Inspired by the German word “sitzen,” which means “to sit,” the word “sitz” in a sitz bath is a pain-relieving therapeutic bath targeting the anal and lower parts of the body. This lukewarm water treatment method has been used traditionally in the West, but Ayurveda now uses it as an efficient at-home remedy for anal disorders and to relieve the perineum during postpartum conditions.
What is a Sitz Bath?
It is a pain-relieving bath by soaking your lower abdominal areas, which include your hips, buttocks, and anal muscles, in the lukewarm water. Keeping the upper parts of the body, this shallow water bath aids in removing germs, dirt, and infections and healing wounds existing in the area between the anal and genitals.
This pattern of water treatment is applicable for both genders during hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, prostitis, and anal cancer.
How Does a Sitz Bath Help?
It is a vital cleansing process with hot or lukewarm water that aims to maintain the anal and perineal area free from any infection, pain, inflammation, or any form of discomfort. Let’s understand how a sitz bath can prove to be curative for lower abdominal issues:
1. Improve Blood Flow: It is an effect of warm water that quickens the healing process by exerting blood flow with nutrients and oxygen.
2. Drain Infections: It is already known that warm water can destroy the structural components of any germ or infection and stop their development. So, a sitz bath will be highly effective in removing the infections and toxins from the perineal or anal areas.
3. Reduce Itching: Itching arises from the accumulation of debris, toxins, or any form of infection on the skin. Because warm or lukewarm water will cleanse the afflicted area, itching and inflammatory conditions will not affect the person.
Sitz Bath Procedure: How Do You Take Sitz Bath?
Step 1: Preparation
You would require a tub to fit and soak your lower portion of your body or buy a sitz bath kit and make sure that it is easily installed in the toilet seat.
Step 2: Filling the Bath
The water that you will be using for your therapy must neither be too hot nor cold. Water temperature must be heated up to 39 degrees Celsius or 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Adding Epsom Salts or Medication
Depending on the disorder or condition of your wound in the anal or perineal area, the certified healthcare provider may prescribe Epsom salt or its blend with any essential oil.
In some cases, patients are advised to apply 5 mL to 10 mL of povidone-iodine to the warm water. Further accelerating the healing process is the addition of potassium permanganate solution to lukewarm water, which reduces bleeding, inflammation, and itching.
Even Ayurvedic experts advise warming up some water and adding one tablespoon of Triphala. It could reduce pain, inflammation, and itching without causing any side effects.
Step 4: Taking The Sitz Bath
Ensure that the lower part of your body, which could be impacted by hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, infections, wounds, or diseases in the perineal area, is submerged in partially filled water in the tub. Allowing warm water to perform miraculous healing can require 15 to 20 minutes of sitting.
Step 5: Drying Off
Pat the moist area gently with a fresh towel. Avoid massaging the area vigorously, as this may aggravate the sensitive tissues or result in pain and inflammation.
Step 6: Cleanup
You should clean the sitz tub and any related parts twice or thrice daily after performing the procedure to prevent infection.
Known Facts About The Benefits Of Sitz Bath
- It may be one of the effective home remedies for piles. Warm water might clear the anal region of residual feces, kill the germs, and reduce swelling and pain in the anal area.
- It may heal the wounds in postoperative operative conditions.
- It may also comfort the lower abdominal area post-normal and C-section delivery.
- It might facilitate easy pus drainage arising from the abscess in the genital area or the anal disorders.
- Soaking the affected anal area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes may help manage piles without surgery.
- Apart from healing muscle cramps and eliminating pain arising from congestion, a sitz bath may also comfort you during osteoarthritis and its associated conditions. It does serve as a natural painkiller.
- It stimulates smooth blood flow in the perineum area and boosts relaxation in your mind.
Who Should Take Sitz Bath?
- Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, fistulas, or fissures in the anal region, as well as those who have had surgery for anorectal disorders, can benefit from sitz baths.
- It may comfort anyone who may be suffering from uterine disorder or has developed herpes in the genital area.
- Patients experiencing pain from infections in the female genitalia, bladder, or prostate may find relief.
When to Take a Sitz Bath?
- It is advised to take a sitz bath to lessen anorectal pain, irritation, itching, and bleeding.
- To get over the painful experience that came after the anal, vaginal, or prostate surgery.
- To remove the infections and combat the effects of inflammatory bowel disease.
Things to Remember About Sitz Bath
- It is a non-intrusive and non-pharmacological procedure that must be conducted per the guidance of a qualified doctor.
- It is a method that can be easily performed comfortably at home with the help of a sitz bath kit or bathtub and necessary salts if needed or prescribed.
- For anyone experiencing any type of urogenital disorder accompanied by pain, swelling, irritation, itching, or bleeding, it is highly recommended.
- Though the Sitz bath has been a part of Western treatment, it has been modified in Indian ayurvedic form.
Are There Any Risks To Sitz Baths?
- There has been no information on side effects arising from sitz bath. However, for safety reasons, especially if experiencing anorectal disorders, urogenital problems, or perianal inflammation, pain, or discomfort of any kind, one should require consent from a registered physician.
- Refrain from using any additional ingredients, such as salts or apple cider vinegar, beyond what a doctor has prescribed.
- Cleanliness and temperature control of water may not cause any risk or harm to the patient.
- Lightly massaging or patting the afflicted region with a soft towel will help to calm the muscles and nerves, promote blood flow, and promote comfortable healing.
How Sat Kartar Ayurvedic Medicines Can Improve Blood Flow?
Sat Kartar Ayurvedic medicines for piles may promote risk-free, non-invasive, 100% natural or herbal support. Herbs found in Piles Stop include neem seeds, daruhaldi, nagkesar, haritaki, kutaj, Vidanga, and Tamra bhasma. Dr Piles Free Kit can also reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with the anorectal region.
As in the case of internal vs. external piles treatment,
Internal
- Both the ayurvedic medicines may prevent internal hemorrhage.
- Ayurvedic medicines may strengthen the digestive agni and balance the doshas.
- Normalize bowel movement.
External
- It may reduce external swelling, pain, or any form of discomfort in the external area of the anus.
- Stop itching, irritation, and inflammation.
- Cease pus discharge and control bleeding
Further, ayurvedic experts may guide you on how to plan the diet and exercise to overcome any anorectal disorder apart from consuming medicines.
Bottom Line
In Ayurveda, sitz baths are used as therapeutic baths to relieve pain and heal postpartum and anal diseases. It is a lukewarm water therapy technique that heals sores between the genitalia and anal regions while also eliminating dirt, bacteria, and diseases.
It can lessen anorectal pain, irritation, itching, and bleeding and is appropriate for both genders. With the right salts and a bathtub or sitz bath kit, you may execute the bath at home. However, avoiding the use of any other component without a doctor’s consent may bring risks to your already affected area.
Dr. Hindika Bhagat has worked with renowned organizations to help maintain health and get improved results. She is well known for her mastery as a general Ayurvedic physician and Vedic Diet Plans. Dr. Hindika Bhagat is an accomplished Ayurvedic doctor with over 7 years of experience. She holds expertise in treating issues such as female hormonal disorders, piles, fissures, diabetes, vitality, weight management, liver disorder etc.