Edema:
Edema is swelling as a result of fluid retention.
This condition usually occurs in feet, legs, or ankles. But it can also can occur in hands, face, or any other part of the body. The body's organs have interstitial spaces where fluid can accumulate, and there are a number of different types of edema. Edema is usually diagnosed with symptoms like swelling, stretching, puffiness.
Serious illnesses that can cause edema include:
heart failure
kidney disease
liver issues like cirrhosis
thyroid disorders
blood clots
infections
severe allergic reactions
certain cancers and chemotherapy
Other factors that can cause edema include - chronic venous insufficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, prior lymph node resection, previous radiation treatments.
Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease.
Edema in Ayurveda is known as Shotha, and mostly it is a Kapha type of disorder .
Since the bodily fluids are connected to the Kapha doshas imbalance of it causes.
Ayurveda information also contain, that Edema can also occur due to vitiation of the other two dosha types - Vata and Pitta doshas or a combination of all 3 doshas.
For Edema treatment Ayurveda use different the technique and treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Most popular therapies are:
Abhayanga - therapeutic technique where oils are used to massage the entire body.
Mridu Virechana - mild purgation therapy where herbs and oils is used to cleanse the body to eliminate toxins, fat, mucous.
Lepa - is the application of medicated preparations in the form of plasters in the direction opposite to the growth of hair to reduce inflammatory swellings.
Raktamokshana - this process helps in eliminating toxins or poisons from various parts of the body via blood-letting.
Ayurvedic herbs that help treat the symptoms and provide relief from Edema are - Arjuna, Punarnava, Shilajit, Shunthi.
Only a specialist Ayurvedic doctor can prescribe the necessary medication and therapies.
Green tea – speeds up the process of metabolizing the extra fluids in the body
Mix 1 tsp turmeric in a glass of warm water or milk and drink it 1-2 times per day
apply the paste of turmeric and water in the affected area every morning and night for relief
Mustard oil massage –help improve blood circulation while also relieving edema-related pain
Coriander seeds – are rich in potassium which has diuretic as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help treat edema
Ginger contain anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties which treats the symptoms of edema.
