EXTERNAL HEMORRHOID PROBLEMS
Western
Medicines believes that external hemorrhoids may be caused by a congenital
weakness of the veins in the anus. Major symptoms associated with hemorrhoids
include itching, fluid discharge, swelling, and sharp pains around the anus.
When the pressure increases from straining to move hard feces, hemorrhoids may
result. Hemorrhoids also commonly occur after childbirth and during pregnancy.
Individuals who lack fiber in their diet are also susceptible to hemorrhoids.
Western Medicine may perform a protoscopy (examination of the rectum through a
viewing tube) when diagnosing hemorrhoids to exclude cancer.
Treatment
involves high fiber diets, having regular toilet habits, and using
suppositories and creams with corticosteroid drugs or local anesthetics to
reduce swelling and pain. Prolapsed hemorrhoids require surgery. Internal
hemorrhoids are removed by tying bands around them to cause them to whither
off. Other treatment methods include the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze or shrink
the veins.
Traditional
Chinese Medicine believes that hemorrhoids occurs when there are excessive damp
and heat conditions within the intestines. The spleen controls the muscles and
moisture of the body. Exercising helps to maintain proper spleen function.
Individuals who have sedentary lifestyles do not help the moisture in the body
circulate. This moisture accumulates in the abdominals. When the rotten food in
the digestive system creates heat, combined with the accumulated moisture, this
sets the basis for an overall increase in intestinal pressure. This pressure
when coupled with gravity results in an ‘infection’ on the inside or outside of
the colon (hemorrhoids).
Traditional
Chinese Medicine treats hemorrhoids by using herbs to eliminate the ‘damp heat’
environment to relieve the intestinal pressure. Herbs are also used to dry up
the external hemorrhoid to help it whither and fall off. By changing the body’s
internal environment, hemorrhoids can be eliminated naturally.
From Hantang
Chinese traditional Medical Association
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