A literature review on management of Arsha with special reference to Ayurveda

Abstract

Arsha is one of the maharoga among eight maharogas. Some types of Arsha are correlated with hemorrhoids. Arsha symptoms develop more than half of men and women during their lifetime. Arsha is dened as 'arivat pranan hanti' causing discomfort, pain and bleeding. The aim of this literature study was to review on management of Arsha. Vruhattraya and other Ayurveda classics were referred to collect data. According to Sushruta, Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita, there are four types on management of Arsha; Bhesaja (medicines), Kshara (caustic alkalis), Agni (re cautery) and Shastra (sharp instruments). Having mild dosas aggravation, symptoms, complications and short term Arsha are treated with medicines. Soft, broad, deep, bulged up Arsha are treated with Kshara. Rough, immovable and hard Arsha are treated with re and thin root, bulged up while exuding Arsha are treated with sharp instruments. Medicinal treatments recommended for Arsha do not cover the complete process of Arsha Samprapti. To prevent forming Arsha and in pathya and apathya in Arsha disease Caraka Samhita and Bhava Prakasha mentioned the use of medicines, food and beverages which help to increase downward movements of atus and stool. In Ayurveda, with the main treatment, some other measures are also used like fomentation, sprinkling, bath, smearing and fumigation, ointment, bloodletting (repeated application of leeches or sharp edged instruments or needles), enema (anuwasana, niruha, piccha), cooling therapy, rubbing in management of Arsha. It can be concluded that different treatment modalities are used according to the type and stage of Arsha.