Edema
Obstruction of the water passages in the Three Jiao (the upper, middle
and lower portions of the body cavity) due to derangement of the Lung,
Spleen and Kidney caused by:
Invasion of the Lung by Wind and Cold = excess condition.
Deficiency of Yang in Spleen in Spleen and Kidney resulting in excess
fluid = deficiency condition.
Differentiation
Excess type: Onset is usually
abrupt. Generally edema appear first on the head, face or lower
extremities. The skin is lustrous. Accompanying symptoms and signs are
cough, asthma, fever, thirst, scanty urine and low back pain. P-
superficial or rolling and rapid.
Deficiency type: Onset is insidious. Edema first appears on the pedis
dorsum or eyelids then over the entire body. Accompanying signs are
chilliness, pallor, backache, general weakness, abdominal distention,
loose stools and P- deep thready.
Treatment
For edema of the excess type, apply acupuncture at points commonly used
for strengthening the dispersing function of the Lung to promote
circulation of water. After the exterior pathogenic factors are
eliminated, method of treatment may be similar to that for edema of the
deficiency type. That is to select points for warming and tonifying the
Spleen and Kidney and give acupuncture with reinforcing method plus
moxibustion.
Points
For full type: Lieque Lu-7. Hegu LI-4
Hidrosis is desirable for edema above the waist. These two points are
used to promote perspiration and subsidence of the exterior symptoms by
activating the Qi of the Lung.
Pianli LI-6. Yinlingquan Sp-9. For
edema below the waist, diuresis is recommended and these points promote
diuresis.
Pangguangshu UB-28 Regulates the
function fo the ruinary bladder for excreting fluid.
Deficiency type: :ishu UB-20. Shenshu UB-23. Application of moxibustion to these points
eliminateds Damp and fluid through warming and tonifying the Yang of
both the spleen and Kidney.
Shuifen Ren-9. Moxibustion produces a
diuretic effect.
Qihai Ren-6 Moxibustion tonifies the original Qi.
Weiyang UB-39 Inferior He-Sea point
of Sanjiao, removes obstruction from water passages.
Sanyinjiao Sp-6 Zusanli St-36 Using reinforcing method
strengthens the function of the Spleen and Stomach to eliminate Damp.
Points according to area:
Edema of the face: Renzhong Du-26
Constipation with abdominal distension: Fenglong St-40
Edema of the pedis dorsum: Foot-Lingqi GB-41, Shangqui Sp-5.