Acupuncture for Edema
Water retention, also known as fluid retention or edema, occurs when excess fluids build up in your body. The body is made largely of water. When due for any reason excess water is gathered in the body it means there is an imbalance to maintain the fluid balance.
Interestingly, UK data shows this is a common issue, a cross-sectional study in Derby estimated chronic edema prevalence at 3.93 per 1,000 individuals overall, rising sharply to 28.75 per 1,000 among those aged 85+, with women more affected than men. Similarly, analysis in the East Midlands suggests approximately 240,000 people across the UK live with chronic edema.
Obesity and pregnancy are also linked to an increased likelihood of developing edema.
All the systems in the body, the circulatory system, kidneys, hormones, lymphatic systems, and others aid to maintain an optimum level of water in the body. If there is a malfunction in one or more of these systems resulting in excess fluid accumulation, the condition is known as Edema or water retention.
Edema usually affects the ankles, arms, face, feet, and legs. The symptoms depend on the area water retention is affecting some of the common edema symptoms experienced include:
- Swelling
- Shiny or puffy skin
- Changes in skin colour
- Stiff joints
- Aches in body
- Tenderness of the area
- Weight gain
Causes of Edema: Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese Medicine, Edema is a sign of organ system deficiency. Dysfunction of lungs, kidneys, and spleen are often pinpointed as the cause of edema. Excess water overflows into muscles and the skin when these organs fail to perform their tasks of converting, transferring, and dispersing fluids.This dysfunction could be due to external pathogens or to internal injury.
Edema can be distinguished into two types: Yin Edema and Yang Edema.
Yang edema: comes about due to external pathogens that invade the body and cause an imbalances and organs to dysfucntion. This type of Edema usually starts at the top of the body and spreads downward, affecting the entire body. Yang edema is a heat and/or excess condition characterised by glossy, tight, non-pitting skin.
Yin Edema: occurs when Qi is disrupted, resulting in spleen and kidney malfunction, as a result of poor diet, injuries, sexual overindulgence, or prolonged sickness. It usually starts at the bottom of the body and works its way up to affect the entire body. Yin edema is a chronic, cold, deficiency condition characterised by loose, dull, pitted skin.
| Feature | Yin Edema | Yang Edema |
| Cause | Internal organ deficiency (spleen, kidney), often due to poor diet, chronic illness, overexertion, or long-term imbalance | External pathogens (e.g., wind, cold, damp, heat) invading the body and disrupting organ function |
| Onset | Gradual, chronic condition | Sudden, acute onset |
| Direction of Spread | Starts at the lower body (feet, legs) and moves upward | Starts at the upper body (face, eyes) and moves downward |
| Skin Appearance | Loose, dull, pitted skin | Glossy, tight, non-pitting skin |
| Temperature | Cold-type condition (associated with Yang deficiency) | Heat/excess-type condition |
| Common Triggers | Poor digestion, injuries, sexual overindulgence, prolonged sickness | Seasonal/weather changes, infections, external dampness/heat |
| Treatment Focus | Tonify Qi, warm Yang, strengthen spleen and kidney function | Expel pathogens, clear heat, regulate organ function |
Chinese Medicine’s View of Edema
In Chinese TCM theories, Qi is the energy that flows in the body freely and brings about many functions through the circulation of blood and fluid that provide the whole body with nutrients.
When the Qi is obstructed, it can cause Qi stagnation . When Qi is stagnated, it slows down or in some cases stop fluid transport and balance throughout the body. This leads to the accumulation of fluid, which appears in the body as fluid retention. As there is not sufficient Qi (Vital energy), it lead to also stops the blood flow and causes stasis that makes the circulation of blood around the body very slow.
The water content of the blood leaves the vessels and crosses the vessel walls into the cavity, and accumulates there causing swelling, pain, and stiffness in the feet, joints, and other extremities.
This retained water in the body then thickens and becomes phlegm and causes dampness in the body.
Chinese believe that all diseases in the body have dampness in their root causes. Problems like joint pains, headaches, depression, fatigue and so many others are attributed to the presence of dampness in the body. This dampness might be the result of internal factors or external factors translated as confusion; impaired vision and fatigue in the affected person.
Chinese Medicine view the fluid in the body as a small pool. All the systems work together to keep the water flowing with the help of Qi through blood. When any abnormality causes Qi and blood stagnation, the water accumulates until it changes into phlegm, which is one of the causes of dampness in the body that ultimately leads to a sick state, and the body lost balance result in difficult to metabolise the water effectively.
When any abnormality causes qi and blood stagnation, the water accumulates until it changes into phlegm, which is one of the causes of dampness in the body that ultimately leads to a sick state, and the body lost balance result in difficult to metabolise the water effectively.
