Edemaaccording to TCM

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What is Edema?

Edema, known in layman's terms as fluid retention, swelling, or puffiness, manifests as an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to noticeable swelling in various body parts. This condition can present in specific areas, such as the ankles (Ankle Edema), or affect the body more generally, as seen in conditions like anasarca (generalized body swelling). Other forms include Peripheral Edema, Lip Edema, and Facial Edema, each with its unique characteristics and underlying causes, ranging from systemic diseases to localized injuries or infections.

How Does TCM View Edema?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on edema, attributing its cause to imbalances within the body's energy systems, particularly concerning the Spleen, Kidney, and the harmony between Qi and Blood. Unlike the Western medical approach, which often focuses on the symptom, TCM seeks to identify and treat the root cause of edema, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony leading to fluid accumulation.

Root Causes of Edema in TCM

In TCM, the causes of edema are multifaceted and include imbalances such as Qi and Blood Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Dampness, or Phlegm etc. Qi Deficiency, for instance, might manifest through symptoms like general weakness and breathlessness, indicating a weakened life force unable to contain bodily fluids properly.

On the other hand, Yang Deficiency, particularly of the Spleen and Kidney, leads to a failure in warming the body and transforming fluids, resulting in edema. Dampness, often due to Spleen dysfunction, results in the accumulation of fluids as the body fails to metabolize water correctly. Each pattern requires a distinct treatment approach within TCM, aiming to restore balance and eliminate the root cause of edema.

Explore below more details about what might cause Edema according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Phlegm
  • Yang Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Edema

Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue Feeling Of Heaviness Diarrhea Shortness Of Breath Nausea Urinary Dysfunction Lack Of Appetite Absence Of Thirst

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen Edema, Lack of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Nausea, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness... see more Ping Wei San
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Edema, Oedema, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Oedema Oedema of ankles, Oedema of legs, Oedema of face, Oedema of abdomen, Oedema of feet, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more Ping Wei San | Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Zhen Wu Tang | Wu Ling San | Wu Pi Yin | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Yu Gong San | Zhou Che Wan
Damp-Phlegm Swollen limbs, Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Abdominal fat... see more Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Er Chen Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing Oedema especially of the legs and ankles, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Wu Ling San
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs Oedema of face, Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema... see more Xiao Qing Long Tang
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Swelling of the feet, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Wind-Damp Edema, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Urinary dysfunction, Ascites, Rheumatic heart disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute glomerulonephritis, Lumbar disc disease... see more Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more Wu Ling San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Edema

TCM addresses edema through a variety of herbal formulas tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. For Qi Deficiency, formulas like Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang, which tonifies both Qi and Blood, are commonly used. In cases of Yang Deficiency, treatments might include warming and tonifying formulas such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.

Dampness is treated with formulas like Ping Wei San, which transforms Dampness and harmonizes the Stomach. Each formula is carefully selected based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis, ensuring a targeted and effective approach to treating edema.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address edema, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Phlegm
  • Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Edema Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Oedema, Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing... see more
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Oedema, Damp-Phlegm
Ping Wei San Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, Oedema
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang Wind-Damp, Oedema
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, Damp-Phlegm
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Zhen Wu Tang Oedema
Xiao Qing Long Tang Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
Wu Pi Yin Oedema
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Oedema
Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Yu Gong San Oedema
Zhou Che Wan Oedema
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Acupoints for Edema

Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, offers targeted relief for edema through the stimulation of specific points on the body. Points such as Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Shenshu (BL-23) are key for addressing Spleen and Kidney deficiencies, respectively, both common contributors to edema. Tianshu (ST-25) and Fuliu (KID-7) are utilized to regulate the intestines and Kidney function, aiding in fluid metabolism.

Acupuncture treatments aim to restore the flow of Qi, strengthen the organs involved in fluid transformation, and ultimately reduce the symptoms of edema, complementing the holistic approach of TCM in treating this condition.

Explore below some acupoints used to address edema, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
Daying ST-5

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Guanmen ST-22

Guanmen ST-22

3 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Tianshu ST-25

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Shuidao ST-28

Shuidao ST-28

3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to anterior midline.

Yinshi ST-33

Yinshi ST-33

3 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Zusanli ST-36

Zusanli ST-36

3 cun below Dubi ST-35, one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, on the tibialis anterior muscle.

Tiaokou ST-38

Tiaokou ST-38

8 cun below Dubi ST-35, midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, one middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Fenglong ST-40

Fenglong ST-40

Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.

Xiangu ST-43

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.

Lidui ST-45

Lidui ST-45

On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of nail.

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