associated with pregnancy.

Homeopathic Remedies That Can Help Treat Hemorrhoids

Piles or Haemorrhoids is a disorder characterized by bleeding from anal opening during defecation. This bleeding can be in the form of drops or spurts. If untreated; mass protruding out from rectum is noticed. Initially this Pile mass gets reduced by itself but later on it progresses further so manual reduction of Pile mass becomes necessary. Later on these pile masses come out even on coughing sneezing, walking etc. Depending of their site of origin; these are divided in to internal and external Piles. 

How can you tell if you have Piles? 
Painless bleeding is the first sign of Piles. If it is not treated at this stage Pile mass protrudes out from Anal opening. The symptoms of piles are  

Internal Piles: 

In first stage, painless bleeding is the only symptom of Piles. 
In second stage, pile mass protrudes out from Anus during defecation which gets reduced by itself. In late second stage; Pile mass needs to be reduced manually. 
In third stage; Pile masses again come out after manual reduction. During sneezing coughing and walking also pile mass come out. 
External piles: A solid/ semi-solid lump in the anal region which becomes prominent while passing stools is the external haemorrhoid. When inflamed it constitutes of coagulated blood these are known as external haemorrhoids. 

Why do Piles occur? 
Piles occur when pressure in the lower rectum increases unduly. Due to this undue pressure, the blood vessels in the anus and rectum become swollen and bulge out. The causes behind this undue increase in pressure are  

Chronic diarrhoea 
Chronic constipation 
Pregnancy 
Lifting heavy weights 
Putting too much pressure while passing stool 
The Ayurvedic Approach To Piles Treatment- 
The ayurvedic approach to treating piles is a mix of exercise, lifestyle changes, diet, supplements and medication. The primary cause of piles being constipation, a large portion of the treatment is focused on improving the patient s digestive health and bowel movement. 

Haritaki churna is recommended to soften stool. 
Fibre rich foods like green leafy vegetables salads should be consumed in adequate quantity. 
To soften the stools, foods like papaya, amalaki, and figs are advised. 
A regular ayurvedic colon cleanse is very beneficial to keep the digestive system in good condition. Some other measures you should adopt are  

Take plenty of liquids like water, butter milk fruit juices etc. Butter milk is specially beneficial in Piles. 
Do regular Exercise 
Avoid sedentary lifestyle. 
Along with this Kshar Karma is done at week or 10 days interval. In this treatment specialized Ayurvedic medicine is applied on Pile masses. Kshar Karma stops bleeding and suppresses Pile masses. When these measures do not work and the Pile masses are big enough to remain inside and protrude out often; Ksharsutra ligation of Pile mass is recommended. 

In this treatment; Ksharsutra   a medicated thread is ligated at the root of Pile masses. Medicine released from thread blocks the blood supply of pile mass and Pile mass sheds off within 5-7 days. No hospitalization or bed rest is required in this treatment. Patient can continue his daily routine activities as usual. So Ayurvedic Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra are quite effective in treating Piles in all its stages and Piles can be treated completely without surgery.

An Ayurvedic Approach To Piles Treatment!

Piles, fistula and fissures are the most common problems affecting the rectum and the anus. Both the rectum as well as the anus has a very rich vascular supply. There could be swelling of these blood vessels or tearing which can lead to the above conditions. Read on to know additional details about each of these conditions. 

Piles: In simple words, swollen blood vessels of the anal region are called piles. It can be internal or external, depending on how far it is from the anal canal. If it is located farther inside the anal canal, it is called internal piles.

Causes:

Chronic constipation, where the person has to strain to pass stools
Smoking and genetics can also lead to piles.
Symptoms: Starts off as painless bleeding, which happens in drops after bowel movement; the swelling happens much later. They can continue to grow and develop blood clots.

Treatment:

In the early stages, once identified, simple topical medications for symptom relief are sufficient.
Diet should be rich in fiber, with fruits and vegetables
Increased water consumption
Surgery if the disease has reached the stage of blood clots
Prevention is advised if there is a family history by consuming a fiber-rich diet and maintaining hydration
Fistula: When an infected anal gland bursts into the anal canal, it constantly discharges pus into the anal canal and becomes a fistula. Hygienic toilet habits can help in preventing fistulas.

