In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hemorrhoids are such a common medical condition that a saying goes, “Among the 10, nine people have hemorrhoids.” Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain and make one feel restless. Their leading cause is constipation combined with poor circulation in the anal area.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the end of the rectum and anus. Generally, there are three types of hemorrhoids: external, internal, and mixed.Doctors will usually prescribe ointment and suggest lifestyle changes for mild cases of hemorrhoids. However, an operation may be needed if the conditions are severe. Removal of the venous plexus, a set of interconnected blood vessels, near the affected area may be required.
Similar to how a bottlecap prevents leakage, the sphincter manages anal continence. The venous plexus also provides cushioning and helps prevent leakage. Therefore, if the venous plexus is removed, incontinence will become an issue as no cushion is left to lock the rectum.
Does this mean there is no way to heal severe hemorrhoids without going under the knife?
Who Is At Risk For Hemorrhoids?
Dr. Wu said three types of people are more prone to hemorrhoids due to poor blood circulation.1. Sedentary
Because the pelvic cavity has insufficient blood circulation, people such as office workers or engineers who sit at work for eight to 12 hours a day are more prone to have blood vessel blockage in this area, which causes hemorrhoids.2. People Who Love Spicy Food
People who love spicy food may experience diarrhea after meals due to excessive stimulation to the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation. When this happens, blood vessels swell in the anus, resulting in hemorrhoids.3. People With Poor Blood Circulation
People with poor circulation typically have the following three characteristics:- Dryness and heat in the body: Signs include dry mouth, sweating, or anger. This group of people usually experiences dry and hard stool. Therefore, they are prone to hemorrhoids due to excessive friction. Treatment should begin with removing gastrointestinal heat accumulation.
- Anxiety and difficulty breathing: These people often feel anxiety, difficulty breathing, or disinterest in activities. Negative emotions impact and slow gastrointestinal peristalsis, causing bloating. In TCM, treatment for this usually focuses on soothing the liver and uplifting the patient’s mood.
- Weak qi and blood: People with weak qi and blood fatigue quickly. They may have little appetite, lack of desire, and diarrhea after meals. The treatment plan for this is to replenish the spleen or stomach qi.
Hemorrhoids that can be felt, commonly known as external hemorrhoids, are hyperplasia caused by poor blood circulation and blood stasis.
Anal Care Explained
Preventing or treating hemorrhoids is closely related to managing anal health. Dr. Wu provided the following four anal care methods:1. Time on the Toilet
Sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods results in rectal pressure, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. While tending to your business in the bathroom, avoid using your cellphone, which can overstimulate emotions. It’s better to be mindful of what you’re doing and leave distractions outside the bathroom.2. Proper Cleaning
When stool passes through the anus, it often leaves residue. To prevent inflammation, make sure the anal area is adequately cleaned.3. Cleaning Before Wiping
Toilet paper can scratch the delicate anal area. If possible, it’s best to clean with water first, such as with a bidet, and then press-dry the anal area with toilet paper.4. Planning Toilet Time
Planning a time to go to the bathroom helps develop a routine for your body clock.The best time to have a bowel movement is after breakfast. After a night of peristalsis, the intestines and stomach have already moved feces to the pancreatic colon or rectum. The digestive system moving again during mealtime will ensure smooth fecal excretion.
The 12-hour meridian regimen in TCM suggests that the best time to have breakfast is 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. since it is most suitable for gastrointestinal peristalsis.
Since not every person will have breakfast as soon as they wake, Dr. Wu suggests considering the first meal of the day as breakfast.
The important thing is to set a regular timeline. It is better to develop the right lifestyle rhythm than pick the correct hour.
Acupoints Increase Movement and Blood Circulation
Acupoints and exercise improve internal movement while keeping you fit and reducing hemorrhoid development.2 Acupoints to Accelerate Gastrointestinal Peristalsis
- Acupoint ST36: Dr. Wu explained that acupoint ST36 replenishes the spleen, stomach, and qi. ST36 is located four fingers below the knee and 1 inch outside the tibia or shin bone.
- Acupoint DU1: Acupoint DU1 improves blood flow in the anus area to prevent hemorrhoids. It is located at the bottom of the tailbone before the anus. Press the acupoint with your finger. Alternatively, use the tip of a ballpoint pen cover or massage tool. It can also be done through anal lifting, pelvic muscle training, or Kegel exercise.
Exercise to Prevent Hemorrhoids
Other than using acupressure, which can improve blood flow in the anus area to prevent hemorrhoids, you can achieve the same effect with pelvic muscle training or Kegel exercise.How to Do the Hip-Hinge Exercise
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend your knees without locking them.
- Keep your head, back, and buttocks aligned. Do not hunch or over-lift your chest.
- Breathe in. Push your hips back as far as you can. Then push back slowly to the original position.
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