The Anal Lifting Method for Preventing and Treating Hemorrhoids: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

The Anal Lifting Method originates from the classical medical text Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (Treatise on the Origins and Symptoms of All Diseases), where it was described as “sealing the valley and refining essence.” It is a Daoist health-preserving and TCM-guided exercise that strengthens the Kidney and regulates internal organs.

The method is simple: every night before bed, perform 18 deep breaths. During inhalation, gently contract the anal sphincter; during exhalation, relax the anal area. One inhale and one exhale count as one repetition. Practiced continuously for 100 days, this technique is especially effective for lower burner disorders such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and chronic constipation.

This article explores its therapeutic mechanisms from the perspectives of both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern biomedicine.

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I. TCM Mechanism: From the “Lower Origin and Governing Vessel” to “Raising the Clear and Lowering the Turbid”

1. Regulating the Governing Vessel and Promoting the Ascension of Clear Yang

The anus is located at the “lower origin” of the body and is the convergence of the Governing (Du) and Conception (Ren) vessels. The act of lifting the anus activates qi circulation in the lower burner, helping yang qi to ascend and turbid yin to descend, thus harmonizing the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), promoting qi and blood circulation, and unblocking meridians.

→ In TCM, hemorrhoids are often due to prolonged sitting or standing, qi deficiency with prolapse, or damp-heat accumulation in the lower body. The anal lifting method strengthens middle burner qi, enhances spleen and lung function, counteracts prolapse, and reduces blood stasis in the lower rectum.

2. Consolidating the Lower Source and Preventing Prolapse

From a TCM view, “anal incontinence” reflects Kidney qi deficiency. Since the Kidney governs storage and containment, lifting the anus helps revitalize Kidney yang, consolidate Kidney qi, and enhance sphincter control. This makes it effective for preventing prolapse of the rectum, anal laxity, and chronic diarrhea with anal weakness.

3. Promoting Qi and Blood Flow, Dissolving Stasis, and Relieving Pain

When coordinated with deep breathing, the anal lifting movement promotes the circulation of qi and blood, resolving stagnation. For hemorrhoids caused by poor blood flow, such as mixed hemorrhoids, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, or swelling and pain, this practice invigorates blood, reduces inflammation, and relieves discomfort.

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II. Biomedical Mechanisms

1. Strengthening the Pelvic Floor and Improving Venous Return

The anal lifting method is a form of pelvic floor training, functionally equivalent to what is known in Western medicine as Kegel exercises.

Long-term practice strengthens the anal sphincter and surrounding supportive tissues, improves venous return, and is effective in preventing and relieving both hemorrhoids and constipation caused by muscle weakness and vascular stagnation.

2. Enhancing Local Circulation and Reducing Inflammation

The repeated contraction and relaxation of the anal area enhances blood circulation in the pelvic and anal regions, facilitates venous drainage from hemorrhoidal veins, and alleviates symptoms like anal swelling, itching, and pain.

3. Coordinated Deep Breathing and Autonomic Regulation

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and when paired with anal lifting, it helps regulate gastrointestinal motility and improve bowel regularity. This is particularly helpful for stress-related or neurogenic constipation that may contribute to hemorrhoidal symptoms.

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III. Practice Method and Precautions

Key Practice Guidelines

• Time: Best practiced at night before bed when the mind and body are relaxed.

• Posture: Can be performed lying down, seated, or standing—choose the most comfortable position.

• Steps:

1. Inhale deeply while slowly contracting the anal sphincter, as if trying to “hold in a bowel movement”;

2. Exhale while relaxing the anus;

3. One breath in and out counts as one repetition;

4. Perform 18 repetitions as one set, 1–3 sets per day; continue for at least 100 consecutive days for best results.

Precautions

• Do not apply excessive force; the contraction should be gentle and controlled.

• Those with severe hemorrhoidal inflammation or post-operative wounds should consult a physician before beginning.

• Women in late pregnancy or during menstruation should avoid strong contractions.