A fistula is defined as an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. They are usually the result of an injury or surgery. This condition can develop anywhere between the vagina and the rectum, an intestine and the skin, and other places. Commonly the most chances of fistula are having around the anus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are commonly 50,000-100,000 new cases of fistulas every year and occur due to lack of obstetric care.
What are the Causes of Fistula?
Commonly anal fistula occurs due to anal abscess, although there are several other possible causes of the condition which are given below –
- Due to Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory disease of the intestine)
- Radiation (treatment for cancer)
- Trauma.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Tuberculosis.
- Diverticulitis (a disease in which small pouches form in the large intestine and become inflamed)
- Cancer.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fistula?
The patient suffering from anal fistula should suffer from the given below symptoms –
- Frequent anal abscesses
- Pain and swelling around the anus
- Foul-smelling around the anus
- Skin irritation around the anus from drainage
- Pain with bowel movements
- Bleeding
- Fever with chills and a general feeling of fatigue
What is the Ayurvedic View of Fistula?
A disease or condition causing severe referred pain to Bhag (perineum), and Guda (anal area), is called ‘’Bhagandar’’. According to Ayurveda, the manifestation begins with the boil (abscess) around the perianal region, if it is not treated properly it can burst and converts into a discharging tract known as Bhagandar.
According to the Acharya Sushruta, when a person indulged in Mithya Aahar-vihar (un salutary lifestyle and food habits), Vata dosha in the body gets aggravated and localized in the anal canal. Further, it vitiates the muscle and blood, giving rise to Pitika (boil), and if this condition is not treated in time, the boil suppurates and burst resulting in a discharging track which leads to the formation of Bhagandar.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Fistula?
Ayurveda has numerous amounts of natural herbs that are proven to be very effective in the management of all diseases of its root cause. In the case of fistula, Chandigarh Ayurved Centre had made a specialized kit named ‘’Fistula Care Kit’’, that mainly composed of those medicines which work to cure the fistula and further prevent it from re-occurring. The kit has a total of 5 products – Detox premium powder, Pranda gutika, Triphala syrup, Arshofit capsules, Jatiyadi lepam. The kit is made up of natural herbs with no side effects.
All Products Description in Detail:
1. Detox Premium Powder
Detox premium powder has special medicinal qualities to remove the toxins from the body without disturbing the normal functions of the body. The powder is composed of Jahar mohra, Tal sindoor, Giloy satv, Akik pishti, Shukta pishti, etc. The ingredients are very beneficial in relieving the swelling, itchiness, redness, and provide the carminative effect to the patient.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.
2. Pranda Gutika
Pranda gutika is widely used in the treatment of piles and their related conditions. Each tablet is made up of Maricha, Pippali, Chavya, Twak, etc. that balances the aggravated Vata and Kapha dosha thus provide relieves in itchiness, burning sensation, discomfort, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
3. Triphala Syrup
Triphala syrup has many medicinal properties used to treat many conditions. The syrup is composed of three medicinal herbs Bibhitaki, Haritaki, and Amalaki that pacifies all the three doshas and provide relieve from nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, redness, swelling, anal itchiness, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls thrice daily.
4. Arsho fit Capsules
Arsho fit capsules are an herbal formulation of Sonth, Shodit garik, Naag kesar, Raswanti, etc. that pacifies the Vata and Kapha dosha. The capsule cures the abscess, bleeding, relieves constipation, redness, & swelling around the anus.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice daily with normal water.
5. Jatiyadi Ghrita Lepam
Jatiyadi ghrita lepam is widely used in fistula for external applications. Regular uses of the lepam provide the soothing and carminative effects to the patient because it reduces swelling, redness, irritation, and also prevents it from re-occurring.
Method of Application – Apply the lepam on the affected area.
What is the Panchakarma Treatment of Fistula?
In Ayurveda, a special procedure is done to cure the fistula by Kshara Sutra. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre had performed this procedure by an experienced therapist under the guidance of an expert Doctors.
This procedure is done by specially seton thread medicated with organic alkalis such as Apamargakshara (Achyranthes aspera), Arkakshara (Calotropis gigantea) or Snuhikshara (Euphorbia lingularia). The alkali is repeatedly coated on the seton thread for about 15 – 21 times. We can also use natural antibiotics like Haridra powder, guggulu, etc to make Ksharasutra. The chemical action of the drugs coated and mechanical action of the threads are collectively working of cutting, curetting, draining, and cleaning the fistulous track, thus promoting healing of the track/ wound. This procedure acts both as the antiseptic and fibrotic agent to induce healing. The mechanism of healing starts from deeper tissues and moves towards the periphery.
Kshara sutra is done under local anesthesia, the sutra is inserted into the tract and the two ends of the thread are tied forming a loop. The threads which are coated by alkali are continuously released throughout the length of the track thereby cutting, curetting, draining cleansing and healing the track. The therapeutic action of the thread lasts for seven days. After seven days, the old thread is then replaced with a new thread following the same procedure.
Healthy diet and Lifestyle
The patients should follow the given measures that are very beneficial to prevent fistula.
- The patient should exercise for at least 30 minutes most days to keep your digestive system moving and in good shape.
- Keep the anal area dry.
- Gently clean yourself after each bowel movement.
- Use dye-free, soft and scent-free toilet paper or wipes.
- Eating about 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily can keep stools soft and improve fistula healing. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
- Increase the consumption of brown rice, barley, wheat bran, oatmeal, cereals, peas, beans, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, banana, apples, orange, papaya, etc.
- Avoid spicy and oily foods that may aggravate the symptoms including pain, swelling, burning sensation, etc.
- Have a light and small meal at a time that it can easily digestible. This also provides relaxation to the intestine and maintains the proper metabolism.
- There a lot of yoga poses or asanas which you can regularly do to ensure that your fistulas get cured easily. These asanas also prevent the fistula from returning once it has been cured. The patient should perform the following mentioned yoga regularly to ease the symptoms of fistula – Uttanasana, Sarvangasana, Kakasana, Sirasana, Vajrasana, Uttanpadasana, etc.
