Foot Dorsum Swellingaccording to TCM

What is Foot Dorsum Swelling?

Foot dorsum swelling is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the top part of the foot. It can result from a variety of causes, including injury, inflammation, or underlying health issues such as heart or kidney disease.

The swelling can be painful, limiting movement, and often indicates an imbalance within the body's systems. It's a symptom that can affect people of all ages and can vary in severity, sometimes accompanied by redness, warmth, or stiffness.

How Does TCM View Foot Dorsum Swelling?

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, foot dorsum swelling is often a sign of impeded Qi (vital energy) and Blood circulation, leading to what is termed 'Dampness' and 'Stagnation' in the body. This can be due to an imbalance in the organs, particularly the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver, which play roles in fluid metabolism and emotional regulation.

TCM seeks to understand the unique pattern behind the symptom, considering environmental factors, emotional state, diet, and other aspects of the individual's life and health to provide a holistic treatment.

Acupoints for Foot Dorsum Swelling

In managing foot dorsum swelling, TCM employs acupuncture, targeting specific points believed to restore balance and promote the flow of Qi and Blood. The Stomach Channel, particularly Chongyang ST-42 and Xiangu ST-43, is often utilized to tonify the Stomach and Spleen, essential for transforming and transporting Body Fluids. Stimulating these points can also calm the Mind and help alleviate the physical manifestations of stress, which can contribute to swelling.

The Gall Bladder Channel points, including Diwuhui GB-42 and Xiaxi GB-43, are selected to address Liver Qi Stagnation and clear Damp-Heat, respectively. These points are strategic in resolving issues related to the smooth flow of Qi and the dispelling of excess pathogenic factors.

Lastly, the Bafeng EX-LE-10 points, a set of eight points located around the interdigital areas of the foot dorsum, are activated to clear Heat and reduce swelling effectively. These points are integrated within the treatment to maximize the reduction of swelling and restore optimal function to the foot.

Explore below some acupoints used to address foot dorsum swelling, organized by meridian.

Chongyang ST-42

Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.

Xiangu ST-43

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones, at the level of the junction of the shafts and the heads of these metatarsal bones.

Diwuhui GB-42

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.

Xiaxi GB-43

Between the 4th and 5th toes, proximal to the margin of the interdigital web.

Bafeng EX-LE-10

This is a group of 8 points, all located on the foot dorsum, slightly proximal to the margins of the interdigital webs. Xingjian LIV-2, Neiting ST-44 and Xiabai GB-43 are part of the Bafeng EX-LE-10 points. Xingjian LIV-2 is between the 1st and 2nd toes, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the margin of the web. Neiting ST-44 is between the 2nd and 3rd toes, while Xiaxi GB-43 is between the 4th and 5th toes.