Aetiology

External Wind

Exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invades the Defensive-Qi portion where Defensive-Qi and
fluids circulate. Wind impairs the circulation of Lung-Qi in the Defensive-Qi portion so that
Lung-Qi cannot disperse fluids: these accumulate under the skin causing oedema, usually of the
face and hands. This is a Full type of oedema with acute onset. This type of exterior Wind, which
may present with the character of Heat or Cold, is called "Wind-Water".

Acute nephritis usually starts with symptoms of an exterior invasion of Wind-Water with
oedema of the face.

Exterior Dampness

Exterior Damp-Heat may invade the Stomach and Spleen and impair their function of
transforming and transporting fluids. Fluids stagnate and are retained under the skin causing
oedema. This is not a common cause of oedema in temperate climates.

Exterior Cold-Dampness may invade the body and if it is retained for a long time it interferes
with the transformation of fluids and may lead to oedema.

Diet

Irregular eating and eating too many dairy products and greasy foods impairs the Spleen's
function of transforming and transporting fluids, leading to oedema.

Overwork and Excessive Sexual Activity

Overwork and excessive sexual activity weaken the Kidneys and impair their function of
transforming fluids, possibly leading to oedema.

Fire-Poison from Sores or Carbuncles

Fire-Poison deriving from carbuncles, furuncles or sores may impede the clearing and excreting
of turbidity from the space between skin and muscles therefore leading to retention of fluids
there and oedema.