What Are Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids involve swelling in the veins of the lower back passage. They can sit inside (internal) or around the outside (external), and often they cause no symptoms at all. However, when they do flare up, they may feel sore, itchy or tender, especially after sitting for a long time. Because the area stays sensitive, even mild discomfort can affect your daily routine.

Common signs many people notice include:

• Itching or irritation around the back passage
• Discomfort or aching, particularly when sitting
• A small amount of bright bleeding after going to the toilet
• A feeling of fullness or a small lump near the area
• Straining or a sense that the bowels have not fully emptied

If you notice persistent bleeding, a change in your usual bowel habit, or any severe or unexplained symptoms, please have them checked promptly so anything more serious can be ruled out.

What Causes Haemorrhoids?

From a Western point of view, haemorrhoids usually develop when there is extra pressure on the veins of the lower bowel. Therefore the common triggers tend to be everyday habits rather than anything mysterious. For example, straining on the toilet, ongoing constipation, sitting (or standing) for long stretches, and a low-fibre diet can all play a part. You can read a plain-English overview at Healthdirect ↗.

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the same picture from a different angle. In this framework, haemorrhoid discomfort often relates to a build-up of heat and congestion in the lower bowel, together with sluggish circulation and irregular bowel movements. As a result, the aim of treatment is to clear that heat, ease the congestion, settle any minor bleeding and help the bowels move more comfortably and regularly.

Diet Tips That May Help Haemorrhoids

Alongside acupuncture for haemorrhoids, diet has such a strong effect on the bowels that a few simple changes can make a real difference. The single most useful step is usually getting enough fibre, so that stools stay soft and easy to pass. Therefore consider building these into your day:

• Eat plenty of fibre — wholegrains, wheat bran, fresh fruit and almost all vegetables
• Drink more water through the day to keep things moving comfortably
• Include cooling, gentle foods such as cucumber, winter melon, mung beans, tofu, bananas, figs, prunes and pears
• Add black sesame seeds, black fungus and water chestnut, which tradition regards as soothing
• Make sure your meals include everyday vitamins and minerals, for example vitamin C and leafy greens

Meanwhile, it also helps to ease off on foods that tend to irritate the system. So where you can, limit:

• Spicy, peppery or very pungent foods, such as chilli, mustard and lots of raw garlic or onion
• Alcohol, strong coffee and energy drinks
• Fried, fatty and heavily processed foods
• Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs and deli meats
• Foods and drinks with artificial colouring

Lifestyle Tips for Everyday Comfort

Finally, small lifestyle habits often matter just as much as acupuncture for haemorrhoids and herbal support. Because straining is a key trigger, the goal is to keep bowel movements soft and regular, and to take pressure off the area:

• Go to the toilet when you first feel the urge, rather than holding on
• Avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods
• Get up and move regularly if you sit or stand for long stretches at work
• Stay active with gentle daily exercise, such as walking
• Manage stress where you can, since tension can affect digestion

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Choosing acupuncture for haemorrhoids starts with a relaxed, unhurried first visit. To begin, we will have a friendly chat about your symptoms, your digestion and your general health. Then, if acupuncture suits you, we use very fine, gentle needles — or the needle-free laser option if you prefer. After that, we may suggest personalised Chinese herbal medicine and some simple diet and lifestyle tips to use between visits. Above all, our drug-free, AHPRA-registered care sits comfortably alongside any guidance from a dietitian or other health professional you are already seeing.

When to See a Doctor

Not all bleeding is from haemorrhoids. Please see a doctor promptly if you notice:

• Bleeding with a change in bowel habit, or any bleeding after the age of 50
• Dark blood mixed through the stool, or black stools
• Severe anal pain with a hard, purple lump
• Heavy bleeding, or feeling dizzy or faint
• Fever with anal pain or swelling

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture for haemorrhoids actually work?

Results vary from person to person, so we use careful, qualified language. That said, many people find acupuncture relaxing and, combined with Chinese herbal medicine and simple diet changes, it may help ease everyday discomfort and support more regular, comfortable bowel movements.

Is the treatment safe?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are gentle and drug-free, and Geoffrey He is AHPRA-registered. Because some herbs are not suitable in pregnancy or alongside certain medicines, we always check your full health history first and adjust your care accordingly.

Can I have it alongside my usual care and any medicines?

Yes. Acupuncture is a complement to, not a replacement for, the care of your medical doctor. Please keep taking any prescribed medicines, and tell us about them so we can plan safely. For any severe, persistent or unexplained symptoms, please seek prompt medical advice.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people find it surprisingly comfortable. The needles measure extremely fine, and many describe only a brief, dull sensation. Moreover, a lot of people find the session calming and even drift off to rest.

Is there a needle-free option?

Yes. If you would rather avoid needles, we offer a gentle needle-free laser option, so you can still try this approach in a way that feels comfortable for you.

How many sessions might I need?

It depends on your situation and how long you have had symptoms, so we will give you a clearer idea after your first visit. Generally, we suggest a short initial course and then review your progress together.

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