Pathophysiology and Management of Arsha-An Analytical Review
Author : Dr. Shivanshu Agrawal, Jain Shailesh and Gupta Priya
Abstract :
Sushruta elaborately described the advances of the Tantra in various Anorectal diseases, as Arsha is one among them. Arsha (Piles) is an extremely common problem and it has been reported since thousands of years and its prevalence rate is highest among all anorectal disorders. The term ‘Arsha’ is derived from “Ru Gatau” Dhatu with the suffix “Asun”, gives the meaning of as violent as enemy. It is the commonest ano rectal disease and affects anyone at any time. It characterized by inflamed or prolapsed pile mass, bleeding per rectum and some discharge from anus. In Ayurveda, the sufficient descriptions are described regarding etiology, pathology, symptomatology, types and management or of Arsha. All the classics of Ayurveda enumerate that the present sedentary life style, irregularities in food intake, taking junk, spicy, non-fibrous foods, inactive occupation and mental stress etc., are causative factors for ‘Arsha' (Hemorrhoid) and that leads to hypo function of digestive enzymes, which in turn leads to constipation, itching, burning sensation and pain in the region of Guda and finally bleeds and thus Arsharoga originates. Acharyas described various Chikitsa modalities of Arsha critically for prevention and cure of Arsha along with avoiding causative factors (Nidanaparivarjana). Acharya Sushruta has described four dimensions of the treatment for Arsha, Ayurveda viz. Bheshaja, Kshar Karma, Agnikarma and Shastra Karma according to chronicity and presentation of the disease. Among these, Bheshaja Chikitsa and Kshar Karma show wonderful results in management of Arsha.
Keywords :
Arsha, hemorrhoids, pile mass, bheshaja chikitsa, kshar karma
