TCM for Hemorrhoids: Natural Relief and Treatment

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus that cause pain, itching, and bleeding. They are incredibly common, affecting up to half of adults over age fifty. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers effective complementary approaches that address both symptom relief and the root causes of hemorrhoids.

The TCM View of Hemorrhoids

TCM has recognized and treated hemorrhoids for thousands of years. The primary patterns include:

Intestinal Damp-Heat

The most common acute pattern. Damp-Heat accumulates in the lower body and rectal area, causing swelling, pain, burning sensation, and bleeding. Contributing factors include excessive alcohol, spicy food, greasy food, and prolonged sitting on damp surfaces. The tongue typically shows a thick yellow coating.

Spleen Qi Sinking

When Spleen Qi is deficient, it cannot properly hold tissues in place. This leads to prolapse — not only of hemorrhoidal tissue but potentially of other organs as well. Symptoms include hemorrhoids that protrude during bowel movements, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a tendency toward diarrhea.

Blood Stasis in the Anal Region

Chronic hemorrhoids involve Blood Stasis — stagnant blood in the swollen veins that causes persistent pain, dark purple appearance, and hard, painful lumps.

Intestinal Dryness

Dryness in the intestines, often from Yin deficiency or insufficient hydration, causes hard stools that irritate and damage hemorrhoidal tissue during elimination.

Spleen Deficiency with Blood Not Governing Vessels

When the Spleen is too weak to keep Blood within the vessels, bleeding hemorrhoids result. This pattern presents with bright red blood, pallor, fatigue, and poor appetite.

Herbal Formulas for Hemorrhoids

TCM offers both internal and external treatments:

Internal Formulas

• Di Yu San: Contains Sanguisorba (Di Yu) and other herbs to stop bleeding and clear heat. Specifically for bleeding hemorrhoids
• Liang Xue Di Huang Tang: Cools blood and stops bleeding for the Damp-Heat bleeding pattern
• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Raises Spleen Qi to address the prolapse component. Essential for the Spleen sinking pattern
• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Nourishes Yin and clears deficiency heat. For the Intestinal Dryness pattern
• Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang: For acute Damp-Heat with constipation, to clear heat through the bowels

External Applications

• Herbal sitz baths with Smilax (Tu Fu Ling), Sophora (Ku Shen), and Phellodendron (Huang Bai) reduce inflammation and soothe pain
• Bing Peng San, a cooling powder, can be applied topically for pain and swelling
• Witch hazel compresses, while not a TCM herb, align with the TCM principle of cooling and astringing

Dietary Therapy — The Most Important Factor

In TCM, hemorrhoids are primarily a digestive issue. Diet is both the primary cause and the primary treatment:

Foods to Emphasize

• High-fiber foods: Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes prevent the constipation that causes and worsens hemorrhoids
• Black sesame seeds: Moistening and laxative in TCM, excellent for intestinal dryness
• Pine nuts and walnuts: Moistening and nourishing
• Honey: Moistens the intestines and supports digestion
• Spinach and sweet potato: Both moisten and nourish the intestines
• Mung beans: Clear heat and dampness
• Pear and apple: Cooling fruits that provide moisture and fiber

Foods to Avoid

• Spicy foods: Generate Damp-Heat in the intestines and directly irritate hemorrhoidal tissue
• Alcohol: The single worst substance for hemorrhoids in TCM. Generates Damp-Heat and dehydrates the intestines
• Fried and greasy foods: Create dampness that worsens swelling
• Refined and low-fiber foods: Cause constipation and straining

Acupressure for Hemorrhoid Relief

• Chengshan (Bladder 57): On the back of the lower calf, below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. This is the primary point for hemorrhoid treatment in TCM
• Bai Hui (GV 20): Crown of the head. Lifts Yang and Qi to counteract prolapse tendencies
• Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Strengthens Spleen Qi overall
• Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao): Inner lower leg. Supports Spleen function and resolves dampness
• Ear point Anus: A specific auricular point used for hemorrhoid treatment

Lifestyle and Self-Care

• Avoid straining: Do not sit on the toilet for extended periods. If nothing happens within three to five minutes, stand up and try later
• Sitz baths: Warm water with Epsom salts or TCM herbs reduces inflammation and relaxes the anal sphincter
• Avoid prolonged sitting: For those with desk jobs, stand and walk every thirty minutes
• Hydration: Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day to keep stools soft
• Toilet posture: Elevate the feet with a small stool to create a more natural squatting position
• Kegel exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor supports the tissues around the anus
• Avoid heavy lifting: If unavoidable, exhale during the lift rather than holding the breath
• Exercise regularly: Walking and swimming promote circulation without straining the anal area

With consistent dietary changes, appropriate herbal therapy, and proper self-care, most hemorrhoid cases can be significantly improved or resolved within a few weeks. The key is addressing the root Spleen and digestive patterns rather than just treating the local symptoms.

Start your wellness journey with SEASONS.