Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins in the rectal area that cause discomfort, itching, and pain. They affect millions of people worldwide, and while medical treatments are available, holistic approaches like yoga can also play a significant role in alleviating symptoms. Practicing certain yoga poses can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease constipation, which is often one of the leading causes of haemorrhoids.
According to Dr. Preethi Mrinalini, a renowned surgeon at Marinas Clinic and regarded as the best female surgeon in Chennai, incorporating yoga into a lifestyle routine can be beneficial for haemorrhoid management. While medical treatment should always be a priority, yoga offers a gentle, non-invasive method to relieve symptoms and promote overall well-being.

How Yoga Helps with Haemorrhoids
Yoga is known for its ability to increase blood flow, reduce tension, and support better digestion. When practiced mindfully, it can help ease some of the underlying causes of haemorrhoids, such as constipation and prolonged sitting. The deep breathing techniques and movements associated with yoga encourage relaxation in the muscles, which helps prevent the strain that can worsen haemorrhoids.
Certain yoga poses are particularly useful for enhancing bowel movement, improving circulation, and reducing pressure in the rectal area. Below are a few yoga poses that can be particularly effective for relieving haemorrhoid symptoms.

1. Malasana (Garland Pose)
Malasana is a deep squat that stretches the lower back, hips, and groin while also stimulating the digestive organs. This pose helps with constipation by increasing bowel movement, which in turn reduces the pressure on haemorrhoids.
How to do it: Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Slowly squat down, bringing your torso between your thighs. Keep your hands in a prayer position and your elbows pressing into your knees to open your hips. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, focusing on deep breathing.

2. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
Pawanmuktasana is designed to release trapped gas and promote digestion, making it ideal for people suffering from haemorrhoids due to constipation. This pose massages the abdominal organs, promoting better bowel movement and reducing inflammation.
How to do it: Lie on your back with your legs extended. Slowly bring one knee toward your chest, hugging it tightly with both hands. Hold for a few breaths, then switch to the other leg. You can also bring both knees to your chest for a deeper stretch. Hold the pose for up to a minute on each side.

3. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Child’s Pose is a gentle resting position that helps reduce stress and calm the nervous system. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, it indirectly eases haemorrhoid symptoms, which are often exacerbated by tension and anxiety.
How to do it: Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees spread apart. Lower your torso between your thighs, extending your arms forward or resting them by your sides. Rest your forehead on the floor and breathe deeply for 1-2 minutes.

4. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
This restorative pose helps improve circulation and reduces the pressure on the rectal veins. By elevating your legs, it allows blood to flow away from the lower body, alleviating discomfort and swelling in the haemorrhoid-affected area.
How to do it: Sit with your right side against the wall, then gently swing your legs up as you lower your back to the floor. Keep your legs vertical against the wall and rest your arms by your sides. Relax in this position for 5-10 minutes, focusing on slow, deep breaths.

5. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
This pose stretches the entire back of the body, promoting relaxation and stimulating digestion. It helps relieve constipation, a common cause of haemorrhoids, by massaging the abdominal organs and encouraging bowel movements.
How to do it: Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and fold forward, reaching for your feet. Keep your spine as straight as possible, and hold the pose for 1-2 minutes, focusing on deep breathing.

6. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
This pose opens the hips and stimulates the abdominal organs, promoting better digestion and reducing the discomfort associated with haemorrhoids. It also improves circulation in the pelvic area, which can help relieve symptoms.
How to do it: Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees drop to the sides. Hold your feet with your hands, and sit up tall, focusing on your breath for 1-2 minutes.

Precautions and Tips
While yoga can provide relief, it is important to practice the poses mindfully. Avoid positions that strain the rectal area or require excessive effort. Start slowly and focus on gentle poses that promote relaxation and improved digestion. Remember to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself beyond your comfort level.
Incorporating yoga as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for haemorrhoids can be highly effective, but it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you are already experiencing discomfort.

Conclusion
Yoga can be a valuable addition to traditional haemorrhoid treatments, helping to relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being. By practicing poses that reduce stress, enhance circulation, and promote digestion, individuals can experience significant relief from haemorrhoid discomfort. While these poses are beneficial, it’s crucial to combine them with proper medical care, especially for more severe cases. As Dr. Preethi Mrinalini at Marinas Clinic, one of the best female surgeons in Chennai, advises, a balanced approach that includes both medical treatment and lifestyle changes like yoga can offer the best outcomes for patients dealing with haemorrhoids.