Water Retention

Edema, in Western medicine, is characterized as tissue swelling induced by the accumulation of excess fluid, potentially resulting from various factors such as climatic changes, prolonged sitting or standing, pharmaceutical side effects, or as a manifestation of underlying conditions. The condition is categorically divided into four types: Peripheral, affecting the extremities; Pulmonary, impacting the lungs; Cerebral, involving the brain; and Macular, commonly related to diabetes complications. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delineates four primary disharmony patterns associated with edema: Yang Deficiency, typified by stagnant Qi and blood; Phlegm-Fluids, indicating pathological fluid retention; Spleen Qi Deficiency, often precipitated by poor diet and emotional stress; and Spleen Yang Deficiency, commonly evolving from preexisting Spleen Qi Deficiency. These medical perspectives are corroborated by research and guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institute of Health (NIH), along with various clinical studies and scientific journals.