Facial Edema in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different facial edema patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Facial edema, also known as swelling of the face, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the facial tissues. This symptom can arise from various causes, ranging from allergies and sinus infections to more complex health issues such as heart or kidney problems. Facial edema can affect anyone, leading not only to physical discomfort but also to concerns over appearance and well-being. It is crucial to understand the underlying causes of this condition to provide effective treatment and relief.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial edema is seen as an imbalance within the body's natural systems. TCM interprets this condition as a manifestation of Dampness accumulation, Yang Deficiency, or a disturbance in the flow of Qi and Blood, often exacerbated by external factors such as Wind and Cold.
Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony underlying the edema is essential in TCM, as it guides the choice of treatment strategy aimed at rebalancing the body's energies and resolving the swelling.
TCM Patterns for Facial Edema
Dampness
Causes: Oedema of face
Oedema
Oedema of face
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
Oedema of face
Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Oedema of face
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Oedema of face
Along with: Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Frequent urination, Lupus
Phlegm
Causes: Oedema of face
Oedema
Oedema of face
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Wind
Causes: Oedema of face
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
Oedema of face
Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema
Cold
Causes: Oedema of face
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
Oedema of face
Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema
Herbal Formulas for Facial Edema
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address facial edema
Wu Ling San
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Shortness of breath...
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Warms the Lungs
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath...
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
- Tonifies the Spleen Qi
- Calms External Wind
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Ping Wei San
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Reduces edema, diuretic
- Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Zhen Wu Tang
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Yu Gong San
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels water and
- Reduces edema
- Unblocks the bowels
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Zhou Che Wan
Addresses these facial edema patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Qi movement
- Harshly drives out Water and Heat Stagnation
Addresses These Facial Edema Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Oedema of face
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...