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Oedema

Typical symptoms:

Disease description:

Oedema is a condition where fluid leaks from the vessels and accumulates in the surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling in those areas. Most often, the arms or legs are affected, since the fluid is most likely to accumulate there due to gravity. Mild oedema often occurs after prolonged sitting or standing. During pregnancy or just before menstruation, hormone-induced oedema may appear. Injuries may also lead to oedema, but they disappear on their own. Causes of water retention can also be numerous diseases and metabolic disorders. This is particular for generalised oedema, where fluid accumulates and swells throughout the body.

Explanation according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine:

In Chinese Medicine the metabolic process of aqueous fluid is centred on the Spleen, Lung and Kidney. After the liquid is generated, it is first transferred by the Spleen’s ascending function to the Lung. The Lung receives the water from the Spleen and spreads it all over the body. Kidney Yang maintains the metabolism of water and fluid and promotes the function of the Spleen and Lung in the metabolism of water and fluid. If any of the three organs, Spleen, Lung or Kidney malfunctions, it can cause obstacles in the distribution and excretion of water, causing water to stay in the body and produce oedema.