Effective Strategies for Hemorrhoid Relief in Daily Life
Dealing with hemorrhoids can be painful and distressing, especially when it leads to bleeding during bowel movements. Fortunately, there are simple and effective methods to manage and treat hemorrhoids through **small lifestyle changes**.
Enhance Physical Activity
Regular exercise plays a crucial role in boosting the body's immunity and reducing the chances of hemorrhoid development. Engaging in various physical activities promotes better blood circulation, balances the body's energy, stimulates gastrointestinal motility, and alleviates pelvic congestion. This, in turn, prevents constipation, a common trigger for hemorrhoids.
Simple Exercises
One effective exercise is to consciously squeeze and lift the anal muscles. Performing this technique for 30 repetitions in the morning and evening acts as an internal massage, enhancing blood circulation and strengthening the anal sphincter. This practice can be repeated frequently, providing significant benefits for hemorrhoid prevention and self-treatment.
Establish a Regular Bowel Routine
A seasoned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner once remarked that habitual constipation can be addressed through the establishment of routines. To prevent constipation and maintain soft stools, it's essential to have regular bowel movements. Ideally, one should aim for 1-2 bowel movements daily, with the optimal time being between 5 to 7 AM when the large intestine is most active. If this is challenging, try to set a consistent time after waking up or shortly after arriving at work.
Starting the day with a glass of warm water mixed with honey can stimulate digestive activity and effectively prevent constipation. Additionally, light morning exercises like jogging can promote bowel movements. When the urge to defecate arises, it’s important not to hold back, as prolonged reluctance can lead to chronic constipation. Keep toilet time short and avoid distractions like reading to foster good habits.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Creating a balanced diet can enhance appetite, improve gastrointestinal function, and establish a healthy routine for bowel movements. Prioritize foods rich in vitamins and fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes, while minimizing the intake of spicy and irritating foods like chili peppers, mustard, and garlic.
Practicing Good Anal Hygiene
Maintaining cleanliness around the anal area is essential for preventing infections that can aggravate hemorrhoids. Regular washing with warm water and changing underwear frequently helps eliminate bacteria that can lead to complications.
Self-Massage Techniques
A gentle massage on the coccyx area before sleep, targeting the “Changqiang” acupoint for about 5 minutes, can enhance blood circulation and open the meridians, providing relief and improvement in anal blood flow.
Warm Water Sitz Baths
After defecation, taking a warm sitz bath can clean the anal area thoroughly and promote local blood circulation. This practice not only maintains hygiene but also provides comfort and relief from any discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Important Reminders
If you experience stubborn constipation, seek medical advice promptly instead of relying on laxatives or enemas for extended periods. Prolonged laxative use can lead to swollen blood vessels and disrupt gastrointestinal function. Similarly, frequent enemas can dull rectal sensitivity, exacerbate constipation, and result in hemorrhoid formation.
By incorporating these **simple strategies** into your routine, you can significantly reduce the impact of hemorrhoids and prevent their progression. Adopting these good habits will serve as a powerful defense against this condition and contribute to overall digestive health.