Another name for piles is hemorrhoids. In simple terms they are blood vessels swollen in the rectal or anal area. This can cause symptoms like: 

• Bleeding, itching and pain near the anus 

• Lump or swelling  

• Mucus discharge  

• Pain and discomfort while passing stool 

There are various treatment options that modern medicine offers including medications, surgery or minimally invasive procedures. But ayurveda brings to us a whole new more natural and holistic approach in treating piles through concentrating on the symptoms and root cause of the issue that helps long term healing. Ayurveda calls piles “Arsha” meaning “enemy” and the root cause of this is an imbalance of the 3 doshas Vatta, pitta, kapha. When there is an imbalance in these three doshas they disrupt normal body function which results in hemorrhoids. Other contributing factors include: 

• Improper digestion  

• Weakened digestive fire  

• Lack of physical activity  

• Prolonged sitting  
• Sedentary lifestyle  

 

Ayurvedic treatment for piles 

1. Detoxification therapies

This process involves detoxifying the body from toxins/Ama and restores balance between the doshas. Few procedures that help in doing so are: 

• Kshara karma: This is a minimally invasive procedure is done to treat the hemorrhoids internally. It is done using an alkaline preparation that is made from herbal ashes. This preparation is applied on the hemorrhoid to cauterize and shrink it.  

• Virechana( Therapeutic purgation): This therapy is used to eliminate the extra pitta from our body by using herbal laxatives that help in cleaning the gastrointestinal tract.  

• Basti (Medicated enema): If the piles are caused by Vata imbalance then this treatment option is considered the most effective. This treatment involves administration of medicated oils or herbal decoctions through enema. This helps in lubricating the intestine and softens the stools reducing the strain while passing stool.  

2. Herbal treatments 

These treatments are designed in a way to decrease inflammation and improve digestion by healing the affected tissues. Here few important herbs that are used in the treatment of hemorrhoids: 

• Triphala  

• Haritaki  

• Neem  

• Karanja and Nimba oils  

3. External therapies  

This is done for quick pain, itching and swelling relief. The following therapies are used in combination with internal medications to support healing: 

• Sitz bath: Warm sitz bath mixed with herbal decoctions like triphala and dashamoola helps in easing symptoms like pain itching and inflammation in the anal region.  

• Lepa: This involves the application of herbal paste externally that is prepared from cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, sandalwood and neem.  

4. Lifestyle modifications 

Ayurveda majorly concentrates treating individuals by making dietary and lifestyle changes that helps in managing and preventing piles. Here are few tips to follow: 

• Vata-pacifying data  

• High-fibre foods  

• Avoidance of pitta  

• Regular physical activity  

• Prolonged sitting  

• Stress management 

Ayurveda has a lot of holistic approaches in treating piles by mainly concentrating on the symptoms and addressing the root cause. This not only eases discomfort but stops recurrence and long-term healing. In conclusion, ayurveda is considered an alternative that has no side effects compared to conventional medical treatments for hemorrhoids.