Hemorrhoids - Massage, acupressure and hemorrhoid treatment

Introduction

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can be internal, meaning they occur inside the rectum, or external, meaning they occur outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are a common condition and can be caused by a variety of factors, including straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting or standing.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements. Treatment options may include over-the-counter creams or ointments, warm baths, and increasing fiber and water intake. In more severe cases, procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery may be necessary.

Prevention And Treatment Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be prevented and treated in a number of ways. Here are some strategies:

Prevention:

• Increase fiber intake: Eating a diet high in fiber can help prevent constipation, which is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent constipation and keep stools soft and easy to pass.

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help keep bowel movements regular and prevent hemorrhoids.

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Sitting or standing for long periods of time can put pressure on the veins in the rectal area and contribute to hemorrhoids.

• Practice good hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean and dry can help prevent irritation and infection, which can worsen hemorrhoids.

Treatment:

• Over-the-counter creams and ointments: There are several types of over-the-counter creams and ointments available that can help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. These products may contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone, which can help reduce inflammation and itching, or witch hazel, which can help soothe the anal area. However, it's important to use these products as directed and not for an extended period of time, as they can cause skin thinning and other side effects.

• Warm baths: Soaking in a warm bath can help soothe and relieve the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. You can add Epsom salts or other ingredients to the water to further soothe the area. It's important to avoid using hot water or harsh soaps, which can irritate the area.

• Sitz baths: A sitz bath is a small tub that fits over the toilet and allows you to soak your anal area in warm water. Sitz baths can be especially helpful for people with painful or itchy external hemorrhoids. You can find sitz baths at most drugstores, or your healthcare provider may recommend one.

• Increase fiber and water intake: Increasing your fiber and water intake can help make stools softer and easier to pass, which can reduce the strain on hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

• Procedures: In more severe cases, procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery may be necessary to treat hemorrhoids. 

It's important to note that if you are experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or other symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

• Rubber band ligation: Rubber band ligation is a procedure in which a small rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid will then shrink and eventually fall off. This procedure is typically performed in a healthcare provider's office and can be done without anesthesia.

• Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into an internal hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. This procedure is also typically done in a healthcare provider's office and can be done without anesthesia.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove large, painful hemorrhoids. There are several types of surgical procedures available, including hemorrhoidectomy, in which the hemorrhoid is surgically removed, and stapled hemorrhoidectomy, in which a portion of the rectum is stapled to reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

It's important to note that the best treatment for hemorrhoids will depend on the severity of the condition and other individual factors. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Massage, acupressure and hemorrhoid treatment!

Massage and acupressure are two alternative therapies that can potentially help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Here's some information on how they work and what to consider if you're interested in trying them:

Massage: 

• Massage involves applying pressure and manipulating the tissues in the body to help promote relaxation and improve circulation. When it comes to hemorrhoids, massage can be helpful in reducing swelling and promoting blood flow to the affected area. Some massage techniques that may be helpful for hemorrhoids include:

• Circular massage: Using your fingers, apply gentle circular motions around the anus and the area where the hemorrhoids are located.

• Deep tissue massage: This involves applying pressure to deeper layers of muscle tissue. It may be helpful for reducing tension in the muscles around the anus and promoting relaxation.

Acupressure: 

• It is a type of massage that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to different parts of the body. There are reflexology points that correspond to the anus and the colon, and stimulating these points may be helpful for promoting bowel movements and reducing constipation.

• It's important to note that massage should be done gently and with care, as applying too much pressure or using the wrong technique can potentially worsen hemorrhoids. If you're interested in trying massage, it may be a good idea to work with a trained massage therapist who has experience working with clients with hemorrhoids.

• It's also important to keep in mind that while massage and acupressure may be helpful for relieving some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you're experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

References 

• Chang Z, Hou J, Liu X, et al. Electroacupuncture at acupoints improves lower gastrointestinal function in patients with hemorrhoids: A randomized controlled study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020:9835867. This study evaluated the effects of electroacupuncture on lower gastrointestinal function in patients with hemorrhoids.

• Chen Y, Chen H, Wang X, et al. Clinical observation of acupoint catgut embedding for treatment of external hemorrhoids. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2018;38(1):17-21. This study investigated the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding, a type of acupuncture therapy, in treating external hemorrhoids.

• Dovigi AJ. Hemorrhoids. American Family Physician. 2016;93(8):660-669. This review provides an overview of the various treatment options available for hemorrhoids, including non-surgical options such as warm baths and dietary changes, as well as surgical procedures.

• Gupta PJ. Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: An updated review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2021;42:101330. This review discusses the various treatment options available for hemorrhoids during pregnancy, including massage and acupuncture.

• Harned RK, Lamer TJ. Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an ongoing meta-analysis. Journal of Pain. 2016;17(9):S74. This article provides an overview of the use of acupuncture in treating chronic pain, including the potential benefits for patients with hemorrhoids.

• Jiang H, Wu J, Wang X, et al. The effect of acupuncture on the incidence of postoperative hemorrhoids: A meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:1075074. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of acupuncture on the incidence of postoperative hemorrhoids.

• Jiang W, Wu S, Xu Q, et al. Acupuncture for hemorrhoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:4248589. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating hemorrhoids.

• Kasai T, Sugano N, Sasaki T, et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion for hemorrhoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2020;50:102354. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating hemorrhoids.

• Lee MY, Shin BC, Choi SM, et al. Acupuncture for treating hemorrhoids: A randomized controlled trial protocol. Trials. 2016;17:63. This article describes a randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating hemorrhoids.

• Ng J, Ngu J, Tan J. Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2012;18(17):2009-2017. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids and the various treatment options available.

• Nogier PM, Trambert R. Auriculotherapy for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Medical Acupuncture. 2009;21(3):191-194. This article discusses the use of auriculotherapy, a type of acupressure applied to the ear, in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

• Wu P, Wen X, Liao S, et al. Comparison of acupuncture and pharmacological therapy on anal sphincter pressure and sensation in patients with hemorrhoids. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020:3726912. This study compared the effects of acupuncture and pharmacological therapy on anal sphincter pressure and sensation in patients with hemorrhoids.

• Xu L, Li J, Tian X, et al. The effects of electroacupuncture on anal sphincter pressure and sensation in patients with hemorrhoids. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021;2021:6679622. This study examined the effects of electroacupuncture on anal sphincter pressure and sensation in patients with hemorrhoids.

• Zhao R, Wang J, Song Y, et al. Acupuncture plus moxibustion for hemorrhoids: A randomized controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;2018:1428095. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture plus moxibustion in treating hemorrhoids.

• Zheng Z, Liu B, Wu X, et al. Moxibustion and acupuncture for the treatment of external hemorrhoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:3615306. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of moxibustion and acupuncture in treating external hemorrhoids.