TCM and Lymphedema

Lymphedema, is the longer name for what what most people call edema!

(Including me)..

The difference usually being that edema can be a term for acute and general swelling, that can be present for a variety of reason, musculoskeletal trauma, or allergic reaction for example.

Lymphedema on the other hand, is a chronic condition that could have been initiated by a variety of reasons, and continues to stay present due to the lymphatic system, and its related systems, failing to properly cycle, re-distribute, and re-cycle the lymphatic fluid. Without treatment or proper attention, it can continue to progress and lead to a whole slew of issues. Luckily, there is much we can do!

For starters, you can visit Renu Health and Wellness if you are in Calgary, and book in with one of the practitioners who are highly trained, and specialize in treating lymphedema! I have been employed and working there for the past two plus years, and I can speak to the skills and kindness of the RMTs! If you are not in Calgary, start looking around for specialists in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, it is likely there are some not too far from you.

For seconds, TCM has been treating edema and lymphedema from many sources for as long as it has been around. Ill let you know a bit about it below, but as within all conditions, it will involve differentiating the source of the edema, and treating the patient with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage techniques, as well as providing home care and lifestyle suggestions.

In TCM, we consider edema, and lymphedema to be categorized into two branching types; Yin, and Yang.

Yang edema is generally more acute, or is the type that can be located on the head/face/upper body more so than the lower. The skin of the swollen area tends to be brighter as well, with an almost glow, and taut-ness to the skin.

Yin edema, tends to be the opposite! Generally more chronic, and starting on the feet or ankles, with the most severe swelling being below the waist.

Though these are pretty major differences, either situation can lead to the other if not taken care of, so regardless we need to differentiate further.

There are 6 main categories that edema/lyphedema will tend to fall into. A TCM Doctor will differentiate by asking all sorts of questions, and should be able to omit some of the categories by just using simple observation methods right off the bat.

Some of these categories will not make much sense without some understanding of terms in TCM, so I will provide some general symptoms that may be present alongside. The most confusing of which will be "Dampness", or "Damp heat". For the purpose of understanding, we can consider the swelling, or pooling of lymphatic fluid, to be a collection of "Dampness".

Yang - Wind (+Water) Invasion	-Starts on eyelids, spreads to extremities -Chills/fever -Sore and painful extremities Tongue - thin white coating Pulse - slippery and floating -can feature HEAT also, red/swollen achy throat Tongue - red
Yang -Damp Toxin	-Starts in/on eyelids, spreads to rest of body -difficult urination -Dermal ulceration -Aversion to wind -Fever Tongue - thin and yellow coat Pulse - Slippery and rapid
Yang -Dampness invasion	-Chronic -Edema of the whole body -Scanty urination -Heavy sensation in whole body -Epigastic fullness -Poor appetite -Nausea Tongue - White and greasy coat Pulse - Deep and slow
Yang -Damp heat obstruction	-Edema of whole body -Chest and epigastic Fullness -Thirst with no desire to drink -Irritability -Deep yellow and scanty urine -Foul smelling bowel movements
Yin -Spleen yang deficiency	-Chronic edema primarily in the lower extrem. -Pitting -Epigastric and stomach fullness -Poor/absent appetite -Loose stool -Lusterless complexion -Fatigue -Cold extremities -Scanty urination Tongue - Pale, swollen, white greasy coat Pulse - deep and slow/weak, slippery
Yin -Kidney yang deficiency	-Puffy face and body -Pitting edema below lumbar region -Palpitations -Shortness of breath -Cold extremities -Intolerance to cold -Fatigue -Pale or grey, lusterless complexion Tongue - Pale enlarged, white coat Pulse - Deep, weak, or thin slippery

So! As we can see, this syndrome has been quite differentiated within TCM.

Each of these scenarios can be corrected by the application of acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and adjustments to activities of daily life and habits.. including diet!

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix without consequence. But fortunately, there are many people that can provide guidance!

As a note, and what is especially evident from real life practice.. Is that it is very rare for a person to fit exactly into one box. Most of the time, a patient can have some symptoms from several categories, and it is up to the Doctor to differentiate, and treat accordingly.

We are trained to find both the root of the issue, and identify the branch symptoms, and to decide which is of the most import to work on.

With a quick search, I was able to find supporting evidence within many case studies available. Showing promise and improvements when used as an adjunct therapy, check that out if you want!

As with any scenario, I will probably never suggest for TCM to be the sole therapy. I believe in a holistic approach for any scenario, and would suggest adding TCM to your treatment protocol, as well as referring a patient to other practitioners that can provide assistance.

I would be happy to answer any questions that may come up, as well as offer advice as to where to go next!