Piles, medically known as haemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. They can cause substantial discomfort, itching, throbbing pain, or bleeding during bowel movements. While modern medical treatments focus primarily on symptom reduction or surgical excision, the ancient science of Ayurveda approaches piles—known as Arshas—by addressing the root cause: digestive imbalances and impaired metabolic fire (Agni).
Understanding the Types and Causes of Piles
Piles are broadly categorized based on their physical placement and the degree to which they protrude:
- Internal Piles: These develop deep inside the rectum. They are generally painless because there are few pain-sensing nerves in that area, but they frequently manifest as bright red blood coating the stool.
- External Piles: These form under the skin directly around the anal opening. Because this area is highly sensitive, external piles cause noticeable pain, swelling, and itching, particularly if a blood clot forms (thrombosed haemorrhoid).
According to modern medicine, piles occur due to increased intra-abdominal pressure which stretches and weakens the vascular anal cushions. Common triggers include chronic constipation, prolonged straining on the toilet, a low-fibre diet, and sitting for extended periods.
The Ayurvedic Perspective: What is Arshas?
In traditional texts, Arsha is described as a condition that “torments a person like an enemy”. Rather than treating it merely as a localized vascular issue, Ayurveda views it as a systemic metabolic disorder.
The Three Dosha Subtypes of Piles
Ayurvedic texts classify Arshas based on the dominant imbalanced dosha, each presenting with unique symptoms:
- Vataj Arshas: Typically characterized by dry, hard, and rough external pile masses. Patients experience sharp, pricking pain, severe constipation, and flatulence.
- Pittaj Arshas: Characterized by soft, red, inflamed pile masses that bleed easily. Symptoms often include burning sensations, tenderness, and loose stools.
- Kaphaj Arshas: Marked by large, broad-based, whitish, and smooth pile masses that rarely bleed but cause heavy discharge, persistent itching, and a feeling of heaviness.
Crucial Daily Care and Self-Management
Whether you are seeking modern clinical therapy or holistic treatments, implementing targeted daily care routines can drastically reduce swelling, soothe raw tissues, and accelerate healing:
- Take a Warm Sitz Bath: Submerge your pelvic area in a shallow basin of warm water for 10–15 minutes, two to three times a day. This relaxes the anal sphincter, reduces muscle spasms, and alleviates throbbing pain.
- Never Strain or Delay: Respond to natural urges immediately. Delaying stool evacuation causes the large intestine to absorb excess moisture, leaving the stool hard, dry, and difficult to pass without straining.
- Maintain Gentle Hygiene: Cleanse the area thoroughly after bowel movements by patting with a damp cloth or using a bidet. Avoid harsh rubbing or using perfumed soaps that strip natural oils and exacerbate irritation.
Ayurvedic Diet (Pathya) and Lifestyle Modifications
In Ayurveda, correcting your diet (Pathya) and eliminating unwholesome habits (Apathya) is considered the first line of defense to restore Agni and pacify Apana Vata.
Wholesome Foods to Include (Pathya)
- Buttermilk (Takra): Celebrated as one of the best remedies for piles, buttermilk stimulates digestive fire, provides natural probiotics, and aids in seamless elimination.
- High-Fibre Grains & Legumes: Incorporate whole grains like oats, barley, brown rice, and unpolished millets to naturally add bulk to your stool.
- Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables: Consume fibre-dense choices such as papayas, apples, figs, prunes, gourd vegetables (bottle gourd, ridge gourd), and elephant foot yam (Surana), which is highly praised in Ayurveda for reducing pile mass size.
- Healthy Fats: Use moderate amounts of cow’s ghee or sesame oil to lubricate the intestinal lining and prevent dry friction during bowel movements.
Foods and Habits to Avoid (Apathya)
- Deep-Fried and Processed Foods: Limit items made from refined flour (maida), heavy bakery products, and deep-fried snacks that weaken digestive fire.
- Pungent and Spicy Aggressors: Heavily restrict red chilies, black pepper, and burning spices that irritate the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sedentary Behaviours: Avoid standing or sitting still on hard surfaces for long stretches. Stand up to stretch every hour to alleviate chronic vascular pressure in the lower pelvis.
Ayurvedic Formulations
Rastopilz Capsule – Ayurvedic Medicine for Piles, Fissures & Fistula Relief
Piles, fissures, and fistulas can cause severe discomfort, pain, itching, swelling, and even bleeding during bowel movements. Rastopilz Capsule is a trusted Ayurvedic herbal remedy that provides natural, safe, and effective relief without side effects. Made with powerful herbs, it supports better digestion, reduces constipation, and promotes faster healing of inflamed tissues.
Key Benefits of Rastopilz Capsule
- Natural Relief from Haemorrhoids (Piles)
- Alleviates burning sensation, pain, itching, and swelling.
- Controls Bleeding & Inflammation
- Herbal actives help stop bleeding and promote wound healing.
- Improves Bowel Function
- Regulates digestion, prevents hard stools, and reduces straining.
Rajasthan Aushdhalaya’s Piles Go Churna is an Ayurvedic Medicine for Piles, Fissure & Fistula. It is made with a blend of potent ayurvedic herbs, Harshringar and Marich, that may help to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and promote healing. With regular use of Piles Go Churna, you may experience relief from symptoms such as itching, burning, and bleeding, and promote better digestive health. It is convenient and easy to use, simply mix one pouch of churna in a glass of water and consume twice a day after meals. It is safe for long-term use with no harmful side effects and is quality tested to ensure the highest purity and potency standards.
Key Benefits of Piles Go Churna
- Relieves constipation and promotes regular bowel movements
- Reduces pain, itching, and burning sensations
- Helps in controlling bleeding piles (haemorrhoids)
- Supports healthy digestion and reduces bloating
- Provides natural anti-inflammatory effects to ease swelling
