HAEMORRHOIDS OR PILES
Haemorrhoids or piles is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders affect both men and women in India. The inflammation and swelling of rectal veins leads to varicosity of haemorrhoid tissues sometimes develops either internally or externally. The different types of piles or haemorrhoids mentioned in classics of traditional Siddha medicine, based on the disturbance of Vaatham-Pittham-Kabham.

Swollen veins found around the rectum and anus cause painful evacuation with constipation, bleeding or haemorrhage with bowel movements, mucus discharge, pruritus, itching and irritation around anal region, prolapse of mucosal pile mass, leakage of stool are common symptoms in haemorrhoids. The most common symptom of haemorrhoid is bright red blood during the evacuation of faeces. Internal haemorrhoids usually cause prolapse or painless rectal bleeding with bowel movement.

Causes:
The actual cause of haemorrhoids postponing bowel movements, chronic constipation, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake and low fibre dietary habits. The relationship between haemorrhoids and functional constipation or dyssynergic defecation has been documented in traditional medicines for centuries. Exposure to extreme heat conditions, anxiety, prolonged frustration and anger may trigger the disease.

Piles or Haemorrhoids are also associated with obesity, hypertension, ascites, anaemia, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhoea, pressure on haemorrhoidal venous plexus, anal intercourse, spinal cord injuries and at times during pregnancy in women.

UNIQUENESS OF OUR TREATMENT
The degree of discomfort and comorbidities determines the treatment protocols which also require a high degree of patient compliance. Patients with haemorrhoids grade-I or II can be treated without surgical intervention with Siddha medicines successfully. Severe haemorrhoids and its complications require more treatment strategies and/or procedures.

Low-grade haemorrhoids are effectively treated with siddha herbal medicines along with external application, dietary changes and lifestyle modification. Integrative therapies for both conditions include good fibre diet, stool softeners, lifestyle changes, and hydrotherapy like Sitz bath are effective. In pregnant and postpartum women, regulation of bowel habits can reduce the risk of haemorrhoids. It has been proved by scientific studies that acupuncture could improve microcirculation, capillary flow, vascular tone, and to strength the connective tissue to prevent the recurrence of the prolapse. Meruguli thylam has been used as healing oil for centuries as it has antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity naturally.

The nonsurgical management of haemorrhoids have some treatment regimens that focus on preventing rectal bleeding, reducing inflammation, relieving anal itching, preventing infections and shrinkage of piles mass. Since surgical interventions have post-operative complications, it should be the last resort for complicated haemorrhoid and in severe conditions like grade III prolapse.