Anorectal Disease in Ayurveda

Anorectal Disease – Piles, fissure, fistula are very troublesome diseases and recurrence after surgery is quite common. According to Ayurveda neglect of proper diet and lifestyle habits ends in reducing digestive fire (Agni) which leads to accumulation of half digestive food material (Ama) that disturbs doshas at the anorectal region. Ayurveda has a very effective and easy treatment for anorectal disorders without any complications.

Piles/ Arsha – Arsha is considered a disease which troubles the person like an enemy. Basically, it is of two types.

Sahaja Arsha – Congenital or hereditary

Uttara Kalaja Arsha– Acquired which are manifested after birth According to Ayurveda some of the causes of Arsha are-

Intake of heavy excessive sweet, sour, cold, Abhisyandi (causing obstruction in channels of the body) and Viruddha (mutually contradictory – having opposite properties) food.

Intake of dried, contaminated meat, spoilt milk, heavy fruits & vegetables, pickles, putrid food.

Excess intake of Masha (black gram), dadhimanda (whey), sesame seed and jaggery products, dry vegetables, vinegar, etc.

Sleep during the daytime, lack of exercise.

Incorrect/faulty application of Basti Karma.

Continuous & excessive straining during defecation

Treatment According to Ayurveda

Medication (Ausadh chikitsa)-

The mild or minor form of the disease can be completely cured with Ayurvedic single drug or preparation along with dietary & lifestyle changes as advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner. Ayurveda medicines are given in accordance with patients’ Prakriti and Dosha condition.

Kshara Chikitsa –

Kshara is caustic, an alkaline paste made of some specific herbs having cauterizing action. Kshara applied to hemorrhoid cauterizes it. In Ayurveda, this kshara karma method is considered to be the best approach.

Kshara Sutra –

It is a special medicated thread which is tied to hemorrhoid at the base. This cuts off the blood supply to the vein allowing the pile mass to shrink over a few days, then pile mass detaches on its own.

Agnikarma–

External piles can be cauterized using Agnishalaka. It’s a kind of cauterization and might require 5-6 treatment settings. Before treatment Doshas will be taken account by an Ayurvedic practitioner during history taking.

Some Remedies

Herbs used for piles include Haritaki, Triphla, Jimikand.

Vegetables having large amounts of roughage such as turnip, onions, radish, ginger, bitter gourd should be taken.

Fresh green salads should be taken daily.

Isabgol husk 1-2tsf daily before going to bed is helpful.

For painful piles sitz bath is very useful along with the application of Ayurvedic oils 2-3 time daily.

Take plenty of fluids and adequate fiber-rich food items

Dinner should be light.

Do not strain too much while defecation.

Daily exercises and walk should be done to maintain an active daily routine.