Hemorrhoids are one of those health problems that almost everyone knows about but almost no one wants to talk about. Itching, burning, discomfort when sitting or using the bathroom, small bleeds that give you a scare… A large share of the population will deal with them at some point in life, and yet we still talk about them in whispers. If you've landed here, this probably sounds familiar, and you're looking for a solution that goes beyond the usual ointment.
The good news is that there are several ways to get help, and acupuncture is one of them. In this article we tell you how traditional Chinese medicine understands hemorrhoids, what a session feels like, what the evidence says, and who acupuncture for hemorrhoids may be suited to. We'll always be upfront with you: it's a complement, not a magic wand.
What are hemorrhoids and why do they appear?
Hemorrhoids are small vascular structures that all of us have at the lower end of the rectum. They're part of normal anatomy; the trouble starts when they become inflamed, swollen, or displaced, and then they cause symptoms: swelling, itching, burning, pain, a feeling of heaviness, or blood in the stool.
The most common causes have to do with lifestyle: constipation and straining on the toilet, long hours of sitting, excess weight, pregnancy and childbirth, a low-fiber diet, or regularly lifting heavy loads. Although in many cases the problem is mild and improves with simple changes, hemorrhoids really are bothersome and can affect your quality of life. And that's where many people look for complementary support to ease their symptoms and get their daily life back.
Origin and classification of hemorrhoids
The origin of hemorrhoids is almost always pressure: anything that raises pressure in the abdomen and the lower rectum (straining during a bowel movement, the weight of pregnancy, sitting for hours) makes it harder for blood to return and causes those cushions to swell and lose firmness. With the years, the supporting tissues also become looser.
Doctors classify them according to where they form. Internal hemorrhoids arise inside the rectum, usually hurt very little, and show up mostly as bright red blood when you use the bathroom. External ones appear under the skin around the anus, can be felt by touch, and are the ones that bother people most, especially if a clot forms inside. Internal ones are also ranked in grades, from I to IV: in the first they don't protrude; in the second they poke out when you strain and go back on their own; in the third they have to be pushed back in with a finger; and in the fourth they stay out. This classification guides the doctor on which treatment suits each case.
Who treats hemorrhoids, and which specialty is it?
The first step is your primary care doctor, who can assess most mild cases and prescribe an initial treatment. When the discomfort keeps coming back, bleeds often, or doesn't improve, you'll be referred to a specialist. The specialty that treats hemorrhoids is general and digestive surgery and, within it, coloproctology; the hemorrhoid specialist is called a proctologist or colorectal surgeon. In some centers a gastroenterologist also sees them, especially when the intestine needs to be examined to rule out other causes of bleeding.
The acupuncturist doesn't replace any of them: their role comes after the diagnosis, as support to ease discomfort and to work on the habits and imbalances that favor the problem.
How does Chinese medicine understand hemorrhoids?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been addressing this kind of problem for centuries from a very particular perspective: it doesn't look only at the affected area, but at the body as a whole. In this view, health depends on vital energy, Qi, flowing freely throughout the body, and on the body keeping its natural balance. When that flow stagnates in certain areas, or when an internal imbalance appears, discomfort follows.
In the case of hemorrhoids, TCM has traditionally described several mechanisms that could contribute to the problem. On one hand, it speaks of energy and blood circulation getting stuck in the lower part of the body, like a river that backs up behind a dam: pressure builds and the area becomes congested. On the other, it pays close attention to digestion and to how the body processes food. Sluggish digestion, an irregular diet, or chronic constipation are considered factors that weaken the area and encourage hemorrhoids to appear.
It also takes into account factors that, from a Western standpoint, we would connect with stress and fatigue: according to this medicine, sleeping poorly, living under constant tension, or dragging around lingering exhaustion erodes the body's ability to keep tissues firm and well supplied with blood. The key to this approach is that it doesn't just "put out the fire" in the affected area: it seeks to understand why that fire is lit in that particular body. That's why the acupuncturist asks so many questions about habits, digestion, and sleep during the first consultation.
What does an acupuncture session for hemorrhoids feel like?
Many people who have never tried acupuncture imagine it as more dramatic than it is. The reality is much calmer. During the first visit, the practitioner will ask you broad questions about your health, your habits, and your symptoms, and will look at things like your tongue and your pulse, which in Chinese medicine are sources of information about the overall state of the body.
Then you'll be asked to get comfortable on the treatment table. Depending on the assessment, the acupuncturist will insert very fine needles in different areas of the body: never inside the rectum or on the hemorrhoids themselves, but at points located mainly on the arms, legs, abdomen, or back. The idea behind this medicine is that the body is connected, and that working on some areas can influence others. Classic examples are Chengshan (BL57), on the calf, cited since ancient times for hemorrhoids, and Baihui (GV20), at the top of the head, which tradition credits with the ability to "lift" what tends to sink.
The usual sensations during the session are:
A slight prick or minimal discomfort as the needle goes in, which lasts only an instant.
A feeling of heaviness, warmth, gentle tingling, or distension around the point, which acupuncturists interpret as the activation of energy circulation.
A deep sense of relaxation; many people even fall asleep.
The needles are usually left in for 20 to 30 minutes, and when you're done you can go back to your routine as normal. Typically, the practitioner will recommend a schedule of sessions and, very importantly, advise you on lifestyle changes (a high-fiber diet, hydration, movement) that boost the results.
