This condition is a chronic disease occurring in the anal and rectal region, commonly seen in young and middle-aged adults. Clinically, based on the location of hemorrhoidal nodules, it is categorized as internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or mixed hemorrhoids—collectively known as hemorrhoids.
[Etiology and Pathogenesis]
The main causes of hemorrhoids include prolonged sitting or standing work, carrying heavy loads, long-distance walking, pregnancy and fetal qi; or chronic diarrhea, chronic dysentery, constipation, and excessive consumption of rich, greasy, spicy foods. These factors lead to sinking of central Qi, laxity of tendons and vessels, Qi stagnation and blood blockage, dry heat and turbid qi accumulating in the rectum and anus, ultimately causing hemorrhoids.
[Symptoms]
First distinguish internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids based on nodule location. Hemorrhoids above the anal dentate line are internal; those below are external; those present both above and below are mixed. Internal hemorrhoids primarily present with bleeding during defecation, bright red or dark red blood, variable bleeding volume, prolapse of nodules outside the anus not promptly reduced, or infection leading to severe local pain; if incarcerated, may cause swelling, erosion, and necrosis. External hemorrhoids mainly present with foreign body sensation in the anus, severe pain or no pain, with pain during inflammation. Mixed hemorrhoids exhibit symptoms of both internal and external hemorrhoids.
[Treatment]
1. Acupuncture
Method: Focus on points along the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Use filiform needles with draining method, insert appropriately deep.
Prescription: Ciliao, Huiyang, Chengshan, Erbai
Explanation: Ciliao, Huiyang, and Chengshan all belong to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. The bladder meridian has a collateral branch connecting to the anus. Selecting these three points with the draining method and deep insertion helps regulate bladder meridian Qi, eliminate stasis, and enhance local action via Ciliao. Erbai is an empirically effective point for treating hemorrhoids. *Yu Long Ge* states: “Hemorrhoids and fistulas are repulsive, severe cases difficult to endure, whether painful, itchy, or bleeding—Erbai is found behind the palm.” This point is effective for treating bleeding from internal hemorrhoids.
2. Picking Therapy
Method: Locate hemorrhoidal points within the range of the seventh thoracic vertebra bilaterally and the lumbar-sacral region. Select one point per session, treat every seven days or so.
3. Auricular Acupuncture
Select Points: Lower Rectum, Large Intestine, Shenmen, Brain, Spleen
Method: Select 2–3 points per session, retain needles for 2–30 minutes, once daily.
<Acupuncture for Hemorrhoids>