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This section, if used by the layperson (not a practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine), should be viewed carefully. The patterns below explain many different types of people. One does not have to adhere to all the symptoms within a pattern, sometimes patterns cross or do not show all symptoms listed. A close look should be taken at oneself before committing to the administration of any recommended medication. Severe adverse effects are possible although quite rare. TCM Health-info recommends getting proper advice from a qualified practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine.
There are 5 major patterns associated with hemorrhoids in Chinese medicine:
(as taken from Maclean & Lyttleton: Clinical handbook of Internal Medicine, Spleen & Stomach)
Intestinal Wind: bleeding of fresh red blood before or after defecation, blood on the toilet paper, generally no pain or prolapse; often no clear systemic pattern.
Dry Intestine: associated with chronic constipation.
Damp/Heat: associated with inflammation, pain, swelling and systemic signs of Heat; can be associated with all degrees of hemorrhoids.
Spleen deficiency: loss of muscle tone or failure of the Spleen to hold blood in the blood vessels, hence the bleeding. 2nd to 3rd degree hemorrhoids that prolapse when standing, walking, or with increased intra-abdominal pressure, need manual/physical reinsertion to the anus. Accompanied with systemic signs of deficiency.
Blood Stasis: severe or continuous pain and distension, hemorrhoids may be irreducible or contain thrombus (blood clot), systemic signs of Blood stasis will show.
Prevention:
keep stool soft.Include plenty of water, fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and fiber in you daily diet.
regular exercise promotes smooth bowel movements.
try to breath through your bowel movements (do not hold your breath), DO NOT STRAIN.Take your time, relax and enjoy!
try to not sit or stand for prolonged durations too often.Take short walks, stretch,and wiggle your mid-section to get the blood flowing through that area.
keep the anal area clean, although one should be gentle with cleansing.Try to use chemical free soaps such as pure olive oil soaps, or baby wipes.
squat during defecation, the toilet seat may make it more difficult to pass the feces by compacting the anal canal.Try put platforms on either side of the toilet to raise yourself.
anal exercises, tighten and hold sphincter/anal muscles while contracting the abdomen, do not hold breath, hold and repeat as often as possible.
keep emotions smooth flowing, do not let them run your life!Anger in particular can aggravate hemorrhoids.