Piles: Causes, Symptoms, Precautions, and Ayurvedic Treatment
Introduction
Piles (बवासीर), medically known as haemorrhoids, are a common condition where the veins in the rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed. This problem is often linked to lifestyle, dietary habits, and bowel movement patterns. Piles can affect both men and women and, if left untreated, can cause severe discomfort. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and Ayurvedic treatments for piles in detail.
Types of Piles
Piles are generally classified into two types:
- Internal Piles बवासीर: These are located inside the rectum and usually painless. Occasionally, they may cause bleeding.
- External Piles बवासीर: These develop outside the anus and can be painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. They may also bleed.
Causes of Piles
Several factors can lead to the development of piles, including:
- Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements due to constipation is a leading cause of Piles बवासीर.
- Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods, especially on the toilet, increases pressure on the rectal veins, leading to Piles बवासीर.
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking in fibre, including processed, fried, and spicy foods, can trigger constipation and eventually Piles बवासीर.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the veins around the anus, contributing to Piles बवासीर.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the abdominal region during pregnancy can result in Piles बवासीर.
- Genetics: Family history of piles increases the likelihood of developing the condition.https://youtu.be/5VPnsFNb3PA?si=g1DI3u8s2Hon0CbI
Symptoms of Piles
The symptoms of piles can vary from person to person but commonly include:
- Pain and discomfort around the anus
- Bleeding during or after bowel movements
- Swelling or a lump near the anus
- Itching and irritation in the anal area
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation after passing stool
Precautions for Piles
If you have Piles बवासीर or are prone to them, the following precautions can help manage and prevent worsening of the condition:
- Eat a High-Fibre Diet: Include green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet. This helps to soften the stool and prevent constipation, reducing strain during bowel movements.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps in keeping stools soft, making it easier to pass without straining.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces or in the toilet, can aggravate piles. Take breaks and avoid sitting for extended durations.
- Regular Bowel Habits: Go to the toilet when you feel the urge to avoid constipation. Ignoring the need for bowel movements can lead to harder stools and more strain.
- Exercise Regularly: Light exercises like walking, yoga, and stretching can improve digestion and reduce pressure on the rectal area.
- Maintain Healthy Weight: Reducing weight helps relieve pressure on the anal region, decreasing the risk of piles.
- Avoid Straining: Straining during bowel movements can worsen piles. Try not to rush the process and be patient while using the toilet.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, provides natural and effective solutions for treating piles. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance the body and eliminate the root cause of the condition.
- Triphala Powder: Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic remedy for constipation. Taking a spoonful of Triphala powder with warm water before bedtime helps regulate bowel movements and ease Piles बवासीर symptoms.
- Castor Oil: Castor oil is known for its laxative properties. Consuming a teaspoon of castor oil with warm milk or water can help relieve constipation and reduce piles symptoms.
- Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil topically on the affected area can soothe itching, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of external Piles बवासीर.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel is effective in reducing swelling and irritation caused by Piles बवासीर. Applying fresh Aloe Vera gel to the anal area provides immediate relief.
- Cumin and Fennel: Consuming a mixture of cumin and fennel seeds after meals aids digestion and helps in preventing constipation, a key factor in the development of piles.
- Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan): Haritaki is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for digestive health. Taking Haritaki powder with warm water can help relieve constipation and support the natural healing of piles.
- Yoga Poses: Certain yoga poses, such as Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) and Malasana (Garland Pose), are beneficial for digestive health. These poses improve blood circulation to the anal region, easing piles symptoms.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Their Answers
- What are piles?
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. - What are the main symptoms of piles?
Symptoms of piles include pain around the anus, itching, swelling, bleeding during bowel movements, and a lump near the anus. - Are piles dangerous?
Piles are generally not life-threatening, but if left untreated, they can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and complications like anaemia. - What causes piles?
Piles can be caused by chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, obesity, pregnancy, low-fibre diets, and genetics. - How many types of piles are there?
There are two types of piles: internal piles (located inside the rectum) and external piles (located outside the anus). - How are piles treated?
Piles can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. Ayurvedic treatments are also effective for managing piles. - What precautions should be taken to prevent piles?
To prevent piles, consume a high-fibre diet, stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sitting, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. - Can piles be treated with Ayurveda?
Yes, Ayurveda offers natural remedies such as Triphala powder, castor oil, and herbal medicines that help treat piles effectively. - Is the pain from piles permanent?
No, with proper treatment and care, the pain and discomfort from piles can be reduced and managed effectively. - What herbs are beneficial for treating piles?
Herbs like Triphala, Haritaki, Aloe Vera, and Coconut oil are known for their effectiveness in treating piles symptoms. - Can pregnant women get piles?
Yes, piles are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the rectal veins. - Are piles contagious?
No, piles are not contagious. They occur due to physical conditions and are not transmitted from one person to another. - When is surgery required for piles?
Surgery may be necessary if piles are large, painful, and do not respond to medication or other non-invasive treatments. - Can yoga help in treating piles?
Yes, certain yoga poses like Pavanamuktasana and Malasana improve digestion and relieve pressure on the rectal veins, helping to ease piles. - What are some effective home remedies for Piles बवासीर?
Home remedies include using Triphala powder, applying coconut oil, and consuming aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation and ease piles symptoms. - Should I engage in physical activity if I have Piles बवासीर?
Light physical activities like walking and yoga are beneficial for piles, but heavy exercise should be avoided as it can worsen symptoms. - Are Piles बवासीर more common in elderly people?
Piles can occur at any age, but they are more common in elderly people due to reduced elasticity of tissues and other health conditions. - Can Piles बवासीर be treated solely with home remedies?
Mild cases of Piles बवासीर can be managed with home remedies, but more severe cases may require medical attention or surgery. - Should people with Piles बवासीर avoid spicy food?
Yes, spicy foods can irritate the digestive system and worsen piles symptoms, so it is best to avoid them. - Can piles be cured permanently?
With proper treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes, Piles (बवासीर) can be cured, and recurrence can be prevented with ongoing care.
Conclusion
Piles बवासीर can be a painful and distressing condition, but with the right lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and Ayurvedic treatments, it can be managed effectively. Ayurveda not only provides treatment for the symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of Piles बवासीर. However, if the condition persists or worsens, it is advisable to seek consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Piles बवासीर should not be ignored, and taking early precautions can prevent it from becoming a chronic issue. With natural and holistic Ayurvedic remedies, you can manage piles safely and prevent their recurrence.