Done! 【25年度/海外在住の日本人向け】シリーズ2/5　薬剤師が教える薬に頼らない健

Done!【25年度/海外在住の日本人向け】シリーズ2/5　薬剤師が教える薬に頼らない健康方法　美容と健康の薬膳　気血津液と経絡

Start: 17-05-2026

Finish: 21-05-2026


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Title: My flowers on the balcony on 20-05-2026 after the Earthquake day in Denmark
Credit: @Melinda Erika Dothan









- Medicinal Cuisine
- Anemia
- Osteoporosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Insomnia
- Balance the body through eating
- How to help the healing from pneumonia

中医学    = Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is edema? The instructor several times highlights that when a new tissue hardens and undergoes pathological changes, it is called edema. 



The instructor explains the connection between the food we consume and how the body react on it. She highlights the fact that women can be more vulnerable for sicknesses after their period is over. 




I also asked Google AI connected this topic:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), edema (fluid retention) is fundamentally viewed as an inability of the body to transform, transport, and distribute fluids properly. Rather than treating it with a simple diuretic, TCM links edema directly to the Water Element and a breakdown in the cooperative "plumbing network" of the internal organs. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The framework of how the Water element and edema function together follows specific patterns. [5]

1. The Water Element and the Kidneys

The Water Element governs the winter season, the emotion of fear, the bones, and most importantly, the Kidney and Bladder organ systems. [6, 7]
  • The Root of Fluid Metabolism: The Kidneys are considered the "gate" of water. They are responsible for separating clean, usable fluids from turbid, waste fluids.
  • The Role of Kidney Yang: For water to move smoothly, it needs metabolic heat (Yang). Think of Kidney Yang as a pilot light. If this fire is strong, water is properly vaporized and circulated. If it is weak or "ice cold," fluid stagnates, freezes in place, and overflows into the tissues as edema. [1, 8, 9, 10, 11]

2. The Three Organs of Water Management

While the Kidneys (Water element) are the root, TCM dictates that fluid metabolism relies on a delicate balance between three main organs: [2, 3]
  • The Lungs (Upper Source of Water): Act as the "upper mist." They disperse fluids to the skin and downward to the Kidneys. Disruption here causes upper-body or facial swelling.
  • The Spleen (Middle Transformer): Belongs to the Earth element. It acts like a sponge, transforming and transporting moisture from food and drink. If the Spleen is weak, it creates Dampness—a heavy, sluggish moisture that causes bloating and swollen limbs.
  • The Kidneys (Lower Gate): Gatekeeper of the lower body. They vaporize fluids back upward and send waste down to the bladder. [1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14]

3. Classification of Edema: Yang vs. Yin Water

TCM practitioners categorize edema into two main clinical categories, based on how the illness presents: [5, 12, 15]
Feature [4, 8, 11, 12, 16] Yang Edema (Acute)Yin Edema (Chronic)
OnsetFast, sudden onsetSlow, gradual, lingering onset
LocationStarts in the face, eyelids, and upper bodyStarts in the ankles, feet, and lower body
Skin TextureTaut skin, may feel warm to the touch"Pitting" edema (leaves an indentation when pressed)
Primary RootExternal evils (e.g., wind-cold blocking the Lungs)Internal deficiency (Kidney Yang or Spleen deficiency)
Accompanying SignsFever, sore throat, or sudden aversion to coldPervasive coldness, lower back pain, deep fatigue

4. Typical TCM Approaches to Relief

Instead of universally stripping the body of water, TCM aims to "awaken" the organs so they can pump the fluids out naturally. [11, 13, 17]
  • Herbal Therapy: Formulas like Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) are classically used for Kidney Yang Deficiency to warm the lower body and flush out stagnant water overflow.
  • Moxibustion & Acupuncture: Applying heat (moxibustion) to specific points like Shenshu (Kidney SHU) or Zusanli (Spleen/Stomach) helps jumpstart the body's internal warming mechanics to evaporate dampness.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Consuming warming, dark-colored foods that resonate with the Water element—such as black beans, walnuts, ginger, and adzuki beans—helps drain dampness while strengthening the underlying Kidney Qi. [2, 7, 17, 18, 19]
If you are trying to manage persistent swelling, let me know:
  • Where is the swelling primarily located (e.g., face, ankles, or whole body)?
  • Do you also experience sensitivity to cold or lower back weakness?
  • Is this related to a specific life stage, like pregnancy or a known medical condition? [2, 4, 8, 12, 20]
Knowing this can help narrow down which organ system might be out of balance.



The instructor explains that bad habits build up or lead to sicknesses. It takes time to get sick, and it takes time to heal.



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