Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are when the veins located in the lower rectum and the anal canal become swollen and dilated. These dilated veins (varicose veins) become convoluted beneath the tissue layers and appear similar to a ball of hair covered by a cloth. Such a protrusion is known as a pile mass.
Two Type of Piles:
1.External (outside) hemorrhoids develop near the anus and are covered by very sensitive skin.
2.Internal (inside) hemorrhoids develop within the anus beneath the lining.
Internal hemorrhoids are classified by their degree of prolapse, which helps determine management:
Grade One: No prolapsed outside anal canal while passing stools.
Grade Two: Prolapses out but goes back inside on its own.
Grade Three: Prolapse outside but to be pushed back in by the patient.
Grade Four: Prolapse that cannot be pushed back in by the patient (Often get infected and          
causes pain.)
 Classical Ayurvedic texts states two types of haemorrhoids.
•    Sushka – Dry or with no discharge. This type of piles will not be associated with bleeding. Similar to internal piles or first and second degree piles.
•    Sravi – Piles with discharge or bleeding piles. Similar to third and forth degree piles.
     What causes Piles?

     The upright posture of humans alone forces a great deal of pressure on the rectal veins, which sometimes causes them to bulge. Other contributing factors include:
     Aging
     Chronic constipation, diarrhea or colitis.
     Overeating,
     Heavy weight lifting.
     Fatty liver disease
     vitamin B-6 deficiency
     Pregnancy
     Hereditary causes
     Excessive Straining during bowel movements
     Irregular bowel habits due to overuse of laxatives or enemas.
     Spending long periods of time (e.g.,mobile, reading news paper) on the toilet.
     Sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time.
Lack of exercise also contribute to the development of haemorrhoid.

 Additionally, Ayurveda designates the occurrence of piles due to habitual consumption of constipating foods such as potatoes, cabbage, channa (chick peas),Rajma Udad, split peas, spicy foods and excessively dry foods, Preserved Food, Irregular food habits, fast food,Deep fried and Re fried food. Similarly suppression of the urge to pass flatulence and stools can lead to chronic constipation and eventually haemorrhoids. Constant use of hard seats and continuous pressure exerted on the anal sphincter may also cause piles to develop.
Symptoms of piles?

If you notice any of the following, you could be suffering with Piles.
     •    Pain and pressure inside the anal canal
     •    Small, round lump either on the anus or inside the anal canal
     •    Itching and soreness around the anus
     •    Blood stained stools or bleeding during passing stools
     •    In certain conditions, a pile mass may come out while passing stools and then retract back into the anal canal

 Sense of incomplete evacuation of stools.
Can piles be prevented?
Yes, you can prevent the occurrence of piles. Avoiding all the causative factors as mentioned above will reduce the chances of development of piles.  
What is the treatment as per Ayurveda for haemorrhoids?
Internal management for Grade one Internal Piles.

The Ayurveda medicines for piles  not only focus on shrinking the pile mass, but herbal medicines improves Digestion and support preventing irregular bowel habits like Constipation,Diarrhoea, Colitis etc.which leads to less likelihood of piles.

Surgical Management:
Haemorrhoids can be treated with either Kshara sutra or Kshara karma which are both Ayurvedic surgical procedures. It involves the application of organic alkalies that promote removal of excess tissues and proliferation and healing of normal tissues..
What is Kshara Karma?
Kshara Karma is an Ayurvedic surgical procedure that involves the application of caustic alkalis such as Apamargakshara (Achyranthesaspera), Arkakshara (Caltropisgigantea) or Snuhikshara (Euphorbia lingularia) to cauterize and arrest the blood flow to the pile mass. Within 1-2 weeks of the procedure the pile mass will shrivel up and fall off leaving so scar tissue on the anal canal.
What are the benefits of Kshara Karma?
•    Post-operative pain is mild
•    No bleeding
•    One day procedure, minimal hospitalization
•    Due to no scar tissue formation, no chance of incontinence of stools
•    Minimal chance of reoccurrence
What is the chance of haemorrhoids reoccurring?
There is minimal to no chance of haemorrhoids reoccurring if treated with kshara sutra or kshara karma. The kshara has a proliferative effect that induces the generation of new healthy tissue and also prevents the reoccurrence of this condition.