It is also very common for women to experience water retention before their period. For example, our guide on 6 ways to relieve water retention before your period offers practical tips that can help reduce bloating and discomfort.
Treatment For Edema With Chinese Medicine
1. Acupuncture for Edema
Acupuncture is a therapy during which fine needles are inserted into the body at specific points to helps stimulate body organ function.
Acupuncture for Edema helps relieve fluid retention in the body as it encourages blood flow, nourish Kidney yang and fluid movement through the body.
The flow of blood and fluid through the body lessens the water retention, as the water also gets reabsorbed into the vessels and capillaries to go around the body. This reduces the swelling and inflammation caused due to blood and fluid stagnation.
Water retention is reduced in the body when the nerves of the kidney and endocrine system are stimulated by Acupuncture. Preventing your body from accumulating extra water can help you lose weight quickly and keep it off.
A study out of the Department of Korean Gynecology at the College of Korean Medicine in Seoul demonstrated that treatment with acupuncture was able to significantly reduce some water retention symptoms such as swelling and weight gain.Another trial held in control groups to study the effect of acupuncture in people with water retention due to lymphatic obstruction was studied.
This therapy showed surprisingly good results in regulating the flow of the lymphatic system and getting rid of the fluid retention caused by this inflammation.
2. Combine Acupuncture With Moxibustion
Acupuncture alone is a great way to manage and get to the root cause of Edema, however, acupuncture when combined with Moxibustion can offer enhanced results. Moxibustion is another Chinese therapy during which moxa is burned very close to the skin to stimulate blood and fluid flow throughout the body.
A study was carried out on individuals suffering from edema. The participants were divided into two groups. One group underwent only acupuncture and another group was treated with moxibustion in combination with warm needle acupuncture.
The results indicated that the second group which was treated with both therapies in conjunction showed better results as compared to the acupuncture group. The results were faster and more effective, particularly when moxibustion was added to the treatment plan. You can also explore our detailed guide on how moxibustion can help with water retention, which explains the process and its potential benefits.
3. Supplements for Edema
Chinese medicine has long been used as a combination of herbs and other natural ingredients to help relieve water retention symptoms. Formulas are often used based on the individual condition as part of a TCM treatment plan for water retention. These herbs are commonly used in the traditional formula to help restore balance and improve Qi and circulation.
- Supplements for Yang-Related Edema
These supplements are specifically aimed at Yang-deficiency related edema, a type of water retention in TCM caused by weakened warmth and energy in the body. When Yang energy is low, the body struggles to move fluids properly, leading to swelling, puffiness, or heaviness. The following supplements work to tonify Yang, strengthen Qi, and promote fluid circulation, helping to reduce edema and support overall vitality.
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VityBoost
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Huang Qi Blend
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- Supplements for Yin-Related Edema
These supplements are designed for Yin-deficiency related edema, a type of fluid retention in TCM caused by insufficient cooling, nourishing, or moistening energy in the body. When Yin is weak, fluids can accumulate or become stagnant, leading to swelling, puffiness, or heaviness. The following supplements help nourish Yin, moisten tissues, and support fluid balance, reducing edema and promoting overall vitality.
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Yang Vital Boost
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Water Pills
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Frequently asked questions about Acupuncture for Edema
How many acupuncture sessions are needed to see improvement in edema symptoms?
The number of the session of acupuncture for edema can be varied depending on the underlying cause of the edema, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s condition. It’s always best to consult with GinSen’s qualified acupuncturist for personalized advice and treatment.
What are the acupuncture points used for treating water retention and edema?
Acupressure points are locations on the body where stimulation can provide relief from various health concerns. For edema, the following acupressure points have been recommended:
- Kidney 3 (KI3) – it helps with water metabolism and elimination of edema
- Spleen 6 (SP6) – it helps with water metabolism and support the spleen which is important for digestion
- Bladder 23 (BL23) – it helps regulate the urinary system and reduce edema
It’s important to note that the choice of points and the treatment protocol can vary depending on the underlying cause of the edema, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s constitution. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified acupuncturist for personalized advice and treatment. With the help of a professional, you can be sure that you’re receiving the most effective treatment for your particular condition.
Is acupuncture safe for treating water retention during pregnancy?
Can acupuncture help with lymphedema in legs ?
Lymphedema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the limbs, causing swelling. Some studies have found that acupuncture may be effective in reducing swelling and improving in relief of lymphedema uncomfortable. Acupuncture can also combined with other treatment methods to achieve optimal results. For example, manual lymph drainage, massage etc are often used in combination with acupuncture for lymphedema in legs.
Conclusion:
Chinese medicine is a powerful holistic therapy that helps to naturally decrease edema in the body while also addressing the underlying causes of edema. Acupuncture and chinese medicine helps restoring balance to the body, TCM can help to reduce swelling and puffiness, improve circulation and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with edema, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
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