Thursday, November 05, 2009

Hemorrhoids Treatment in Siddha System

The veins in the rectal region enlarge due to many reasons and this result in hemorrhoids. Some experts are of the opinion that due to the excessive pressure and strain exerted during bowel movements this increases the pressure on the veins which eventually swell up. Mainstream medical system classifies this condition broadly into two categories namely internal and external hemorrhoids.

Statistics reveal an increase in the number of people who suffer from this condition. Changes in food habits and lifestyle especially of people living in large cities result in constipation. Constipation is considered to be the main culprit. When stool stays longer than usual in the large intestines, it loses most of its fluids and gets hardened. The hardened stool has to be evacuated with pressure which injures the anal region. When this turns into a regular feature, the veins enlarge and result in this condition.

Symptoms

One of the chief symptoms is the pain and bleeding when passing stools. In case of external hemorrhoids, the engorged veins might stick out after a bowel movement. Due to leaking of fluids, there will be itching in the anal region. This is confirmed with the help of a thorough medical examination including an anoscopy. This also helps to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding like polyps, colon cancer etc. Hemorrhoids are graded as first, second, third and fourth degrees. The first degree bleed but do not prolapse, second degree would prolapse but retract, third degree need to be pushed in after a prolapse, and the fourth degree remain external.

Causes

Constipation is considered to be the chief cause.
Heredity, this can run in families.
Less or no intake of fibers.
Eating spicy and hot foods too often.
Excessive intake of meat.
Eating too much resulting in straining the digestive system.
Spending too much in traveling, like salesmen, businessmen etc.
Sitting on a hard surface for hours together each day.
Cycling too much everyday.
Working in a hot environment, for example near boilers, etc.

Cure in Siddha

The Siddha medicinal system classifies this condition into 21 different categories based on various signs and symptoms.

Symptoms according to Siddha System

Frequent constipation.
No bowel movement even when you have the sensation.
Pain in the anal region with defecation.
Eliminating in bits and pieces.
Sensation of heaviness in lower abdomen.
Distended lower abdomen with pain.
Itching of anus.
Thirsty feeling.
Loss of taste and sour taste in mouth.
Loss of appetite.
Black tarry stool.
Blood in stool, dripping of blood after bowel movement.
Night sweats and shivering of hands and legs.

When the above-mentioned symptoms are found, it is time to see a Siddha specialist who will feel your pulse and prescribe a treatment regimen according to your nature.

Advanced cases cannot be reversed to normalcy. So it would be prudent to avoid constipation which causes this condition. Seek medical help in the early stages lest it may worsen the condition.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken in plenty and should form part of your daily menu. Raisins soaked in water the previous day can be taken next day morning to aid easy bowel movement. Fibrous vegetables and fruits play a major role in preventing constipation. Also reduce the intake of processed foods and oily substances. Keep away from fast food and junk food. Meat should be avoided as far as possible. It may be taken once in a month in moderate quantity. Mutton is preferred to chicken or beef.

My subsequent posts will describe some ways to prevent this painful condition, and some treatments in the early stages.



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Monday, November 02, 2009

Constipation Treatments in Siddha

All of us would have experienced constipation at one time or other in our lives. When we are away from home for a couple of days, most of us would not have a comfortable bowel movement till we get used to the new environment. Though occasional constipation causes no harm except for the uneasy feeling associated with the condition, it would be a cause for concern if the frequency of constipation increases. Siddha and Ayurveda systems regard constipation as the root cause of most of the diseases.

When the stool remains for longer periods in the large intestines, all the fluids in it gets removed and the stool gets hardened. Violent and prolonged suppression of the urge for a bowel movement is not good and if this is repeated enough number of times, the urge then stops eventually. Similarly applying pressure to defecate when there is no urge for a bowel movement can lead to constipation. Leading a sedentary life with no physical activity leads to lesser muscular movement of the ribs and stomach. This reduces the movement of food through the intestines. This can result in constipation. Constipation can also be a side effect of certain drugs. Some experts are of the opinion that the posture adapted for defecating also plays a significant role in constipation. They suggest a squatting position is better than sitting position for easy elimination. People with hemorrhoids suffer from frequent constipation.

There are two types, one is the sudden onset constipation and the other the regular one. Regular or the usual constipation is the frequently recurring constipation almost on a daily basis with the usual symptoms. This condition can be set right by some changes in diet and exercise.

Our body processes the food we eat, takes in the necessary nutrients and expels the waste matter out in frequent intervals. When this cycle is disturbed it would lead to loss of appetite, loss of taste, hemorrhoids, lethargy, tiredness, disturbed sleep, a cloudy sensation, joint pains etc.

Green gram, coconut, tender coconut, whey, milk with skin, fresh buttermilk, bananas, fresh greens especially cilantro, fenugreek greens, solanum nigrum or black nightshade, fruits like grapes, green leafy vegetables etc should form the major part of your diet. Chicken or mutton soup with less pepper and chillies, raw egg etc can also be taken.

Alcohol, pungent and spicy substances, sour buttermilk, pickles, beef etc should be avoided.

Brisk walking both in the mornings and evenings would benefit. This provides the much needed exercise to all muscles in the body and helps in toning up the internal organs.

On getting up early in the morning, drink one or two glasses of water and walk for a few minutes.

Establish a routine of going to the rest room in the mornings at a set time. Even if you do not have the sensation to evacuate, sit on the toilets. While seated calm your mind and visualize easy bowel movement. Even if you have not had one at the moment, going to the toilets at the set time will train your minds and would eventually result in daily bowel movement over time.

Making these changes in your day to day activities can help you in getting rid of constipation fast. Only in case of stubborn constipation should you resort to medicines. Taking laxatives can lead to dependency and should be avoided as far as possible.

One of the time tested constipation remedies is triphala choornam available at all Siddha and Ayurveda stores. 5-10 gm of this preparation is mixed in a spoonful of ghee and honey and taken at bedtime. This helps in facilitating easy bowel movement. This preparation also benefits the eyes. You can continue to take this till you are out of constipation. I will share some more simple remedies for constipation relief in my subsequent posts.


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