Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, is a medical condition in which the veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum are swollen. When the walls of these vessels stretch, they can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort. They can develop for various reasons, including older age, pregnancy, and cons tipation.
Even though they occasionally cause pain, piles frequently get better without any intervention. Some lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fibre intake and exercising, can assist in alleviating symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence in the future. Some hemorrhoids are effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, but in severe cases, the piles may require surgical intervention.
There are numerous ways to prevent and treat piles at home. One way is to make some dietary changes. It is recommended that you eat a lot of high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods help to soften your stools and make them easier to pass. Fluid intake should be increased more so water .
Another way to prevent and treat piles is to be physically active and exercise regularly. This also helps to keep your bowel movements regular and can help reduce the pressure in your veins. You should also avoid sitting for long periods of time; if you do sit for a longer duration, make it a habit to move about at regular intervals.
If you are experiencing piles symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe medications or other treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
Types of Piles
Piles can be either internal or external. For a simple way to understand them, they can be diagnosed as internal piles based on whether they remain in the rectum or as external piles if they protrude out of the anus.
Internal piles
Internal piles are found within the rectum and are therefore hidden from view. They typically cause no pain. Rectal bleeding is frequently the initial symptom of internal piles. Internal piles usually don’t cause pain because there are very few pain sensing nerves inside.
Internal piles are classified in Grades 1 through 4, depending on the degree of prolapse:
Grade 1 piles remain in the rectum without prolapsing (protruding out of the anus).
Grade 2 When someone passes stool, piles prolapse and then naturally retract inside.
Grade 3 piles are prolapsed and must be pushed back in.
Grade 4 piles are prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in.
External Piles
Haemorrhoids that occur on the outside edge of the anus are known as external piles. They are often painful. They are dilated veins forming swellings at the outer side of the external sphincter; they can also be felt as small, water-balloon-like swellings.
External piles or perianal hematoma occur in the skin around the anus and are therefore visible. If an internal blood clot develops in the haemorrhoid (thrombosed external haemorrhoid), A thrombosed external haemorrhoid frequently needs surgery.
There are more sensitive nerves in this part of the body, so external piles can be very painful. When passing stools, straining can make internal or external piles bleed.
Piles symptoms:
Symptoms of piles often include:
• Bleeding
• The anus region is itchy and irritable
• Anus-regional discomfort, pain, or soreness
• Inflammation of the hemorrhoidal tissue
• Lumps are formed, and there is swelling in the anal region.
• Veins are bulged or dilated, depending on its location it can be painful or not.
• Mucus discharge may appear during bowel movements.
• Anus appears red and swollen.
• The haemorrhoids frequently protrude from the anus. It is the case usually after defacating, when there’s lot of standing and sitting for long duration.
• A sense of fullness in the anus and straining while passing stools may be present.
Must Know: Top 7 Yoga Poses for Constipation Relief
Piles causes:
Despite the fact that physicians do not fully comprehend why piles develop, they may do so for the following reasons:
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, piles a re common. The tissues in the rectum become weaker, and hormonal changes cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge.
• Aging: Piles are generally common among adults over 50. However, kids and teenagers can also get them.
• Diarrhea: Pile formation can occur after cases of chronic diarrhea, and it can also aggravate latent haemorrhoids.
• Chronic constipation: Straining to move stools or overpurging puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, may result in piles.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Spending a long time in a seated position for work, or especially sitting on the toilet for a longer duration, can also cause piles. Exercise and a fit and healthy lifestyle are good measures to manage piles. If you are wondering what exercises are good for piles then keep reading ahead.
• Diet : Piles may result from a diet that is high in fast food and low in dietary fibre.
• Heavy lifting: Lifting hefty objects repeatedly can result in piles.
• Weight/Obesity: Being overweight also increases your chance of developing piles. This might be the result of increased abdominal pressure. So needless to say, exercises are good to relieve piles.
• Anal intercourse: Haemorrhoids may develop due to it, or they may get worse.
• Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop piles, due to congenital weakness of the vein walls.
• Diseases like liver cirrhosis, can also lead to piles.
Vipritkarni
• As you exhale, slowly lift your legs so that they are parallel to the ground. By pressing the hands under the hips while using the elbows as a fixed support, raise the lower part of the trunk.
• Maintain a slanting trunk, straight legs, and a relaxed neck while lying on the ground. Try to slowly move the hands towards the waist once this position is firmly established by careful manipulation.
• Position the hands so that the thumbs are lightly pressed on either side of the navel and the fingers are extended to the back of the hip bones (final position). In 4 seconds, finish the previous steps while exhaling.
• Hold this position for as long as is comfortable, but no more than two minutes. Breathe naturally, slowly, and rhythmically. Go back to
• To get back to the starting position, slowly bend your knees and, while inhaling, slowly lower your hips towards the mat while holding them up with your hands.