Symptoms:

A constant wet feeling in the anal area, due to pus discharge.
This would be intermittent, and there would be periods with no discharge.
There could be a foul smell due to pus discharge.
Diagnosis and Treatment:

Identifying the exact location is important as surgery may be required.
An ultrasound scan or an MRI is usually done.
Newer techniques like Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) are used. This locates the piles accurately and uses electric current to seal it with staples and surgical glue.
Conventional surgery is also used for economic or accessibility reasons.
Fissures: These cracks anywhere in the length of the anal canal are extremely common.
Symptoms

Very painful and the person may not want to go to the toilet
Rarely bleeding is also seen, maybe in very small amounts
Treatment:

Over 90% of the fissures do not require surgery
Switching to a high-fiber diet and improving hydration will help in managing these symptoms.
Topical relief can be provided by medications.
When they are recurrent, a procedure known as lateral sphincterotomy is done. This is an outpatient procedure and provides immediate relief.
Though one condition can lead to another, in most people, there is a strong genetic component, and working towards prevention is highly recommended.

Piles, Fistula and Fissures - Can Ayurveda Help You?

Do you bleed or feel pain during bowel movements, or the skin around your anus feels sore or itches? Or maybe there's a lump in or around your anus, or you feel as if your bowels haven't emptied completely? Then you may be suffering from piles. Piles or hemorrhoids are essentially swollen veins and muscles in your anal canal or around your anus. And they may stay inside your anus or come outside depending on the severity of the affliction.

Often, piles can be successfully treated with high-fiber diet, proper hygiene, and topical medicines or ointments. But in situations where non-surgical methods don't achieve desired results, surgery becomes the only option. And this may be particularly necessary for those suffering from large painful or bleeding hemorrhoids. The different surgical options are given below:

Hemorrhoidectomy - In this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the anus to remove the piles formations. Local or general anesthesia is offered during the operation, and you can usually return home on the same day. After the procedure, the area might require stitches and commonly remains very tender and painful for quite some time.
PPH or Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids - This method is minimally invasive and makes use of a stapler-like machine for repositioning the hemorrhoids and cutting off their blood supply. So eventually, the piles shrink and die without blood supply and your pain diminishes greatly. With this process, you can expect a faster recovery, less itching and bleeding, and minimal complications, if any.
Laser - An accurate and special laser beam is used in this method, to burn off the hemorrhoids.
Rubber Band Ligation - This procedure can be used for areas with fewer pain receptors. In this, a rubber band is tied around the base of hemorrhoid to stem the blood supply and destroy the affected tissue.
Sclerotherapy - This method involves the injection of a chemical solution around the blood vessel which supplies the hemorrhoid tissues, to shrink and kill them. Though non-invasive methods are preferred by many since they create less pain, hemorrhoidectomy may provide more long-lasting benefits. Here are some other aspects you need to consider regarding piles surgery:
Risks - Infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, trouble with urination, fecal incontinence are some of the risks involved, though the surgery is usually quite safe.
Ways of treating pain - Pain, especially during and after a bowel movement, can be an issue for several days after the surgery. But it can be dealt with by taking prescribed pain medications, stool softeners, and soaking in a warm bath. Recovery can take up to 3 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Avoiding recurrence - Following a high-fiber diet, maintaining good hygiene, taking lots of fluids, and avoiding straining or constipation can prevent piles from coming back.

What You Should Know About Piles Surgery

Hemorrhoids can be very painful and are impossible to ignore. They can be defined as internal or external swollen veins. In some cases, making a few lifestyle changes such as eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water may be enough to relieve the problem. In other cases, surgery may be required. Surgery for hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the case. There are many different types of surgeries that may be performed.

Banding
Banding or rubber band ligation is a surgical process used to treat internal hemorrhoids. This involves placing a tight band around the hemorrhoid base to cut off its blood supply. This procedure does not involve the use of anesthesia.

Sclerotherapy
This is also used to treat internal hemorrhoids. It involves injecting a particular chemical into the hemorrhoid that makes the hemorrhoid shrink and keeps it from bleeding. This procedure does not involve the use of anesthesia.

Coagulation therapy
Coagulation therapy is also referred to as infrared photocoagulation. The procedure involves the use of infrared light and extreme heat and cold. The aim here is to help the hemorrhoid shrink and retract. It may be performed with an anoscopy. An anoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look inside the rectum with the help of a scope. This procedure does not involve the use of anesthesia.

