Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE ON GUDA ARSHA (HAEMORRHOIDS) AND IT’S MANAGEMENT

Dr. Preeti Pandey*, Dr. Sachin Gupta and Dr. Shruti Saraswat

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Abstract

On the basis of clinical features, the haemorrhoids are comparable to the Arsha as described in Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic Samhitas, Arsha is considered as one of the Ashtamahagada, notorious for its troublesome pain like enemy, which afflicting mankind for thousands of years since Vedic period. Haemorrhoids are an extremely common problem, reported since thousands of years, with a highest prevalence rate among all the anorectal disorders affecting 4.4 % of the world population. According to John Goligher, the incidence of piles apparently increases with age, and seems likely that at least 50 % of people over the age of 50 have some degree of haemorrhoid formation. However, the disease is by no means confined to older individuals, and piles are encountered in people of all ages. The patient may have painless per rectal bleeding, per anus prolapse of mass, incomplete evacuation, irritation and itching, soiling, and pain occasionally. In modern medical science, though, many invasive and non-invasive procedures are available for management of haemorrhoids but the natural phlebotonic and synthetic phlebotonic drugs are the only medication for oral use. In Ayurveda fourfold managements for Arsha have been described which are Bheshaja Chikitsa, Kshara Karma, Agnikarma and Shastra Karma according to chronicity and presentation of the disease. Among these, Bheshaja Chikitsa and Kshara Karma are advised for the wonderful results in the management of initial stage of Arsha. The use of Kshara is praised so much that it can replace Shastra Karma, by its Chedana, Bhedana and Lekhana Karma.

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