Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Ayurvedic Piles Treatments?

Christina Hall
Christina Hall

Ayurvedic piles treatments differ in that some focus solely on restoring harmony and balance to the whole digestive system, while others contain highly specific remedies to treat painful symptoms caused by the hemorrhoids. One way in which Ayurvedic practitioners determine what piles treatment is most appropriate is by classifying metabolic body type, or dosha. All three of the primary types of doshas are usually prescribed a high-fiber diet with an extra recommendation being given to kapha body types to maintain a low-fat diet, because people of this type are thought to be prone to becoming overweight when the body is out of balance energetically. Vata body types are encouraged to get a significant portion of their fiber intake from greens because they are thought to be more susceptible to debilitating constipation than the other two primary doshas.

Feeding and rekindling the “digestive fire” is the goal of some Ayurvedic piles treatments. In Ayurvedic philosophy, digestive system imbalance is thought to be one of the most dangerous types of systemic conditions because effective digestion is essential for the nourishment of every body system. The digestive fire, also referred to as “Agni,” is a hot, aromatic and dry energy, while its counterpart and nemesis, “Ama,” is cold, has a foul odor, and is wet. Ama is thought to accumulate in the human body as an internal toxin because of improper metabolic functioning. Piles are one of the first symptoms that the digestive disease process is manifesting, most commonly as a result of built-up Ama. Ayurvedic piles treatments that focus on the removal of Ama do so by increasing Agni through dietary changes and Ayurvedic herbal tinctures that are mixed solely for a single patient based on his symptoms.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

If the patient’s hemorrhoids are bleeding, various other Ayurvedic piles treatments are usually recommended. The first priority in these cases is to restore the vitality of the blood by improving the iron level in the circulatory system. Ayurvedic herbs that revitalize the blood, protecting the person from anemia and extreme weakness, are given for a period of time before the totality of the problem is addressed. Resolving constipation according to the patient’s dosha body type is the next step in Ayurvedic piles treatments that concern blood deficiency because hard stools can cause the pile to reopen and begin bleeding again.

After Ayurvedic piles treatments have been administered, Ayurvedic practitioners insist that the patient do his best to keep the condition from coming back. The patient is advised to refrain from eating when not hungry, eating heavy or sticky foods, or any other food that is known to cause digestive upset. The patient is encouraged to participate in the practical, spiritual and emotional aspect of Ayurvedic practice in order to become aware of any subtle energy disturbances that could lead to relapse.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman holding a book
      Woman holding a book