Hemorrhoids is one of the curses listed in Deuteronomy chapter 28 (see page 29). Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that prolapse (hang out) of the anus. The veins enlarge as a result of breakdown and stretching of the surrounding tissue. The hemorrhoids can bleed intermittently which can be seen when you go to the toilet (blood on the pan or streaks of blood on the outside of the stool) or only on wiping. There may also be an aching or dragging discomfort on defaecation, and sometimes the person has to push the hemorrhoids back in to get relief after each bowel motion. These veins can become inflamed, causing clots to form which block the veins, resulting in sudden severe pain.
Hemorrhoids can be genetically inherited – in other words it can run in families. It is not necessarily inherited as a physical genetic defect but as a spiritual disease (the basis of this is explained in the chapter on “Genetically Inherited Diseases” on page 153). Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins in the rectum/ anus and the spiritual root behind it is the same as aneurysms – whenever there is bulging or exploding blood vessels, there is personal or generational anger, rage and hostility. Therefore read the section on aneurysms just above.
Note: Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common. This may not necessarily have a spiritual root. The raised hormone levels can cause the body tissue in that area to relax. Also, pressure from the baby’s head may impair drainage of blood from these veins, thus causing the veins to enlarge due to the accumulation of blood. However, after birth of the baby the hemorrhoids should resolve in this case. Constipation and sitting on the toilet for long periods while reading has been associated with hemorrhoids. However there has never been any real evidence that this causes hemorrhoids. Constipation has a spiritual root of its own – this is explained on page 360.