Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF ARSH (HAEMORRHOIDS) WITH ITS CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT

Dr. Rahul Shukla* and Dr. Suman Yadav

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Abstract

Arsha (haemorrhoids) also called piles, are one of the commonest diseases of the anal canal and it has been reported since thousands of years and its prevalence rate is highest among all anorectal diseases. The word arsha is self-explanatory by itself, indicating that the disease troubles a person like an enemy. Arsha is clinically an engorged condition of haemorrhoidal venous plexus characterized by prolapsed mass per anum, bleeding per anum and constipation mainly. Haemorrhoids are vascular structures in the anal canal. In their normal state, they act as cushions that help in stool control. They become a disease when swollen or inflamed due to straining during defecation, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, pregnancy etc. While we correlate arsha with Piles (haemorrhoids), maximum concepts are similar to each other. According to Ayurveda, arsha hampers the normal physiological functions of body. It gives trouble like enemy and in Ayurveda Acharya Sushruta, father of surgery, mentioned fourfold management of arsha viz. Bheshaj karma, Kshar karma, Agni karma and Shastra karma according to chronicity and presentation of the disease.[1] Hence In this article we have tried to compile an ayurvedic review of Arsha with its management as per ayurvedic classics.

Keywords: Arsha, Bheshaj karma, Kshar karma, Agni karma, Shastra karma.