BASIC ETIOPATHOLOGY OF ARSHA (HEMORRHOIDS) IN AYURVEDA – A REVIEW

Abstract

Arsha(hemorrhoids) is one of the most common disorders of Guda (anorectal region) which troubles human’s life like an enemy. Proper understanding of its etiopathogenesis is required seeing its increasing prevalence and recurrence even after advanced medicinal and or surgi-cal management. For this Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita along with its commentary were studied and a comprehensive view about the structural and functional importance of Guda along with the etiopathogenesis of Arsha is presented in this review work. Arsha is a disease having complex pathology which starts with indulging in the etiologies affecting our Jatharagni(digestion at the level of gastro intestinal tract) and Dhatvagni(tissue metabolism) which causes vitiation of Pancha Vayu (five subtypes of Vata), Pitta and Shleshma Doshas,Shaithilyata(flaccidity) of Dhatus (tissues) and Khavaigunya (initial weakness in the Srotas- channels). These doshas and etiologies affecting Dhatvagni further vitiates Meda (fat tissue), Mamsa(muscle tissue) and Tvak (skin) of Gudaregion. Which results in the appear-ance of fleshy mass of variable size and shape in the Guda region called Arsha. A deeper understanding of ArshaSamprapti (etiopathogenesis) is must for its prevention and success-ful management. Impaired Jatharagni, Dhatvagni, Vitiated VataPradhanaTridosha and Tvak, Mamsa, Medas are mainly involved in the Sampraptiof Arsha.