Hemorrhoids refer to a chronic condition where the veins at the bottom of the rectum and the anal mucosa become varicose, forming one or more soft venous clusters. Depending on the location of their occurrence, they can be classified into internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition is believed to arise from an excess of damp-heat in the large intestine, excessive consumption of spicy foods, or prolonged standing, which leads to the internal generation of damp-heat, injury to the meridians and collaterals, and the downward flow of turbid qi and stagnant blood to the anus, resulting in the formation of hemorrhoids.
Qi Deficiency and Descending Type: The anal swelling descends and cannot be self-restored in time, with a feeling of heaviness and distention in the anus, a large amount of bloody stool, which may be clear or turbid and unclear. Accompanied by a dull complexion, lack of energy and reluctance to speak, dizziness, and palpitations; the tongue is pale, with little coating, and the pulse is thin or weak.
Damp-Heat Descending Type: The anal swelling protrudes externally and can be manually retracted, with severe anal pain that worsens upon touch, bright red blood in the stool, dry and hard bowel movements, or sticky and uncomfortable stools, yellowish-red urine, and thirst; the tongue is red, with a yellow and greasy coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type: The anal swelling protrudes, and in severe cases, becomes incarcerated, with constriction of the anal canal, bright red or purplish-blue blood in the stool, occurring before or after defecation, with varying amounts, or severe anal pain that worsens upon touch; the tongue appears dark and purplish, with little coating, and the pulse is fine and choppy or taut.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods, pay attention to the hygiene around the anus, and take a hot sitz bath every night before going to bed. 2. Dietary therapy recipes: (1) Black Fungus Recipe **Ingredients**: 30 grams of black fungus, salt to taste **Method**: Select and clean the black fungus, remove impurities, add a small amount of water, and simmer over low heat into a porridge, season with salt and consume. **Efficacy**: Black fungus has the effects of replenishing energy, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding, suitable for patients with internal and external hemorrhoids. (2) Persimmon Cake Recipe **Ingredients**: 50 grams of persimmon cake, 60 grams of black fungus, white sugar, and water starch as needed **Method**: Remove the stem from the persimmon cake and cut it into small cubes, soak the black fungus and cut it into small pieces. Pour the persimmon cake cubes and black fungus into a pot, add water and bring to a boil for a while, thicken with water starch, add white sugar and mix well, after boiling, serve in a soup bowl. **Efficacy**: Persimmon cake tastes sweet, astringent, and is cold in nature, having the effects of astringing the intestines, moistening the lungs, stopping bleeding, and harmonizing the stomach.