Hemorrhoidal artery ligation
Hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) or transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is often used to remove hemorrhoids. It involves using an ultrasound to locate the swollen blood vessels and then closing these off. This procedure does not involve the use of anesthesia.

Hemorrhoidectomy
Large external hemorrhoids can be treated with a hemorrhoidectomy. Internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed and are not responding to other forms of treatment can also be treated with this procedure. The procedure is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The hemorrhoids are then cut off surgically. Hospitalization may be required for a few days after this procedure.

Hemorrhoidopexy
This procedure is also known as stapling and may be performed while the patient is under local or general anesthesia. It is typically used to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids. During the procedure, the doctor staples the prolapsed hemorrhoid to the walls of the rectum and cuts of the blood supply to the affected vein. By doing this, the tissue is allowed to shrink and be reabsorbed into the body. As compared to a hemorrhoidectomy, stapling is less painful and has a quicker recovery time. 

Surgical Treatment Of Hemorrhoids!

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins or blood vessels, which can be internal (located inside rectum) or external (located outside rectum). They might be managed by increasing fluid intake and a high-fiber diet. Sometimes, Hemorrhoids might get infected and irritated to an extent that they require surgical removal.

Causes of Hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in blood vessels around the anus, causing them to swell and inflame which might be caused by a number of reasons.

Prolonged constipation

Chronic diarrhoea

Obesity

Aging

Pregnancy as it increases pressure on pelvic blood vessels

Weight lifting

Family history of Hemorrhoids

Persistent cough

Vomiting repeatedly

Sitting continuously for a very long period of time.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

Some of the common symptoms of Hemorrhoids are:

Internal Hemorrhoids might bleed painlessly after bowel movement, but are problematic if they bleed too heavily.

External Hemorrhoids might also bleed after bowel movement, but often become irritating and painful.

External Hemorrhoids can lead to blood clots inside the vessel, which can cause severe pain. Proper treatment for such Hemorrhoids involves  incision and drainage  procedure.

Itchy and sore bottom.

A lump hanging off the anus.

Types of Hemorrhoids:

The type of Hemorrhoids decides the course of action for treatment.

First degree Hemorrhoids are small swellings which develop on inner lining of anus, being invisible from outside.

Second degree Hemorrhoids are larger swellings which might come out of the anus during bowel movement before disappearing inside again.

Third degree Hemorrhoids are lumps hanging off the anus which can be pushed back inside.

Fourth degree Hemorrhoids are larger lumps hanging down from the anus but cannot be pushed back inside.

Surgeries without Anesthesia:

Banding or rubber band ligation involves using a tight band around the base of Hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. It takes two or more procedures to be performed about two months apart.

Having the best success rate for small and internal Hemorrhoids, sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical into Hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and stop bleeding.

Coagulation therapy or infrared photocoagulation uses infrared light (heat or extreme cold) to retract and shrink the Hemorrhoid and is usually performed along with an anoscopy.

Hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) or transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) locates blood vessels causing Hemorrhoids to close them off.

Surgeries with Anesthesia:

Hemorrhoidectomy is used for large and external Hemorrhoids which do not respond to non- surgical intervention. So, they are cut out. Anesthesia can be general, regional, or local in this procedure. It takes longer time to recover completely.

Hemorrhoidopexy or stapling requires general, regional, or local anesthesia, and is used to treat prolapsed Hemorrhoids. A surgical staple cuts off the blood supply to Hemorrhoids to make the tissue shrink and reabsorb. It takes relatively less time for a full recovery.

Post- Surgical Care:

Some of the post care instructions are as follows

Painkillers might be prescribed for rectal and anal pain.

Consumption of a high-fiber diet prevents constipation and recurrence of Hemorrhoids.

Staying hydrated helps a lot.

Avoid heavy weight lifting and pulling.

Sitz bath helps to deal with post- surgical discomfort.

Seek medical help if having painful urination, fever, or dizziness.

Non-surgical Management of Hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids can be managed non-surgically by reducing strain in and around the anus.

Consuming a high fiber diet including cereals, fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds, etc.

Consuming healthy fluids like water but avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

No delaying the emptying of the bowels.

Preventing constipation.

Weight management to lose excess body weight.

Regular exercise.

Take Away:

Hemorrhoids, if not severe, can be managed non- surgically. But if they get very painful and severe, surgical intervention through a number of techniques might be required; each one of them being safe, depending upon the severity of the situation.

Surgery For Hemorrhoids - What Should You Know?

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