Piles, also called hemorrhoids, regularly cause bothersome discomfort and irritation in the anus. Many people—young and old—can experience this as a widespread ailment. Piles may be the result of straining too long while going to the bathroom, being overweight, being pregnant, or not exercising enough, which can make them very uncomfortable. Some signs of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, pain, and on rare occasions, bleeding.

When deciding on treating piles, people often discuss Ayurvedic medicine and conventional (allopathic) medicine as the two main methods. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches, which can make it confusing to choose the right treatment. In this article, we will compare Ayurveda and conventional medicine, allowing you to choose what is best for your personal situation.

Understanding Piles

Piles are veins in the lower rectum or anus that swell, and they can either be inside the rectum or around the anus. It is often caused by extra pressure on veins, which results in their bulging and becoming inflamed.

Common symptoms of piles include:

• Pain and discomfort during bowel movements or when sitting.
• Itching around the anus.
• Bleeding during or after a bowel movement.
• Swelling or a lump near the anus.

A number of factors can lead to piles, including eating a fiber-poor diet, being inactive, being overweight, straining when using the bathroom, and being pregnant. Genetics may also increase the likelihood of developing piles.

Conventional Medicine for Piles

Overview of Conventional Treatments

The usual approach for treating piles is to control the symptoms and often includes taking medicines or undergoing surgery.

1. Medications:

• Topical creams and ointments: Used to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Oral pain relievers: Such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Laxatives: To ease constipation and reduce straining.

2. Procedures:

• Rubber band ligation: A procedure where a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply, causing it to shrink.
• Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoidal vein to shrink it.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids in severe cases.

Pros and Cons of Conventional Treatments

Pros:

• Provides quick relief from discomfort associated with piles.
• Readily available at hospitals and clinics.
• Effective for severe cases or when other methods fail.

Cons:

• Side effects from medications, such as skin irritation or dependence on pain relievers.
• Risk of recurrence: Conventional treatments, especially medications, often do not address the root cause, leading to a higher likelihood of piles reoccurring.
• Complications from surgery: Invasive procedures, such as hemorrhoidectomy, carry risks like infection, bleeding, or complications from anesthesia.

Conventional methods help relieve symptoms temporarily, but they might not be enough to cure piles long-term.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Piles

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system that looks after the body, mind, and spirit in a holistic way. The main concern of Ayurveda is to bring balance to the body’s internal energies, address the root causes of health problems, and aid natural healing.

Overview of Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles

1. Herbal Remedies:

• Triphala: A well-known Ayurvedic herb that aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Haritaki: Often used in Ayurveda to treat digestive disorders and reduce swelling.
• Amla: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it supports overall digestion and health.

2. Panchakarma Therapies:

• Basti (medicated enema): Helps cleanse the colon, balance Vata dosha, and improve digestion, which reduces constipation—one of the main causes of piles.
• Virechana (therapeutic purgation): Involves using herbal laxatives to eliminate toxins and balance Pitta dosha, promoting better digestion and preventing piles.

3. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes:

• Emphasis on a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to keep stools soft.
• Exercise: Encouraging physical activity to improve circulation and support digestive health.

Pros and Cons of Ayurvedic Treatments

Pros:

• Holistic approach: Ayurveda treats the root causes of piles by focusing on digestive health and internal balance.
• Fewer side effects: Ayurvedic remedies tend to be gentle and can have mild side effects.
• Long-term healing: Ayurveda addresses the root causes of piles and works to prevent recurrence.
• Prevention: Ayurveda focuses on preventing piles rather than just treating them.

Cons:

• Requires time: Ayurvedic practices are meant to heal over time, and results may take longer to appear.
• Consistency and patience: Following Ayurvedic treatments often requires dedication, regular use of herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle adaptations.

Comparing the Two Approaches: Ayurvedic vs. Conventional Medicine

Effectiveness

• Conventional medicine provides quick relief but doesn’t address the underlying causes of piles, which may result in recurrence.
• Ayurveda works to restore balance and provide long-term healing. While results from Ayurvedic remedies may take time, they help prevent future episodes of piles.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of conventional treatments include skin irritation from creams and potential dependence on painkillers. Surgery can also lead to complications like infection or bleeding.
• Most Ayurvedic treatments have fewer side effects since they rely on natural herbs to support the body’s natural healing process.

Cost

• Conventional treatments, especially surgery, can be very costly. Medications are often needed again if piles reoccur.
• Ayurvedic treatments tend to be more affordable in the long term, as they focus on natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

Accessibility

• Conventional treatments are readily available in hospitals and clinics, offering quick access to medications and surgical procedures.
• Special Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma may require visiting a practitioner or Ayurvedic center, though remedies can also be found locally or online.

Personalization

• Conventional treatments are more standardized and usually follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
• In Ayurveda, treatments are personalized based on an individual’s health history, body constitution (dosha), and imbalances, providing more tailored care.

Which is Better for Piles?

Several factors should be considered when choosing between Ayurvedic and conventional treatments for piles:

• Severity of the condition: Mild cases may benefit from Ayurvedic remedies, while severe cases may require immediate intervention through conventional medicine.
• Preference for natural vs. medical treatments: Ayurveda may be the better choice for those preferring a holistic, natural approach.
• Time and patience: Ayurveda may take time to show results but offers long-term benefits, while conventional treatments may provide quicker relief but not prevent recurrence.

Role of Diet in Managing Piles

Conventional Medicine Advice on Diet

A good diet can help with piles by including more fiber, drinking enough water, and staying away from spicy or oily foods. These dietary and activity changes are often advised by doctors, along with medications.

Ayurvedic Diet for Piles

Ayurveda encourages eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and digestive herbs to balance the doshas. Eating fiber-rich foods and warm meals that are easy to digest helps prevent constipation.

Prevention: How Both Approaches Handle Piles Prevention

Conventional Medicine Prevention

The focus is often on managing piles once they appear, with general advice such as avoiding long periods of sitting, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing proper hygiene.

Prevention in Ayurveda

Prevention is the main goal in Ayurveda, with an emphasis on maintaining good digestion, balancing the doshas, and using natural remedies regularly to prevent the accumulation of toxins.

Conclusion

Both Ayurvedic and conventional treatments can be effective for treating piles. Conventional medicine offers quick relief but may not address the root causes of piles, leading to recurrence. Ayurveda, on the other hand, works to heal the body naturally and prevent future issues, but results may take time. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, severity of the condition, and preference for natural or medical treatments. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional or Ayurvedic specialist.