Haemorrhoid Painaccording to TCM

What is Hemorrhoid Pain?

Hemorrhoid pain, a discomfort often associated with swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, represents a common and distressing condition. This pain can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, especially during bowel movements or when sitting. Hemorrhoids, the underlying cause of this pain, may be internal or external, with the former residing inside the rectum and the latter under the skin around the anus. Despite being a frequently overlooked health issue, hemorrhoid pain significantly impacts the quality of life, prompting those affected to seek various treatments for relief.

How Does TCM View Hemorrhoid Pain?

In the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hemorrhoid pain is not merely seen as a localized issue but rather as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body. TCM interprets hemorrhoids as a manifestation of imbalances such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, or Damp-Heat accumulation, each contributing to the condition's development and severity.

This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony affecting the individual, as this diagnosis informs the customized treatment plan. By addressing the root cause and restoring balance, TCM aims to alleviate hemorrhoid pain and prevent recurrence, offering a deeply integrated healing experience.

Acupoints for Haemorrhoid Pain

TCM utilizes acupuncture as a key therapeutic intervention for hemorrhoid pain, targeting specific acupoints to restore balance and promote healing. Among the recommended acupoints, Chengshan (BL-57) is celebrated for its efficacy in removing channel obstructions and relaxing sinews, providing targeted relief for hemorrhoids. Similarly, Feiyang (BL-58) is valued for its ability to strengthen the Kidneys, subdue Rebellious Qi, and treat hemorrhoids by enhancing overall energy flow.

Additionally, Zanzhu (BL-2), located at the medial extremity of the eyebrow, offers benefits beyond hemorrhoid pain relief, such as expelling Wind-Heat from the face and subduing Liver Yang Rising, showcasing the interconnectedness of body systems in TCM philosophy. Through the strategic application of acupuncture at these points, TCM practitioners aim to alleviate discomfort and address the systemic imbalances contributing to hemorrhoid pain.

Explore below some acupoints used to address haemorrhoid pain, organized by meridian.

Zanzhu BL-2

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.

Chengshan BL-57

Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.

Feiyang BL-58

On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.