Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable and embarassing fact of life for millions of people around the world, particularly the middle-aged and elderly living relatively sedentary lives. Hemorrhoid treatment can vary from topical ointments to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the case. Western medicine often concerns itself primarily with targetting the symptoms, and not paying much attention to the contributing factors. Thankfully, hemorrhoids can often be prevented with a few precautions.

Hemorrhoids, also known as Piles, are enlarged veins that protude inside the rectum. They can cause a painful, burning sensation in the rectum, discomfort in sitting, and make bowel movements an unpleasant affair. It is estimated that up to 85% of the elderly population of North America require hemorrhoids treatment at some point. Hemorrhoids are caused by extensive sitting and standing, straining while having a bowel movement as a result of constipation, lifting of heavy objects in such a way as to cause undue strain in the rectum, and possibly be hereditary.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

There are a wide variety of hemorrhoids treatments available today, from the standard Western medical approach to naturapath holistic methods. Each has its own level of risk, cost and effectiveness. Here is an overview:

Medical Hemorrhoids Treatment The most common treatment for hemorrhoids is a topical cream which reduces swelling. There are various brand names available over-the-counter, and some prescription only creams. More invasive methods include cryogenic freezing, called ’scelerotherapy’, done by injecting directly into the hemorrhoid. Another surgical method is to apply a rubber band ligature, which cuts off the circulation to the hemorrhoids and then they either fall off or are cut out.

Acupuncture Hemorrhoids Treatment Acupuncture is a healing method which has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture affects the central nervous system, and works by focusing on the general health and immune system of the patient, rather than on specific symptoms. Acupuncture hemorrhoids treatment can be quite effective in healing hemorrhoids.

Herbal Hemorrhoids Treatment When using an herbal hemorrhoids treatment, it is best to begin by having a warm soak in a bath or sitz bath. Adding epsom salts can help reduce swelling. The Japanese Pagoda tree has properties that are believed to strengthen vein walls, and improve circulation. Bioflavonoids and Horse chestnut are also known to have positive effects on hemorrhoids. After the bath, ointment containing the herbs can be applied topically directly to the hemorrhoids and left overnight.

Hemorrhoids and Diet When it comes to finding an effective hemorrhoids treatment, there is none better than focusing directly on diet. This is because most hemorrhoids are caused by straining during constipation, and constipation is a direct result of poor diet. Rule number one is: drink plenty of water. Most Americans are chronically dehydrated, and not even aware of it. Second rule is to eat a diet high in fibre. Great sources of fibre are psyllium seeds, beets, green beans, cabbage, citrus fruits and oats. Any high vegetable diet will do. Also highly effective is to take one to two tablespoons of flax seed oil daily, and drink mild chamomile tea, a natural regulator. In cases of exteme constipation, laxatives can help but they mustn’t be taken on an ongoing basis.

Other useful information available on web:

1. Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids - Natural-HomeRemedies.org
2. Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids - Ayushveda.com
3. Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids - Natural-HomeRemedies.com

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