Oedema is the retention of fluids under the skin, which can occur around the face, limbs and abdomen. It is also commonly referred to as swelling or puffiness of the skin and body. In Chinese medicine the Spleen and Kidney are the major organs responsible for transforming, transporting and excreting fluids in the body. When these organs are weak or out of balance they are unable to process fluids properly and oedema results.

Women around menopausal age and older are particularly susceptible to this problem. As you grow older the Kidney energy of the body naturally begins to decline. Worry, anxiety, fear and stress also weaken the Kidney energy and leads to Kidney Yang deficiency. Working long hours without adequate rest and an irregular diet also leads to a deficiency in the Spleen and Kidney energy.

When the Yang aspect of the Kidneys is deficient there is an abundance of fluids and lack of warmth in the body, leading to swelling in lower legs and ankles. This is because the Kidneys dominate the lower body, in particular the knees, ankles and feet. The Spleen is also responsible for transforming the food and fluid we eat and drink so it can perform its major function of circulating warmth and energy to the limbs. If the Spleen is weakened it will struggle to carry out this function and fluids will accumulate in the limbs, especially the feet and ankles. It is common for women to have a weakness of energy in both the Spleen and Kidneys.

Another reason for swelling in the ankle area is a history of previous trauma or injury to the area. Often these injuries have occurred when we are younger and the body heals itself fairly quickly. However, the area can have old and stagnant blood left behind from the injury. This means that the energy cannot flow well and, combined with weaker Kidney and Spleen energy, the fluids accumulate around the ankle.

This problem is frequently treated in the clinic with acupuncture and herbs depending on the severity of the problem. Please ask your practitioner if you have any questions regarding this problem.