• Release the hands behind you and go back to the beginning position. Take a few deep breaths, after which you should rest and breathe normally.
Benefits:
• Relieves the pressure from your lower body.
• Aids in relaxing the pain and discomfort near the rectum area.
• Very efficient for boosting blood flow to the brain.
• Aids in increasing mental alertness, which increases self-reliance and confidence.
• Place your hands at your sides and your feet together while lying flat on a mat. Inhale.
• As you exhale, bring your feet up towards your hips and fold your legs up against your thighs. Pull the abdominal muscles to raise the lower portion of the body vertically while keeping your knee folded.
• Your hands will provide support (fingers under the hips and the thumbs above) Weight-bearing surfaces for the entire body include the palms, elbows, neck, and back of the head. Exhale while raising your legs high enough to form a right angle with your body.
• Keep your body above your hip joint and your knees straight. At this point, while continuing to exhale, raise the arms, hold the waist, and lift the body as high as you can.
• Throw your legs up in the air while supporting your entire body weight on your arms and elbows. Once this position is firmly established by careful manipulation, try to move the hands slowly towards the waist, with the fingers extended to the back of the hipbones and the thumbs lightly pressed on both sides of the navel.
• Your body weight should be rested on your shoulders neck and back of the head, also lock your chin on the chest. In 4 seconds, finish the aforementioned steps while exhaling.
• Maintain this position for no more than two minutes while breathing normally, slowly, rhythmically, and naturally. The knees should be slowly bent, then the feet should be gently lowered to the starting position.
• Releasing the hand return to start position.
• Take a few deep breaths, after which you should rest and breathe normally.
Consider this asana as a form of exercise that is good for piles.
Benefits:
• Relief from indigestion and constipation
• Neurasthenia and giddiness are eased.
• Increases immunity by balancing the nerves, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, and central nervous systems.
• Relieves haemorrhoids/piles by releasing the anal muscles' natural gravitational pressure.
• Increases mental alertness, which increases self-reliance and confidence.
• Place your hands to the side and your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Raise both of your hands straight up above your head as you take a breath. Bring your hands to your toes or grab your ankles while exhaling, holding your knees straight.
• To get the most benefit when bending over or standing up, keep your head as well as your hands together at all times.
• Try bringing your forehead to your knees while holding your breath and keeping your knees straight. Continue in this position for 6 seconds while holding your breath suspended, or hold the position for no longer than 2 minutes while breathing normally.
• Take a deep breath and extend both hands above your head. Bring your hands to the sides and rotate them backward as you exhale.
Benefits:
• Compression of the belly promotes healthy digestion.
• The blood circulates towards the direction of the head.
• Your mental harmony is enhanced.
Balasana
• Sit on your knees with your posterior on your heels to start the asana.
• With your palms down, lay them on your thighs.
• Stretch your hands forward on the floor as you bow forward and gradually bring your chest between your knees while exhaling.
• Gently inhale and hold the position for two to three minutes.
Benefits:
• It improves the flow of blood around your anus
• Issues of constipation is relieved.
• It improves digestion
• It also reduces tension in the area around the lower rectum.
Ashwini Mudra
• Sit in Sukhasana or another comfortable meditation position.
• Just relax your body and close your eyes.
• Be mindful of the genital and anus muscles.
• Without straining, quickly contract the anal sphincters for a few seconds, then release them.
• Just deal with the anal area. Ten to twenty times each of contraction and relaxation should be executed smoothly and rhythmically.
• Gradually increase the contraction rate.
Benefits:
• It aids in the strengthening of the anal muscles.
• Prevents Pile swelling or enlargement.
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As Hansaji say Lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of piles. These include four lifestyle changes Ahar, Vihar, Achar and Vichar:
Ahar (Eating a healthy diet): Eating plenty of fibre rich food, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep stools soft. Taking castor oil after dinner and staying hydrated can also ease constipation.
Vihar (Rest, Relaxation & Proper Sleep): A person should try not to strain when passing the stool. Straining puts excess pressure on the veins in the lower rectum. Stay Active and avoid sitting for longer periods of time. Regular Exercise helps stool move through the bowel, making bowel movements more regular. Good sleep habits help in proper digestion.
Achar (Daily Routines): Clearing the bowel as soon as one feels the urge is very important, do not hold it in, the longer a person waits, the drier the stools will be and cause constipation. A strict no no to straining if you are having a hard stool. Take a hip dip for 10mins a day, use coconut oil to soothe any irritation.
Vichar (Thought Process): Stress is also a contributing factor. One needs to learn to let go and avoid attachment towards material things in life. Start being mindful in everyday activities like proper sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, etc. Developing a positive attitude towards Life will help you mind healthy in turn making your gut healthy.
Over the years many case studies at The Yoga Institute, have shown that with yogic techniques, practices and lifestyle changes piles can be cured completely. This way a person can lead a happy and pain free life.
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