Piles is a very common condition and may affect 75% of the population by age 50. In Ayurveda this condition is called Arsa. Piles can be internal or external. According to Ayurveda piles occur when the digestive fire is low. Good and proper digestion is based on digestive fire (agni) and its strength. It can also occurs due to vitiation of apanavayu which controls the bowel movements. Constipation, pregnancy and continuous travelling or sitting can cause piles.
In Ayurveda disbalance of Doshas leads to piles. The excretion process in the body is governed by Vata Dosha, as it keeps the bowel movement proper and functioning. If the Vata Dosha is aggravated or imbalanced, it can cause the bowel contents to get dried and can hinder the proper bowel movement causing constipation.
When blood vessels located in the walls of rectum and anus become inflamed or develop a clot due to various reasons and thereby cause number of symptoms. Sitting for long periods of time can start the hemorrhoidal process and convert it into piles. Increased straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or diarrhea may lead to hemorrhoids. Hypertension and stress can also cause Piles. Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins. Pregnancy may also lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so piles are often associated with pregnancy.
Ayurvedic Classifications according to the Doshas of the body
- Vata Arsha (Hemorrhoids having Vata dominance) Piles are very hard, rough and blackish in colour. They are very painful usually accompanied by constipation
- Pitta Arsha (Hemorrhoids having Pitha dominance) Piles are very soft, reddish in colour, inflamed and bleeding. Thirst, diarrhoea, fever may also be present
- Kaphaja Arsha (Hemorrhoids having Kapha dominance) Piles are whitish, large, soft and slimy with low digestive fire
- Tridoshaja Arsha (Hemorrhoids having Tridosha dominance) Combination of above mentioned symptoms
Along with the above mentioned RakthaArsha (Bleeding Piles) and Sahaja Arsha (Hereditary Piles) are also found commonly.
In order to keep piles under check and avoid relapse of piles, it is necessary to bring all the three doshas in harmony with each other. As mentioned earlier Vata Dosha is the most dominant dosha which aggravates in the piles, hence it becomes utmost important to keep Vata Dosha under check.
Vata Dosha can be kept under check if we follow the below mentioned Ayurvedic guidelines.
- Avoid cold foods & drinks. Always drink tepid drinks.
- Stop eating food made from maida, refined sugar and refine oil. .
- Avoid oily and dry food, and skip to food which has more water content.
- Avoid raw or undercooked food. Avoid eating stale and old food.
How to manage aggravated Vata Dosha.
- Wear warm and layered clothing.
- Have regular body and head massages with oil.
- Avoid fasting or going empty stomach for long.
Ayurveda is a preventive as well as protective science that encourages holistic wellness. Lifestyle changes, making choice of organic& natural food, Pranayama, Yoga, staying hydrated and spending time in nature is the key to keep the Doshas of the body balanced and in harmony. Most of the conditions take care by itself when the lifestyle is balanced. But at times the degree of the problem becomes high and fixing them with Ayurvedic herbs and potions becomes necessary to ward off any long term problem.