HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR HAEMORRHOIDS

I am 27 years old and delivered a baby recently, after which I started bleeding and experiencing pain during motions. I have been diagnosed with haemorrhoids and was advised to undergo surgery. Is this something homeopathy can help with?

One of the most common causes of haemorrhoids in women is pregnancy, and homeopathy can help treat it and therefore avoid surgery. Homeopathy not only helps in the acute stage of pain and bleeding, but also helps with its long-term management.

Haemorrhoids – also called piles – are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. These can develop inside the rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external haemorrhoids).

With external haemorrhoids, signs and symptoms might include: itching or irritation in the anal region; pain or discomfort; swelling around the anus; and bleeding.

However, internal haemorrhoids usually cannot be seen or felt, and they rarely cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation when passing stool can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. One might notice small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet tissue or in the toilet. A haemorrhoid can push through the anal opening (prolapsed or protruding haemorrhoid), resulting in pain and irritation.

The veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Haemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to straining during bowel movements; sitting for long periods of time on the toilet; having chronic diarrhoea or constipation; being obese; being pregnant; eating a low-fibre diet; and regularly lifting heavy weights.

There are various ways to prevent haemorrhoids:

• Eat high-fibre foods: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to help keep stools soft.

• Exercise: Stay active to help prevent constipation and to reduce pressure on the veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that might be contributing to your haemorrhoids.

• Avoid long periods of sitting: Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase pressure on the veins in the anus.

Since homeopathy is based on individualisation, the remedy selected will be different for different people according to the symptoms they showcase. Along with the appropriate homeopathic remedy, I would say you will most likely have to modify your diet and make some lifestyle changes, as guided by your homeopathic doctor.