Ano-rectal diseases; an introduction and treatment approach as per Ayurveda

Ano-rectal diseases; an introduction and treatment approach as per Ayurveda

Ano-rectal disorders are progressively increasing in the society. Few important causes out of a number of them are; sedentary life style, irregular and inappropriate diet, prolonged sitting and/or standing and psychological disturbances like anxiety, depression etc. Ano-rectal problems coupled with psychological manifestations are the causes, inter-related to each other. As per Ayurveda, these above mentioned causes result in derangement of ‘Jatharagni’ (the digestive power) which leads to constipation and other associated symptoms. Constipation leads to generation of hard stool (fecolith) which when expelled leads to trauma in anal canal and ultimately generates Anal fissure. Constipation increases the back pressure onto haemorrhoidal vessels to produce Piles/Haemorrhoids. Crypto-glandular infection leads to ano-rectal abscess and Fistula-in-ano. Thus constipation seems to be the very important cause for most of these disorders. The fast food culture has again worsen the condition as these foods are devoid of dietary fibres.

These disorders are utterly embarrassing to the patient. The peri-anal skin is one of the most pain sensitive region in the body due to rich nerve endings. So, even a mild form of disorder can produce great discomfort to the patient. It has been observed that in the initial stages of the disease, most of the patients avoid consulting to the physician and explaining their problem particularly because they feel ashamed. They try to prevaricate it. This tendency is still more in females. This ultimately leads to manifold increment in their problem and the disease. When they visit to doctor for consultation, they are too mentally disturbed to lose the interest in life. They become very much anxious, many go in depression and few of them even try to attempt suicide.

Among the list of ano-rectal disorders, following are commonly seen;

• Piles (Haemorrhoids)
• Fissure-in-ano (Anal fissure)
• Fistula-in-ano (Anal fistula)
• Ano-rectal abscess

Ancient and modern physicians equally consider these conditions as difficult to cure. Moreover, among these three disorders, Fistula-in-ano is the most notorious one to tackle and cure. Results of surgery (fistulectomy) seem to be embarrassing as there is high recurrence in most of the cases even after complete excision of the track and meticulous post-operative dressings. There is a proverb often used by modern surgeons about this disease that “If you have enmity to a doctor, refer him a patient of Fistula-in-ano and it will never heal”.

The treatment of these disorders especially Fistula has been revolutionized after the availability of kshara sutra. Kshara sutra therapy has been scientifically standardized at BHU, Varanasi by Prof. P. J. Deshpandey and his team of co-workers.

Besides Kshara sutra, Ayurveda has a rich source of herbs based formulations mentioned in Classics, which can be effectively used to correct the gastrointestinal disturbances (disturbed agni) and  provide relief to such patient to a great extent. Moreover, the prevention from these diseases can be achieved if a person follows ayurvedic life-style and dietary regime.

Thus, proctology has been emerging as a highly specialized branch of Ayurveda since about last three decades and people are turning their faith towards Ayurveda to resolve their problems. Thus, in the interest of public, this science of healing should be propagated more and more so people can have a better health through Ayurveda.

AUTHOR: DR. NAVEEN CHAUHAN,

Consultant Ayurveda Physician & Proctologist,

 SHRI DHANWANTARI CLINIC, Ghaziabad, India.

If you have any query, you may post your comment or e-mail the author at: consult@ayurvedapilescure.com

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