Why it happens (Nidana)
Chronic constipation and straining, prolonged sitting (especially on hard seats or the toilet with a phone), low-fibre diet, pregnancy, heavy lifting, family tendency.
Digestive Health
Piles (Haemorrhoids) · Arsha
vata involvedpitta involved Source: Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana 6 (Arsha — including Kshara Sutra); Charaka Chikitsa 14
Arsha (piles) receives an entire classical chapter: its root is chronic constipation and prolonged straining. Ayurveda treats the cause — soft regular stools via Triphala, fibre and fluids — plus sitz baths, Kshara-based classical therapy at clinics for advanced grades.
See a doctor first if: Dark/black stools, heavy bleeding, severe pain with fever, or any rectal bleeding after age 45 must be medically examined to rule out serious disease.
How it shows up (Lakshana)
Painful or painless bleeding during stools (bright red), itching or lump at the anus, incomplete evacuation feeling, mucus discharge, pain in thrombosed piles.
Key herbs & formulations
Triphala, Haritaki, Arshoghni classical preparations, Nagkesar for bleeding type, Jimikand (elephant foot yam) as food, Kanchanara; Kshara Sutra therapy for advanced cases (surgical Ayurveda, at hospitals).
Classical medicines beyond kitchen herbs should be taken under a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, especially with existing medication, in pregnancy, or for children.
Home care protocol (Chikitsa)
Warm sitz bath 10 minutes twice daily (plain warm water or with triphala decoction); Triphala at bedtime for soft stools; never strain — go when the urge comes, no phone in toilet; ice-free but cool compress for acute pain; radish or yam in diet traditionally recommended.
Food rules (Pathya–Apathya)
Favour
High-fibre food: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, soaked figs and prunes, buttermilk, plenty of fluids, yam and radish preparations.
Avoid
Chilli and very spicy food, alcohol, refined flour, low-water dry diets, prolonged fasting followed by heavy meals.
Lifestyle (Vihara)
Do not delay the urge; limit toilet time to under 5 minutes; avoid long continuous sitting — stand hourly; regular walking; avoid heavy straining lifts during flare.
Yoga & breath
Malasana (if comfortable), Pawanmuktasana, Sarvangasana/Viparita Karani (reduces pelvic congestion), Ashwini mudra practice.
AyurSetu provides traditional Ayurvedic wellness information for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician. Seek immediate medical care for severe, sudden or persistent symptoms.