Leg Swelling in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different leg swelling patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Leg swelling, medically known as lower limb edema, is a condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the leg, leading to noticeable swelling.
This condition can affect both legs and may extend to the feet. It can be a result of various health issues, ranging from circulatory problems to lymphatic system disorders. Leg swelling is often accompanied by discomfort and sometimes pain, and it can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches leg swelling from a perspective of energy and fluid imbalances in the body. According to TCM, this condition often arises from the Stagnation of Qi (vital energy) and the accumulation of pathogenic factors like Dampness or Phlegm.
TCM practitioners aim to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the swelling, whether it is due to a Deficiency in the body's energy systems or an excess of pathogenic factors.
TCM Patterns for Leg Swelling
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause leg swelling
Damp-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua)
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua)
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Leg Swelling
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address leg swelling