Ankle Edema in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different ankle edema patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Ankle edema is a condition marked by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues around the ankles, leading to swelling. This can result from various causes including standing or walking for long periods, underlying health conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Ankle edema is not only a sign of fluid imbalance but can also indicate deeper systemic issues, such as heart, kidney, or liver problems. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for addressing both the discomfort and the underlying causes effectively.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives ankle edema as a manifestation of imbalances within the body’s energy system, particularly involving the Kidney, Spleen, and Lung. According to TCM theory, edema is often the result of the body's inability to manage Body Fluids properly, due to either a Deficiency in Yang energy, which warms and promotes fluid metabolism, or an accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm obstructing the proper flow of Qi and Body Fluids.
TCM practitioners aim to diagnose the underlying pattern of disharmony through detailed consultation, observation, and palpation, focusing treatment on restoring balance and enhancing the body's natural fluid regulation mechanisms.
TCM Patterns for Ankle Edema
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Oedema of ankles
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Oedema of ankles
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Phlegm
Causes: Oedema of ankles
Oedema
Oedema of ankles
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Dampness
Causes: Oedema of ankles
Oedema
Oedema of ankles
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Herbal Formulas for Ankle Edema
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address ankle edema
Wu Ling San
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
- Tonifies the Spleen Qi
- Calms External Wind
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Ping Wei San
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Reduces edema, diuretic
- Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Zhen Wu Tang
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Yu Gong San
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels water and
- Reduces edema
- Unblocks the bowels
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Zhou Che Wan
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Qi movement
- Harshly drives out Water and Heat Stagnation
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these ankle edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Ankle Edema Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Oedema of ankles
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...