Acupuncture for Edema

Chinese medicine delineates edema into multiple syndromes, based on how and where it occurs in the body. Ankle edema is attributed to Kidney Deficiency (TCM), while hand edema may be attributed to Heart Qi Deficiency. 

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method that uses pressure points located in the hands and feet to treat a variety of conditions, including edema. 

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. 

Types of Edema and Acupuncture: 

Acupuncture can effectively treat different types of edema conditions such as lymph edema, ankle edema, leg edema, arm edema, macular edema, and facial edema. 

While acupuncture significantly treats edema caused by lymph node removal in breast cancer surgery, it might not be as effective at treating other types of edemas caused by surgical trauma. 

Considering that this Chinese method poses few threats, it is worth trying. While immediate reduction of edema often occurs with acupuncture, this treatment along with other herbal therapies is effective in addressing most types of edema. 

Studies have found that acupuncture significantly reduces edema. Other scientific studies have suggested that it can encourage the production of cortisol, a hormone that alleviates pain and inflammation. 

Is Acupuncture Safe: 

You must talk to your physician about acupuncture before you opt for the treatment. Although relatively safe, acupuncture may not be recommended for patients with certain conditions. 

You must check to make sure that your acupuncturist is licensed by the state and is experienced in performing acupuncture. 

In case of macular edema, even if acupuncture rectifies your vision loss, you may still have an underlying condition which needs to be treated, so follow your eye doctor’s recommendations properly. 

You may also consider taking a natural fluid retention remedy such as Capisette, which contains potent herbs like dandelion extracts, horse chestnut, ginkgo biloba, and buchu extracts.