What does the scientific evidence say?
Scientific research on acupuncture and hemorrhoids is still developing. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce pain and associated discomfort, possibly by modulating pain perception and improving circulation. Research is under way to better understand in which cases it works and how strongly.
That said, the available evidence is not as solid as it is for other treatments, and the scientific community considers that higher-quality studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions. That's why the sensible position is this: acupuncture can be a useful complement for easing discomfort in certain people, especially when the problem keeps coming back or when associated factors such as stress or constipation are present, but it does not replace diagnosis or medical treatment when these are needed.
If your hemorrhoids are frequent, very painful, or bleed regularly, the first step is to see a doctor. And if you decide to try acupuncture, tell your doctor about that too.
Who may it be suited to?
Acupuncture for hemorrhoids may interest people with different profiles:
Those with recurring discomfort who want additional support alongside their usual treatment.
People with associated chronic constipation, where Chinese medicine can work on the digestive system as a whole.
People who live with a lot of tension or stress and notice their symptoms getting worse during overwhelming periods.
People who prefer to avoid, as far as possible, long-term dependence on topical medications.
On the other hand, it isn't the right route if you're looking to "eliminate" advanced hemorrhoids mechanically: for certain grades there are specific medical treatments, and that's when you should see the specialist. Acupuncture works best as support to relieve, balance, and prevent, not as a substitute for surgery.
What to do when you have hemorrhoids: home remedies and acupressure
During a mild flare-up, the most sensible home remedies for hemorrhoids are simple: sitz baths in lukewarm water for a few minutes, cleaning the area with water instead of rough paper, not holding back the urge to go, and not lingering on the toilet. As for what to eat, fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and drinking water throughout the day all help; it's best to go easy on spicy food, alcohol, and highly refined foods, which Chinese medicine links to the heat and dampness that build up in the intestine. An ointment for hemorrhoids can relieve itching and inflammation for a few days, but it's better to have your doctor or pharmacist recommend it and not use it indefinitely.
Acupressure, which consists of pressing points with your finger, can go along with these measures. The simplest points are Chengshan (BL57), in the middle of the calf, where the two bellies of the calf muscle separate, and Erbai (EX-UE2), on the inner side of the forearm, about four finger-widths above the wrist crease. Press gently for one or two minutes on each side, without causing pain. If you're pregnant, check with a professional first.
Precautions and contraindications
Acupuncture is a safe technique when practiced by a qualified professional using sterile, single-use needles, something you should always insist on. Even so, like any therapy, it comes with precautions:
- Tell your acupuncturist if you take anticoagulants, have any skin condition, are pregnant, or have a serious medical condition.
- Needles are not placed directly in the affected anal area; the work is always external and in other regions of the body.
- Slight local tenderness or a small bruise after the session is normal; anything more noticeable should be reported to the practitioner.
- Lifestyle changes (fiber, water, movement, not spending a long time sitting on the toilet) are not optional: they are the foundation on which any therapy rests.
And an important reminder: blood in the stool is not always due to hemorrhoids. If you notice this symptom, especially if it's new or persistent, see a doctor to rule out other causes.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture cure hemorrhoids?
It doesn't promise cures. It can help ease discomfort and work on the factors that favor hemorrhoids, such as constipation or tension, but it doesn't "erase" existing hemorrhoids. In advanced cases, medical or surgical treatment may be the right option.
Can hemorrhoids be cured?
Many mild hemorrhoids improve until the discomfort disappears with changes in diet, bowel rhythm, and simple treatments, although they can come back if the habits that cause them continue. For more advanced grades, there are effective medical and surgical treatments that the specialist will decide on. Acupuncture doesn't cure them, but it can help ease the symptoms.
Does acupuncture hurt in this case?
The needles are placed on the arms, legs, abdomen, or back, never on the hemorrhoids. The usual experience is a minimal prick and a pleasant sensation of warmth or heaviness. Most people describe it as a relaxing experience.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the person, how long the problem has been present, and the habits that go with it. Some people notice improvement after a few sessions and others need a longer course. The practitioner will guide you after the first assessment.
Can I have acupuncture if I have bleeding hemorrhoids?
The first step is to talk to your doctor: bleeding should always be evaluated to confirm where it's coming from. If the diagnosis is hemorrhoids, acupuncture can be practiced as normal, since it doesn't work directly on the affected area.
Is it useful alongside ointments and medical treatments?
Yes, in fact that's the most common and most recommended approach. Acupuncture acts as a complement that can improve overall well-being and certain associated factors, while medical treatment addresses the affected area. Always tell both professionals what you're doing.
What else can I do to improve?
Walk daily, drink enough water, include fiber in your diet, avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods, and avoid straining during bowel movements. These habits, together with the sessions, make a big difference in how things progress.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are bothersome, common, and rarely discussed, but they do have solutions. Acupuncture for hemorrhoids stands out as an interesting complementary support: an age-old technique that works on the body as a whole, without significant pain and with a high safety profile when practiced by a qualified professional.
If this option appeals to you, the sensible approach is to take two steps: first consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis, and then see a certified, experienced acupuncturist. And remember: if symptoms persist, the bleeding is frequent, or something worries you, seeing a doctor isn't a step to skip, it's the first one.
