Edema

Edema, a condition characterized by tissue swelling from fluid accumulation, is understood differently in Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Western medicine categorizes Edema into four types: Peripheral, Pulmonary, Cerebral, and Macular, often linked to diabetic complications (Wang et al., Diabetes Care, 2012). It can be triggered by various factors, including weather changes and medication side effects (Stewart et al., Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2006).

TCM, on the other hand, identifies four disharmony patterns: 1) Yang Deficiency, signifying underactive organ function and stagnant Qi (Lin et al., Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2011); 2) Phlegm-Fluids, indicating waste fluid accumulation; 3) Spleen Qi Deficiency, often due to poor diet and emotional stress (Cheng et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014); and 4) Spleen Yang Deficiency, typically evolving from Spleen Qi Deficiency. This comprehensive understanding aids in targeted, effective treatment strategies.