Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that may lead to pain, bleeding, itching and discomfort. They are one of the most common anorectal conditions worldwide, affecting millions of individuals.
They are categorised into internal piles (developing inside the rectum) and external piles (developing outside the anal opening).
Modern lifestyle factors—like prolonged sitting, low-fiber diets, and stress—are major reasons for their rising incidence today.
In Ayurveda, piles are called “Arsha.” The term ‘Arsha’ is derived from the “Ru Gatau” Dhatu with the suffix “Asun,” that signifies the pain and trouble these growths bring—like an enemy within.
Arsha, in Ayurveda, is caused as a result of deranged Agni (digestive fire), which forms Ama (toxins) and vitiates the three doshas, more so Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Piles treatment in Ayurveda by Apollo AyurVAID adopts an integrated, individual, and protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda), addressing the root causes and the individual’s specific imbalances rather than merely suppressing its symptoms.
A whole-person health assessment by an expert team of Ayurveda physicians is done to design a personalised treatment protocol. This includes classical Ayurveda medications and therapies, targeted anorectal care, and individualised diet and lifestyle modifications.
This personalised Ayurveda treatment for piles focuses on reducing inflammation, correcting digestive imbalances, ensuring smoother bowel movements, and promoting healing of the affected veins and tissues, thereby preventing recurrence and improving quality of life.
In some cases, minimally invasive Ayurveda procedures are used to support faster recovery and lasting results.
Risk Factors for Piles
The various physiological events involved in the disease cause imbalances in the three doshas—mainly Pitta, Vata, and Kapha.
Both systems, when investigated holistically, put a great deal of stress on diet, lifestyle, bowel function, and mental status as the major contributors to the causation of piles.
In Ayurveda, eating spicy, sour, salty, or heavy-to-digest foods aggravate Pitta and Kapha doshas—leading to poor digestion (Mandagni), internal heat build up and rectal vessel congestion.
These eating patterns resonate with contemporary research, whereby low-fiber, processed food, alcohol cause constipation, straining, and venous engorgement – major causes of piles.
Even incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Ahara) as per Ayurveda are now linked to gut issues and inflammation.
Chronic Constipation and straining raise pressure in the rectal veins, causing piles. It is due to Vata imbalance from dry, cold, and erratic diets.
Modern medicine attributes this to low fibre, fat-rich diet and inadequate bowel training. Straining during defecation raises intra-abdominal pressure, which causes the distension and prolapse of rectal veins—a direct pathophysiological rationale for piles.
A sedentary life, unstructured routines, and stress causes dosha imbalance, especially Vata and Kapha – these are known to slow down gut motility, reduce blood flow, and induce obesity, all of which increase the risk of piles.
Suppression of natural urges for defecation or urination result in harder stools and lead to straining.
In Ayurveda, it is recognised that emotions such as anger, irritability, and stress, aggravate Pitta and Vata, resulting in internal inflammation and compromised digestive function.
In females, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation, may elevate pelvic venous pressure. This observation aligns with Ayurveda principles regarding Rakta Dushti and the imbalance of Apana Vata during reproductive transitions.
Conditions like liver disease or portal hypertension cause rectal vein congestion.
Further, the intake of blood-thinning drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in piles.
Any compromised digestive/metabolic condition (Dhatukshaya or Agnimandya), can aggravate piles.
Common Symptoms:
Vata-Type Piles:
Pitta-Type Piles:
Kapha-Type Piles:
The etiology of Arsha (piles) develops gradually with faulty digestion and lifestyle leading to changes in the gut function, pressurising vessels and tissues in the anal canal. The root cause lies in the disturbance of doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, along with impaired Agni (digestive fire) and toxin accumulation (Ama).
Nidana Sevana (Causative Factors Initiate the Process)
Daily consumption of Ahita Ahara-Vihara—like pungent, oily, incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara), sedentary lifestyle, suppression of natural urges, and habitual constipation—starts to derange the internal balance. These habits mainly derange Jatharagni (digestive fire).
Jatharagni Mandya → Ama Formation
Faulty digestion results in incomplete metabolism and the formation of Ama (toxic metabolic products). This Ama affects the normal function of the digestive tract.
Srotodushti and Pressure Build-up
Ama blocks the microchannels (Srotorodha), disrupting the regular flow of waste. This causes elevated intra-rectal pressure, venous congestion, and stagnation, leading to vascular changes.
Dysfunction of Apana Vayu
Agitated Apana Vayu, which helps with downward elimination, gets blocked and flows backward, increasing pressure in the anal area and causing prolapse and problems with bowel movements.
Tridosha Vitiation and Their Local Effects
Because of persistent Nidana and Srotodushti:
Vata aggravation: Causes hard, dry stools, constipation, and straining at defecation, producing mechanical pressure and trauma.
