EDEMA

edema-acupuncture.htm

Below are examples of acupuncture points used in treating certain forms of edema.

Edema caused by qi stagnation and the constriction of blood vessels:  He Gu (LI4), Nei Guan (P6), Tan Zhong (Ren17), Tai Chong (Liv3), Yin Ling Quan (Sp 9), Zu San Li (S 36), San Yin Jiao (Sp 6), Xue Hai (Sp10) and Shui Fen (Ren 9).

Edema caused by wind-dampness: San Yin Jiao (Sp 6), Yang Ling Quan (Du3), Feng Fu (Du16), Feng Chi (G20), Feng Shi (G31), Yin Ling Quan (Sp 9), Zu San Li (S36) and Zhong Wan (Ren12).

Edema caused an inefficient spleen: Nei Guan (P6), Yin Ling Quan (Sp9), San Yin Jiao (Sp6), Nei Ting (S44), Zhong Wan (Ren12), Zhang Men (Liv13) and Zu San Li (S36).

Edema experienced during pregnancy: Yin Ling Quan (Sp9), Zu San Li (S36), Pi Shu (B20), and Shen Shu (B23).

Edema experienced during menstruation: Pi Shu (B20), Tong Tian (UB7), Guan Yuan (Ren4), and Ming Men (Du4).

An example of how acupuncture is used to treat edema can be seen from the moxibustion treatment of pedal oedema. The acupuncture points favored are Spleen 9 and Stomach 36.

Spleen 9 is found below, but on the inside of, the knee. It is a point situated below the medial condyle bone of the knee. Stomach 36, on the other hand, is found on the shin bone, a few inches below the knuckle of the knee.

During treatment, a smoldering moxa stick is held a couple of inches above these points for 5 minutes. This is repeated over the course of a week.

Herbs are also commonly used in acupuncture treatment of edema. Usually, they are decoctions containing herbs known for their diuretic properties and the ability to stimulate blood circulation.

How Does It Work: 

An acupuncturist is able to identify and treat the underlying deficiencies and imbalances that cause edema, by utilizing both herbs and acupuncture. 

As edema is usually considered as a symptom of a ‘deficient’ condition in Chinese medicine, it would likely require 10-12 sittings to achieve a lasting effect. 

Western medicine looks at edema from a different perspective. It simply considers it as an abnormal buildup of fluid beneath the skin, or in one or more cavities of the body. 

Generally, the amount of fluid is determined by homeostasis; and the enhanced secretion of fluid into interstitial spaces or impaired removal of this fluid causes edema. Acupuncture treats the underlying metabolic imbalances that result in edema. 

In Chinese Medicine, edema has two varieties: Qi Edema and Water Edema. Your acupuncturist will be able to assess which type of edema you have and the organ systems that are affected. He will accordingly choose the right acupuncture points and herbal formula for you.