Piles or Hemorrhoids are a very common problem of the ano - rectal region. Ask anyone who has suffered from it and you will know how discomforting, painful and annoying this condition can be.
Piles usually affect people with an improper digestive system. As a result of which the bowel movement of the intestines gets affected and irregularities in the passage of stool occurs. Constipation, a very common problem is one of the major reasons for the occurrence of piles in any person.
It occurs in varying mild, moderate and severe degrees ( 1, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree piles) and accordingly the treatment protocol also varies.
According to Ayurveda, lifestyle management can play a very important part in the treatment of a piles patient. One of its important aspects is exercise.
1. Kegel's Exercises
These are especially done to tone the pelvic floor muscles. They are very easy to practice and can be done anywhere and anytime.
Sit in a relaxed position and focus on your anal muscles. Try to hold the anal orifice by pulling it inside at will just like when you do to hold urinating. Hold this position for three seconds and then slowly release the tension. Repeat 10 to 15 times in sets of three.
2. Brisk Walking
It is the easiest form of cardio - vascular exercise. Brisk walking can help your blood circulate to all body parts which will also improve blood supply to the anal region/ piles. If you are a beginner, start with ten to fifteen minutes of slow to moderate walking and then gradually increase the time from half an hour to an hour daily.
Do this in your daily routine for at least five times in a week. It will do wonders for your overall health condition.
3. Breathing Exercises
Stress is a big reason for a faulty digestion. When the mind is tensed, blood supply to all body parts is hampered and brought to the brain. As a result of which normal body processes like digestion suffer.
When this happens over a period of time it becomes a cause of many health problems like IBS, Gastritis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, piles, constipation etc.
Therefore, mind relaxation exercises can be of great help in combating these health conditions.
Take ten minutes out of your daily routine, preferably in the morning or before you go to bed. Lie down on your back in Shavaasana and try to relax your mind while breathing deeply with your stomach. Breathe in and out gradually relaxing your mind.
4. Overhead Stretching
Raise your hands above the head and stretch them to their maximum. Let them go straight up and feel the stretch up to your toes, keeping the body straight. Hold the position for 5 seconds and then release. Practice this daily for ten to fifteen repetitions.
This exercise gives a good stretching to all body muscles including the pelvic floor, thereby helping people suffering from piles.
5. Head Stand
It is a famous yogic posture in which the head and shoulders support the rest of the body raised perpendicular to the floor.
Lie down on the floor on your back and slowly raise both the feet upwards at 90 degree angle to the floor. Use your hands to support both the legs and buttocks keeping the hands just above the buttocks. Hold the posture for a few seconds and then slowly come back to the normal position.
Regular practice of this asana can help in piles, fissure etc.
6. Pawan Mukta Asana
Lie down on your back and fold both the feet together bringing them close to your stomach. Hold both the feet with your hands and stay in the position for a few seconds. Slowly release and get back to the previous position. Repeat on a daily basis.
It is a very effective pose for preventing constipation, which in turn helps to control piles.
7. Uttanapadasana
Stand straight and slowly raise your hands upwards to a full stretch. Now, slowly bring the hands down keeping the abdominal muscles contracted. Try to touch your feet with the tip of fingers and hold. It needs practice but is a very good exercise to improve body's flexibility and tone all internal and external muscles of the body.
With the above set of exercises for piles treatment, patients can experience a lot of relief in their condition and improve their overall physical as well as mental health.
