Oedema Of Handsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hand Issues
Did you mean? Swollen Hands
What is <a href='https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/oedema'>Oedema</a> of Hands?
Oedema of the hands, often referred to as hand edema or fluid retention in the hands, is a condition marked by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the hands. This swelling can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from temporary changes in the body's physical state to more serious health conditions. The manifestation of Oedema in the hands can significantly impact daily activities and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on its underlying cause.
How does TCM view <a href='https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/oedema'>Oedema</a> of Hands?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches Oedema of the hands from a perspective of energy and bodily balance. In TCM, such symptoms are often attributed to imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), disturbances in Yin and Yang, or disharmony among internal organs.
The focus of TCM is to identify and correct these imbalances using a holistic approach that may include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments. The aim is to restore harmony within the body and address the root cause of the Oedema, rather than just treating the external symptoms.
Root Causes of Oedema Of Hands in TCM
In TCM, several patterns are recognized as potential causes of Oedema of the hands. One key cause is Phlegm accumulation, believed to occur when the Body Fluids transformation and transportation mechanisms are impaired, leading to visible swelling and a sensation of heaviness.
Another notable cause is Qi Stagnation, which happens when the flow of Qi is obstructed, resulting in fluid accumulation, feelings of fullness, or tightness in the hands. This can be influenced by emotional stress or physical blockages within the body.
Explore below more details about what might cause Oedema of hands according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
- Dampness
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Oedema Of Hands
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Oedema | Oedema of hands, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more | Wu Ling San | Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Ping Wei San | Wu Pi Yin | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Zhen Wu Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Yu Gong San | Zhou Che Wan |
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 Oedema Of Hands
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Oedema | Oedema of hands, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more | Wu Ling San | Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Ping Wei San | Wu Pi Yin | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Zhen Wu Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Yu Gong San | Zhou Che Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Oedema Of Hands
TCM treatment for Oedema of hands involves specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying pattern causing the condition. In cases of Phlegm-related Oedema, practitioners often recommend Wu Ling San, a formula known for promoting urination and reducing Dampness. This formula includes herbs such as Water plantain, which assists in draining excess fluids.
For instances of Qi stagnation leading to Oedema, Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang is typically advised. This formula not only promotes urination to alleviate dampness but also enhances the movement of Qi to alleviate swelling and discomfort associated with hand Oedema. The choice of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, taking into account the person's overall health and specific symptoms, ensuring a comprehensive approach to restoring balance and well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address oedema of hands, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that drive out excess water
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Wu Ling San
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause oedema of hands, such as Oedema
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Oedema Of Hands Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wu Ling San | Oedema |
| Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Oedema |
| Ping Wei San | Oedema |
| Wu Pi Yin | Oedema |
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Oedema |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Oedema |
| Shen Qi Wan | Oedema |
| Yu Gong San | Oedema |
| Zhou Che Wan | Oedema |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Wu Ling San
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause oedema of hands, such as Oedema
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Oedema Of Hands Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wu Ling San | Oedema |
| Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Oedema |
| Ping Wei San | Oedema |
| Wu Pi Yin | Oedema |
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Oedema |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Oedema |
| Shen Qi Wan | Oedema |
| Yu Gong San | Oedema |
| Zhou Che Wan | Oedema |
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some oedema of hands-causing patterns like Oedema.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness" recommended for oedema of hands
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Ling San | Oedema |
| Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Oedema |
| Wu Pi Yin | Oedema |
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some oedema of hands-causing patterns like Oedema.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for oedema of hands
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Oedema |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Oedema |
Formulas that drive out excess water
These formulas are suitable for some oedema of hands-causing patterns like Oedema.
One such formula is Yu Gong San, with morning glory seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that drive out excess water" recommended for oedema of hands
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yu Gong San | Oedema |
| Zhou Che Wan | Oedema |
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
These formulas are suitable for some oedema of hands-causing patterns like Oedema.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some oedema of hands-causing patterns like Oedema.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Oedema Of Hands
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address oedema of hands, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that drain Dampness
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Wu Pi Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for oedema of hands
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Wu Pi Yin | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wu Ling San |
| Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) | Wu Pi Yin |
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Morning Glory Seeds (Qian Niu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Yu Gong San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for oedema of hands
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Morning Glory Seeds (Qian Niu Zi) | Yu Gong San |
| Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) | Zhou Che Wan |
| Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) | Zhou Che Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Stephania Roots (Fang Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Ping Wei San.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Wu Pi Yin.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Zhen Wu Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Shen Qi Wan.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Oedema of hands can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oedema of hands, like Zhou Che Wan.