Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are inflamed veins in the anus or lower rectum that cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and rectal bleeding. Western medicine attributes their occurrence to factors like constipation, prolonged sitting, and straining during bowel movements and classifies them into internal, external, and prolapsed types (Lohsiriwat, 2012, World Journal of Gastroenterology). On the other hand, traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives hemorrhoids as manifestations of a disharmonious pattern termed "Qi sinking or collapsing." This pattern, frequently associated with spleen Qi deficiency, also manifests other symptoms like poor appetite and dizziness (Chen and Chen, 2004, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology). The contrasting etiological perspectives between Western medicine and TCM highlight differing diagnostic criteria and suggest various therapeutic approaches for managing this common anorectal disorder.