Piles is not an uncommon disease, and can be quite discomforting for people dealing with it. Common symptoms of piles are painful and itchy swelling, as well as lumps near the anus, painful bowel movement, itching around the anus, and more. Piles can occur due to many problems, for instance, chronic constipation, lifting heavy weights, chronic diarrhoea, and can also happen due to strain while passing stool. Piles are swollen collection of tissues which occur in the anal area. Piles can be both internal and external.

Vataja Arsha is caused by intaking too many foods that are astringent, pungent, bitter, ununctuous, cold, light, and too little quantity (not eating enough). Lifestyle choices include excess alcohol, frequent sex, fasting, living in a cold climate, excess physical exercise or work, grief, and exposure to sun and wind.

Pittaja Arsha is caused by intaking too many foods that are pungent, hot, salty, and alkaline. Lifestyle choices include excessive exercise, high exposure to heat from either fire or the sun, living in a hot climate, excess alcohol, feeling envious, intaking food or drink that causes a burning sensation.

Kaphaja Arsha is caused by intaking too many foods that are sweet, unctuous, cold, salty, sour, and heavy. Lifestyle choices include lack of exercise, sitting too long, sleeping during the day, excess sleep, exposure to wind, living in a cold climate, exposure to cold and inactive mind. The three dosas become morbid by their aggravating factors and the three anal sphincters become afflicted at the ano-rectum. Piles caused by vata and kapha are known as dry piles and are usually less painful with no bleeding. Piles caused by pitta and/or rakta are associated with bleeding and are very painful this is known as wet piles. Surgery is often avoided when piles are managed early on with proper diet, lifestyle.