Abstract

Dr. Sucheta Ray*, Dr. Shrikant Patel and Dr. Rajendra Kumar Dixit

ABSTRACT

Haemorrhoids are progressively increasing in the society. It is manifested due to multifold factors viz. disturbed life style or daily routines, improper or irregular diet intake, prolonged standing or sitting, faulty habits of defecation etc. which results in derangement of Jatharagni leading to vitiation of Tridosha, mainly Vata Dosha. These vitiated Doshas get localized in Guda Vali and Pradhana Dhamani which further vitiates Twak, Mansa, and Meda Dhatus due to Annavaha shrotodushti leads to development of Arsha. The fast food and cola culture have again worsened the condition. This disorder is utterly embarrassing to the patient Arsha (Piles) is an extremely common problem and it has been reported since thousands of years and its prevalence rate is highest among all anorectal disorders. The term haemorrhoids is popularly used to refer for pathological varicosity of the haemorrhoidal veins due to increased pressure, is usually resulted by straining during defecation, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, pregnancy etc. Arsha (Haemorrhoids) is clinically an engorged condition of haemorrhoidal venous plexus along with abnormally displaced enlarged anal cushion, characterized by inflamed or prolapsed pile mass, bleeding per rectum and some discharge from anus. In modern medical science, many procedures are described for management of haemorrhoids, of which haemorrhoidectomy is commonly preferred by surgeons, but after sometime of excision there is great possibility of reappearance of the disease. But in Ayurveda fourfold management of Arsha has been indicated viz. Bheshaj, Kshar Karma, Agnikarma and Shastra Karma according to chronicity and presentation of the disease. Among these, Bheshaj Chikitsa and Kshar Karmas show wonderful results in management of Arsha. Arsha is being described by all the classics of Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta even placed this disorder in the “Ashta Mahagada” (Eight grave diseases). Arsha occurs in Guda region, which is undoubtedly a Marma, and it is well known for its chronicity and difficult management.