Pitta vitiation: Produces inflammation, bleeding, and burning pain because of its ushna and tikshna nature’s action on blood vessels.
Kapha imbalance: Leads to mucosal swelling, heaviness, and development of fleshy, prolapsing masses because of its sthira and snigdha nature.
Rakta Dushti and Vessel Damage
Vitiated Pitta and Vata, and Ama, result in Rakta Dushti (corruption of blood), which results in inflammation and debilitation of the hemorrhoidal veins. This causes dilatation, weakness, and bleeding piles (Raktarsha).
Involvement of Dhatu (Mamsa & Meda)
Long-term involvement of Mamsa (muscle) and Meda (fat) dhatus results in overgrowth of local tissues, leading to the formation of non-bleeding piles. The mass and prolapse are the result of structural degeneration and congestion.
Chronicity and Structural Change
When not corrected, recurrent inflammation and straining lead to fibrosis, irreversible vessel dilation, and prolapse, rendering the condition chronic and more difficult to correct without treatment.
1. Whole-Person Health Assessment
Conducted by our specially trained doctors, this assessment includes an in-depth evaluation of present and past complaints, Nidana Panchaka (causative factors), and disease pathways using clinical methods such as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (8-fold examination), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha along with clinical examination (proctoscopic examination). Complete medical history including associated conditions like constipation and liver disorders, or pregnancy. Advanced diagnostic procedures may include colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to rule out other conditions when clinically indicated.
2. Disease Tree
A comprehensive disease tree, from root cause to all signs and symptoms, is derived from causative factors, imbalances in doshas, involved sub-systems, and progression.
3. Personalised Protocol-Based Care Plan
Based on the disease tree and assessments, we create:
4. Disease Monitoring and Outcomes Tracking
The Hemorrhoid pain Severity Score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) are the scales used to monitor treatment success and disease progression.
The assessment parameter includes bleeding severity and frequency, prolapse classification, quality of life index, bowel movement diary, and functional assessment to gauge overall well-being. Whole-Person Health Assessment
The Apollo AyurVAID’s protocol-driven approach for Ayurveda treatment for piles focuses on symptom relief, healing of damaged tissues, restoration of normal bowel function, and prevention of recurrence. Piles Treatment in Ayurveda – duration and approach are individualised based on the grade, type, and severity of piles.
Key Goals:
Targeted treatment of hemorrhoidal tissue
Anal and rectal muscles strengthening
Prevention of prolapse and recurrence
Restoration of normal anatomy and function
Specialised Procedures:
Rasayana Therapy:
Lifestyle Integration:
Preventive Measures:
1. Nidana Parivarjana (Evading Causative Factors):
2. Dietary Suggestions:
3. Lifestyle Changes:
4. Special Yoga Asanas and Exercises:
5. Home Care Practices:
6. Regular Monitoring:
By following this comprehensive approach, AyurVAID’s protocol-driven Ayurveda treatment for piles offers lasting relief while addressing the root cause and preventing recurrence through personalised, holistic care.
Case 1: 30-year-old female presenting with recurrent bleeding piles and constipation
Case Summary:
A 30-year-old woman presented with repeated episodes of rectal bleeding, painful defecation, constipation, and anal discomfort persisting for many years, indicative of chronic hemorrhoids. She received inpatient Ayurveda therapies such as Agni Deepana, Vatanulomana, and management of Raktapitta as the treatment protocol. Internal medications combined with local and systemic therapies like Kshara Lepa, Panchavalkala sitz bath, Abhyanga, Avagaha Sweda, Parisheka, and Virechana were administered.
After treatment, the patient complained of complete stoppage of bleeding, resolution of pain on defecation, regular and strain-free passage of stools, and considerable relief in itching and local discomfort. Appetite, energy level, and general well-being were much improved. Patient-reported outcomes became “Excellent” instead of “Poor” in all areas. She was discharged with instructions for the ingestion of a light, pitta-pacifying diet, good hydration, daily sitz baths, avoidance of straining during bowel movements, and a follow-up review in one month.
I had a very good experience with the treatment I took for piles. Initially, I was uncertain whether to choose laser treatment or Ayurveda, but the pre-surgery consultation gave me hope to proceed with Ayurveda. They take complete care of the patient by regular follow-ups. The hospital staff and front desk personnel were very kind and helpful. The front desk also handled insurance, ensuring a positive overall experience. I would heartily endorse Apollo AyurVAID. Mr. SM , 34 years
I can't thank you enough for the special, excellent care this hospital has provided and for the unique gift you have for your patients. I would like to extend my gratitude to fellow doctors and a few others for taking very good care of me and relieving me from pain. I am feeling 100% confident, and I am recovering to my full life again. Mr. AD, 24 years
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The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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