Do
you or someone you know suffer from hemorrhoids? Very likely so, since
approximately 80% of adults have them. Hemorrhoids vary in degree and
severity of symptoms. Bleeding, constipation, itching, pain and
protrusion are all signs of this condition. The hemorrhoids may
present externally, but frequently exist invisibly within the rectum.
Hemorrhoids
may develop due to childbirth, rigorous exercise, heavy lifting,
prolonged sitting or standing, unhealthy liver conditions, straining
to produce bowel movements, as well as from undigested foods causing
irritation to the rectal tissue.
Tension
and pressure within the rectal blood vessels cause them to rupture,
leading to swelling and sometimes tearing of the tissue. This often
leads to bleeding, which may show up during bowel movements. The
swelling also causes the tissue to lose much of its elasticity,
leaving the area prone to future inflammation.
Hemorrhoids
may appear to go away, but once the damage has been done, the
traumatized tissue tends to react more readily in the future. This
means that the problem flares up easily whenever the blood vessels or
tissue are challenged. Untreated, hemorrhoids only get worse.
A wide array of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals claim to treat
hemorrhoids. They cannot truly change the integrity of the blood
vessels or the tissue, however. At best, they can act as a temporary
band-aid to soothe the inflamed area.
Surgery usually involves banding, called "ligation" of the
hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the area, leaving the
tissue to die and fall off. Most people who undergo the surgery
experience a great deal of pain and need to take substantial time off
from work. Unfortunately, the remaining tissue still tends toward
inflammation, due to the previous breakdown of the connective fibers.
Therefore, the hemorrhoid tends to recur.
Many hemorrhoids respond well to the Keesey treatment. This method
uses a mild electric current that creates a diffuse scarring in the
tissue. This acts to strengthen the tissue, reducing its ability to
swell and hemorrhage. Depending on the degree of the hemorrhoids and
their number, five to ten treatments will usually correct the
condition. Each treatment requires only a few minutes.
Most patients experience no pain during the treatment and can return
immediately to their daily activities. Often, symptoms are reduced
within 24 hours. A careful evaluation of diet and lifestyle usually
reveals the cause of the original problem. With the help of a
qualified physician, patients can make the changes that will prevent
new hemorrhoids from developing.
Dr.
Susan Godwin
of the Woodland Wellness Clinic offers the Keesey treatment for
hemorrhoids as well as general Naturopathic healthcare, including
detoxification, musculo-skeletal and body-mind therapies. Call
907-456-1571 for more information.
