Yoga & Haemorrhoids

‘Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus)…. Haemorrhoids aren’t usually painful, unless their blood supply slows down or is interrupted.’

NHS

Piles are very uncomfortable and unpleasant. It’s vital with piles to drink enough water and eat enough roughage (whole wheat products) to make having a poo easier. The main concern is exacerbating the hemorrhoids. Be careful with any pose that creates downwards or abdominal pressure.

 

Yoga can help by:

  • Increasing health of the area with careful practice and pelvic floor exercises

Do

  • Contract your anus slightly
  • Find ways to reduce pressure
  • Avoid activities that increase pressure or pain
  • Enjoy the relief of an inverted posture (bridge)

 

Don’t

  • Contract the abdomen without also having the pelvic floor and anus lifted
  • Poses exercise caution with anything that involves compressing the tummy which is likely to create increased pressure on the anus
  • Poses to avoid: squatting or anything else with a strong downward pressure or energy