Hemorrhoids are enlarged, engorged veins in the perianal area. They can
occur in either in either the internal or external hemorrhoidal veins, or
both. Internal hemorrhoids can protrude (prolapse) and if severe the can
ulcerate. External hemorrhoids can bleed, or can thrombose (a blood clot
forms inside the hemorrhoid), which tends to be rather painful. In both
cases the hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, pain, itching and problematic anal
hygeine.

The only way one can get rid of hemorrhoids is to have them surgically
removed. They are not life threatening, and they don't have to be removed if
the symptoms can be managed to the patient's satisfaction. Antibiotics won't
help the symptoms at all, acupuncture is unlikely to help, but it won't
cause any harm if the patient wants to try that route. Symptom management is
primarily stool softeners and perianal astringents such as Preparation H or
other such over-the-counter ointments/suppositories.

Hemorrhoidectomy (surgically removing the hemorrhoids) when done
conventionally, leads to a very painful and rather prolonged recovery. You
(or whomever it is that has the hemorrhoids) needs to see a general surgeon
or a colorectal surgeon since these are the specialists that deal with
hemorrhoids. In some cases, prolapsing internal hemorrhoids (where they keep
protruding) can be ligated in the office and successfully control the
problem. If the hemorrhoids are external, or if there is too much prolapse,
then hemorrhoidectomy is necessary if the patient feels that it is worth the
pain.

There is a less invasive and less painful solution to prolapsing internal
hemorrhoids, if rubber band ligation of fails, called PPH (Procedure for
Prolapsing Hemorrhoids). This procedure works very well but does require a
trip to the operating room. It's a rather specialized technique using
specialized tools and not all surgeons are trained to do it. For more
information on PPH, look at http://www.pphinfo.com/ .

Good luck.

HMc

Take a look at www.herbalabs.org

Corey

Stress can be a causative factor in Hs in a number of ways.

Under stress people often eat less digestible food, too much of it and
in bad combinations.  This can lead to constipation, large stools,
hard stools (or quite the opposite). There can be more pushing to get
this stuff out irritating the lining of the anus.

Stress can lead to fear.  Fear can also be expressing in clamping in
the anus.  The conscious mind fights this clamping during bowel
movements and this causes, again, irritation.

A table spoon of flax seed, followed by a good 8oz glass of water,
before meals can soften the stool and allow the body to gently heal
because the lining is not be irritated and there is no need for
pushing.

There are many herbal remedies if you are interested in alternative
approaches.  Herbs + H in google will give you a lot of options.

Good luck