What is Piles (Hemorrhoids)?

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes bleeding. It is a common condition caused by chronic constipation, excessive straining, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. Ayurveda refers to piles as "Arsha", which occurs due to an imbalance in the bodys Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, affecting digestion and bowel movements.

Causes of Piles

• Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements increases pressure on rectal veins.
• Low Fiber Diet: Lack of fiber causes hard stools, leading to difficulty in passing stools.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the rectal area.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional strain on the veins in the lower rectum.
• Pregnancy: Increased pressure from the growing uterus can cause piles in women.
• Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects regularly can increase rectal vein pressure.
• Excessive Spicy & Junk Food: Leads to digestive issues and aggravates Pitta dosha.

Symptoms of Piles

• ✅ Pain and discomfort while passing stools
• ✅ Swelling around the anus
• ✅ Bleeding during bowel movements
• ✅ Itching and irritation in the anal region
• ✅ Formation of lumps near the anus
• ✅ Mucus discharge after bowel movements

Ayurvedic Approach to Piles Treatment

Ayurveda treats piles by focusing on digestive health, reducing inflammation, and restoring dosha balance. Kerala Ayurveda emphasizes herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, and dietary adjustments for complete healing.

Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles

1. Panchakarma Detox for Healing Piles

• • Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Removes toxins and relieves constipation.
• • Kshara Sutra Therapy: A specialized Ayurvedic treatment to shrink piles.
• • Basti (Enema Therapy): Herbal oil enemas soften stools and reduce rectal swelling.
• • Agnikarma (Cauterization): Ayurvedic heat therapy to shrink hemorrhoids.

2. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Piles

• • Triphala Churna: A natural laxative that relieves constipation and cleanses the colon.
• • Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan): Helps in softening stools and reducing swelling.
• • Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes anal inflammation and promotes healing.
• • Neem & Turmeric: Reduces infection and inflammation in hemorrhoids.
• • Arshoghni Vati: An Ayurvedic tablet specially formulated for piles relief.
• • Kanchanar Guggulu: Reduces swelling and improves digestion.

3. Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle for Piles Relief

• ✅ Drink plenty of water- Keeps stools soft and prevents constipation.
• ✅ Eat fiber-rich foods- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts improve digestion.
• ✅ Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods- Reduces irritation in the digestive tract.
• ✅ Include ghee and buttermilk- in the diet for smooth bowel movements.
• ✅ Avoid prolonged sitting – Take breaks to move around.
• ✅ Engage in yoga and physical activities – Helps improve digestion and circulation.

4. Yoga & Breathing Techniques for Piles Relief

• • Malasana (Garland Pose): Strengthens pelvic muscles and improves digestion.
• • Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): Relieves bloating and constipation.
• • Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose): Improves blood circulation in the rectal area.
• • Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Reduces stress and enhances digestion.