Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectal or anal area that can cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, or a feeling of heaviness. From a traditional perspective, hemorrhoids reflect stagnation, poor tone, and underlying pressure within the lower digestive tract—often tied to chronic constipation, liver burden, or damp tissue relaxation. They may also point to emotional patterns of pressure, frustration, or an inability to let go. Though common, hemorrhoids are a sign that the body’s elimination system is struggling with flow, tone, or pressure regulation—and they often reflect issues beyond just the colon.

• Location of Symptom

  Rectum and anus

• Physiological Breakdown

  Imagine trying to push too hard through a narrow tunnel. Straining, poor circulation, and prolonged sitting put pressure on the veins around the rectum, causing them to swell and sometimes bleed. Weakened connective tissue, dehydration, and sluggish bowel movements worsen the issue. Develops gradually with repeated strain or after a single intense episode (like labor or heavy lifting.

• Common Signs

  You notice swelling, itching, or discomfort near the anus

  There’s bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet

  You feel heaviness or pressure during or after bowel movements

  You have to push or strain regularly during elimination

  You sit for long periods or recently had a baby

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Straining during bowel movements (often due to constipation)

  Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle

  Low dietary fiber or hydration

  Weak pelvic floor or anal tone (especially postpartum or post-surgery)

  Liver congestion or portal vein stagnation

  Pregnancy or hormonal shifts increasing lower body pressure

  Pharmaceutical causes: Opioids: lead to constipation and straining, Iron supplements: harden stool, making evacuation more difficult

  Supplement-induced causes: Overuse of calcium, protein powders, or drying agents without moistening balance

  Phytoiatrogenic causes: Chronic use of stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna) without addressing tone, Astringent herbs overused in already tense or dry constitutions

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Damp/Stagnation: Heavy, swollen feeling in the rectum; dark blood; sluggish elimination

  Dry/Atrophy: Hard stool scraping or irritating vessels

  Wind/Tension: Spasms or pain with elimination; gripping or sharp anal discomfort

  Damp/Relaxation: Flaccid tone in rectal tissues; hemorrhoids that protrude and don’t retract

  Heat/Excitation: Bright red bleeding, itching, burning sensation; inflammation and irritation

  Damp/Stagnation: Heavy, swollen feeling in the rectum; dark blood; sluggish elimination

  Dry/Atrophy: Hard stool scraping or irritating vessels

  Wind/Tension: Spasms or pain with elimination; gripping or sharp anal discomfort

  Damp/Relaxation: Flaccid tone in rectal tissues; hemorrhoids that protrude and don’t retract

  Heat/Excitation: Bright red bleeding, itching, burning sensation; inflammation and irritation

• Organ Systems Affected

  Digestive System: Colon, rectum, liver (portal circulation)

  Circulatory System: Venous return and vascular pressure regulation

  Lymphatic System: May contribute to congestion or slowed drainage

  Nervous System: Anal nerve sensitivity, pelvic floor coordination

Do the hemorrhoids bleed, itch, burn, or feel heavy? Are they internal, external, or both? Do you notice a pattern during menstruation, stress, or digestive upset? Are they accompanied by constipation, bloating, or gas? Do you sit for long periods, or strain during elimination?

Hemorrhoids are more than a surface-level problem—they often point to deeper stagnation or weakness in digestion, elimination, and circulation. It can become chronic if the root cause isn’t addressed. If they’re painful, bleeding regularly, or interfering with your daily comfort, it’s a sign that your digestive and circulatory systems may need deeper support. I can help you explore the underlying causes and bring long term lasting relief.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance. If you are experiencing severe, persistent, or life-threatening symptoms—such as intense rectal pain, heavy bleeding, or a protrusion that cannot be pushed back in—please seek emergency medical care immediately