The veins in the rectal region enlarge due to many reasons and this result in hemorrhoids. Some experts are of the opinion that due to the excessive pressure and strain exerted during bowel movements this increases the pressure on the veins which eventually swell up. Mainstream medical system classifies hemorrhoids broadly into two categories namely internal and external hemorrhoids.
Statistics reveal an increase in the number of people who suffer from hemorrhoids. Changes in food habits and lifestyle especially of people living in large cities result in constipation. Constipation is considered to be the main culprit. When stool stays longer than usual in the large intestines, it loses most of its fluids and gets hardened. The hardened stool has to be evacuated with pressure which injures the anal region. When this turns into a regular feature, the veins enlarge and result in hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
One of the chief symptoms of hemorrhoids is the pain and bleeding when passing stools. In case of external hemorrhoids, the engorged veins might stick out after a bowel movement. Due to leaking of fluids, there will be itching in the anal region. This is confirmed with the help of a thorough medical examination including an anoscopy. This also helps to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding like polyps, colon cancer etc. Hemorrhoids are graded as first, second, third and fourth degrees. First degree hemorrhoids bleed but do not prolapse, second degree would prolapse but retract, third degree hemorrhoids need to be pushed in after a prolapse, and fourth degree remains external.
What causes Hemorrhoids?
• Constipation is considered to be the chief cause of hemorrhoids.
• Heredity, this can run in families.
• Less or no intake of fibers.
• Eating spicy and hot foods too often.
• Excessive intake of meat.
• Eating too much resulting in straining the digestive system.
• Spending too much in traveling, like salesmen, businessmen etc.
• Sitting on a hard surface for hours together each day.
• Cycling too much everyday.
• Working in a hot environment, for example near boilers, etc.
Hemorrhoid Cure in Siddha
The Siddha medicinal system classifies hemorrhoids into 21 different categories based on various signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids according to Siddha System
• Frequent constipation.
• No bowel movement even when you have the sensation.
• Pain in the anal region with defecation.
• Eliminating in bits and pieces.
• Sensation of heaviness in lower abdomen.
• Distended lower abdomen with pain.
• Itching of anus.
• Thirsty feeling.
• Loss of taste and sour taste in mouth.
• Loss of appetite.
• Black tarry stool.
• Blood in stool, dripping of blood after bowel movement.
• Night sweats and shivering of hands and legs.
When the above-mentioned symptoms are found, it is time to see a Siddha specialist who will feel your pulse and prescribe a treatment regimen according to your nature. My subsequent posts will describe some ways to prevent this painful condition, and some hemorrhoids treatment in the early stages.
