Hemorrhoids (痔疮, zhì chuāng), also known as piles, are a common but often uncomfortable condition affecting millions of people worldwide. They occur when the veins around the anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed, leading to pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding. While they can be bothersome, the good news is that both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer effective remedies to manage and treat hemorrhoids.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Causes of hemorrhoids
- Western medical treatments
- TCM remedies (herbs, acupuncture and ointments)
- Best topical solutions for relief
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure on rectal veins. Common causes include:
Western Medical Perspective
- Chronic constipation or straining – Hard stools and excessive pushing weaken veins.
- Chronic diarrhea
- Prolonged sitting/standing – Slows blood circulation in the anal area.
- Pregnancy & childbirth – Increased pelvic pressure leads to swollen veins.
- Low-fiber diet & dehydration – Contributes to hard stools and straining.
- Obesity
- Aging – Weakened blood vessels are more prone to swelling.
TCM Perspective (Damp-Heat & Qi Stagnation)
In TCM, hemorrhoids are linked to:
- Damp-Heat (湿热) – Causes swelling, burning, and bleeding.
- Liver Qi Stagnation (肝气郁结) – Affects blood circulation.
- Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾气虚) – Weakens vein support.
Western Medicine Treatments
1. Lifestyle & Diet Adjustments
- Eat high-fiber foods (e.g., whole grains, fruits, and vegetables).
- Stay hydrated to soften stools.
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
- Avoid prolonged sitting (especially on the toilet).
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
- Hydrocortisone cream – Reduces inflammation.
- Lidocaine gel – Numbs pain.
- Witch hazel pads (Tucks) – Soothes irritation.
- Stool softeners (e.g., psyllium husk) – Prevent constipation
3. Medical Procedures (For Severe Cases)
- Rubber band ligation – Cuts off blood supply to shrink hemorrhoids.
- Sclerotherapy – Injects a solution to reduce swelling.
- Hemorrhoidectomy – Surgical removal of large hemorrhoids.
TCM Remedies for Hemorrhoids
TCM treats hemorrhoids by clearing Damp-Heat, improving blood circulation, and strengthening Spleen Qi.
1. TCM Herbal Formulas
- Huai Hua San (槐花散) – A classic TCM formula used to stop bleeding and clear heat (Powder).
- Di Yu San (地榆散) – Reduces swelling and soothes irritation (Powder).
- Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (黄连解毒汤) – Clears heat-toxins in severe cases (Decoction).
2. Acupuncture Points for Relief
- Chang Qiang (长强, GV1) – Relieves anal pain.
- Cheng Shan (承山, BL57) – Improves rectal blood flow.
- Bai Hui (百会, GV20) – Lifts Qi to reduce prolapse.
3. TCM Dietary Therapy
- Eat cooling foods: e.g., mung beans, cucumber, lotus root, and watermelon.
- Avoid spicy, greasy foods – Aggravates Damp-Heat.
- Consume fiber-rich foods
4. TCM Herbal Ointments
- Ma Ying Long Hemorrhoid Ointment (马应龙痔疮膏) – A popular TCM cream for soothing hemorrhoids containing calamine, pearl powder and borneol.
- Jin Yin Hua (金银花, Honeysuckle) Wash – Anti-inflammatory wash.
- Pien Tze Huang Ointment (片仔癀软膏) – Reduces swelling and pain
- She Chuang Zi Ointment (蛇床子膏) – Contains Cnidium fruit extract, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Treatment
Mild hemorrhoids can often be treated with dietary changes, fiber supplements, and OTC creams, while more severe cases may require medical procedures or TCM herbal treatments.
- For quick relief, try Hydrocortisone cream (Western) or Ma Ying Long Hemorrhoid Ointment (TCM).
- For long-term prevention, increase fiber intake, hydrate well, and exercise.
- For natural healing, use TCM herbal formula like Huai Hua San and acupuncture.
By combining Western and TCM approaches, you can manage hemorrhoids effectively and prevent them from recurring.
Would you like to try a natural TCM remedy for hemorrhoids?
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Author: nadi
Helping others look and feel their best as a cosmetic acupuncturist, naturopath, and writer with a love for holistic wellness—flowing with ancient wisdom to inspire natural beauty and well-being.