Hemorrhoids are a common condition of inflammation around the rectum and anus, with symptoms of itching, pain, bleeding, irritation, and pressure. Internal hemorrhoids may affect bowel movements, and external hemorrhoids may present as grape-like clusters.
Hemorroids can be caused by chronic constipation, straining while trying to have a bowel movement, pelvic floor pressure from pregnancy, or even from heavy lifting causing pressure on the pelvic floor.
Hemorrhoids are essentially a type of blood clot, similar to when we accidentally bite our cheek and the delicate tissue become sore and congested.
The good news is that Chinese medicine and acupuncture provide simple, non-invasive relief for hemorrhoids.
Acupuncture Approaches for Hemorrhoids
Please know that you will not need to disrobe or expose yourself at all for the acupuncture treatment. The points we use to help with hemorrhoids are on the arms, legs, or head.
1. Determine the cause
The treatment approach will be different dependong on if the cause was pregnancy (and at what stage), from heavy lifting or a certain exercise, from bowel issues, or other conditions.
2. Diagnose the presentation
What are your symptoms: pain, irritation, itching, bleeding? This will help us understand what organ systems to focus on, along with the pulse diagnosis, abdominal palpation, and other diagnostic tools.
3. Acupuncture treatment
The acupuncture and moxibustion prescription will be based on your particular constitution and presentation.
4. Topical herbal care homework
Xie Zheng Gu Shui (“Evil Bone Water“) is one of the highest quality herbal topical available. You can apply this liniment at home for immediate symptom relief and it also helps resolve the blood stagnation in the tissues to help shrink the hemorroid quickly.
5. Other homework or referrals
We may have exercise or breathwork suggestions, or possibly refer you to a trusted pelvic floor therapist if needed.