The Ayurvedic Aspects Of Edema

Edema

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid caught in your body's tissues. Edema can affect any part of your body. Most commonly the swelling is seen in your hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs. As per modern science, Edema has happened in people suffering from chronic conditions like kidney or liver problems, diabetics, allergy, lymph node inflammation, problems in the heart or uterus, or the case of pregnancy.

According to Ayurveda Edema is known as Shotha. It is mainly caused due to the imbalance of Kapha Dosha. It occurs due to water retention or accumulation of fluid in the body tissues causing pain and inflammation. But Ayurveda also says that sometimes the other two doshas, (ie Vata and Pitta dosha) and a combination of all three doshas are responsible for Edema. So Ayurveda prescribes several treatment processes and herbal remedies to reduce the symptoms of Edema.

Classification Of Edema

Ayurveda has classified Edema or Shotha into four different types. They are:

• Kaphaja Shotha

  It is happening due to an imbalance of the Kapha doshas and this type of Shotha mainly occurring due to impaired kidney functions. This swelling is mostly observed in the pits of the eyes and can gradually spread to other parts.

• Pittaja Shotha

  The reason for Pittaja Shotha is that the vitiation of Pitta Doshas. The result is the malfunctioning of the liver. The accumulation of water is first noticed in the abdomen which gradually moves upwards.

• Vataja Shotha

  The imbalance of Vata doshas causes this type of Shotha and it happens due to cardiac problems. In this type of Shotha, the swelling is firstly seen on either or both feet which increases during the day and reduces at night. .

• Abhigataja Shotha

  Here the accumulation of water happens due to external factors including trauma, getting bit by poisonous animals, exposure to poisonous herbs, getting hurt due to insect stings or scratches, etc.

The four types of Edema are Kaphaja Shotha, Pittaja Shotha, Vataja Shotha, and Abhigataja Shotha.

Symptoms Of Edema

Signs of edema include:

• Swollen, stretched, and shiny skin.
• Skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for a few seconds.
• Puffiness of the ankles, face, or eyes.
• Aching body parts and stiff joints.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Fuller hand and neck veins.
• Higher pulse rate and blood pressure.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Confusion and lethargy.
• Visual abnormalities.

Causes Of Edema

Some of the causes of Edema include:

• Sitting or staying in one position for too long.
• Eating too much salty food.
• Having premenstrual signs and symptoms.
• Being pregnant.
• A venomous insect bites.
• fluid retention.
• High blood pressure medications.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Steroid drugs.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurvedic treatment procedures for edema are explained below.

• Abhyanga

  It is a type of Ayurvedic therapy in which oils are used to massage the entire body. For treating edema, abhyanga is generally done using Dashamoola Kwatha. The treatment helps to pacify Vata and pitta and stimulates Kapha.

• Mridu Virechana

  It is a mild purgation therapy where herbs, herbal formulation, and oils like castor oil are used to cleanse the body to eliminate toxins, fat, mucous, and pitta. This is most effective in the case of Vata Shotha.

• Lepa

  It is an ayurvedic application of medicated preparations in the form of plasters in the direction opposite to the growth of hair to reduce inflammatory swelling. Some of the herbs used for the preparation of lepas are ginger,punarnava, deodar, haritaki,rakta Chandana, etc.

• Raktamokshana

  It is one of the five purification therapies described by Acharya Sushruta. It is derived from two words, 'Rakta' which means blood, and 'Mokshana' which means to leave. This process helps in eliminating toxins or poisons from various parts of the body through blood-letting.

As per Ayurveda the treatment usually done to remove the symptoms of edema are Abhyanga, Mridu Virechana, Lepa, and Raktamokshana.

Home Remedies For Edema

Some of the home remedies to get rid of swelling include:

• Drinking water

  If our body is not hydrated there is a chance to retain the existing fluid. This causes swelling. So drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to reduce swelling.

• Foot massage

  Massage must be a good remedy to get relief from swollen feet. It moves the fluids away and reduces swelling. .

• Reducing intake of salt

  It is very important to reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Lowering sodium intake reduces swelling in the body. It decreases the retention of fluids. So avoid packaged items and fat foods for reducing salt intake. .

• Rock Salt

  A pinch of rock salt in lukewarm water can do great changes and reduce pain and swelling in the foot and legs. .

• Lemon water

  Lemon water helps to remove toxins and excess fluid present in the body. The excess fluid reduces the chances of swollen feet. So drink lemon water daily to keep swelling away.

• Avoid alcohol

  Drinking Alcohol leads to recurrent swelling, and then it may be a sign of an underlying tissue with the kidney, liver, or heart. Alcohol makes you dehydrated and can cause swelling. So you must avoid the use of alcohol.

• Elevation

  To reduce swelling one can elevate his legs while sitting or lying down. This treatment is very effective when swelling is caused in the ankle or foot. You can lie on your back with legs propped against the wall for a few minutes several times a day. When we are doing elevation, try not to bear weight on the affected leg. .

• An ice pack or compression bandage/ socks

  If swelling is caused by an injury in the foot or ankle, one can apply an ice pack or wear a compression bandage. This treatment also works when swelling is caused by the intake of alcohol. Keeping feet in cold water is another way of treating swelling caused by drinking alcohol.

• Include Magnesium-rich foods

  Magnesium deficiency causes water retention in the body. Therefore, when you are suffering from swollen feet, eat magnesium-rich foods. These include tofu, spinach, cashews, almonds, dark chocolate, broccoli, and avocados.

• Increase potassium-rich foods

  Potassium deficiency leads to high blood pressure and water retention. So consume potassium-rich foods to reduce swelling.Sweet potatoes, bananas, salmon, chicken and white beans are rich in potassium and should be eaten in case of foot swelling. If one is facing kidney-related issues, consult a doctor before increasing the potassium intake.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Edema

• Arjuna

  Arjuna has Kapha balancing property. It helps to reduce Ama, removes the blockage of heart channels, and calms the aggravated Vata. Arjuna contains astringent and rejuvenating properties. So it helps to treat heart anomalies and swellings caused due to vitiation of the Vata doshas which in turn helps in diminishing swelling, pain, and inflammation due to edema.

• Punarnav

  Punarnava has been used to support healthy heart, lung, and kidney function and reduce edema in the form of excess fluids. This rejuvenating herb has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. So it is very beneficial for reducing joint and muscle pain. Make a paste and apply it on the affected part according to the Lepa therapy.

• Shilajit

  Shilajit is a health rejuvenator. The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the bioactive ingredients in shilajit make it a good choice for providing relief from pain and inflammation. When used regularly, it helps provide relief from both edema and different types of arthritic conditions.

• Shunthi(Dry Ginger)

  This Ayurvedic herb has powerful healing properties. So it is beneficial for swelling, pain, and inflammation. It helps to eliminate excess Vata and Kapha from the body. Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it actively treats edema or Shotha.

• Haridra(turmeric)

  In Ayurveda, this magical yellow powder has been used for treating different health problems. The presence of powerful anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and analgesic properties of the bioactive ingredient curcumin make haridra the absolute natural remedy for edema or other types of inflammatory swellings.

Ayurveda suggests many herbal remedies to cure edema. Some of the herbs mentioned here are Haridra, Shunthi, Shilajit, Punarnav, and arjuna.

Conclusion

The information related to Edema is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always consult with the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic herbs for Edema.