Ayurveda recognizes edema (fluid retention) as Shotha or Shopha
Ayurveda recognizes edema (fluid retention) as Shotha or Shopha, which can manifest in various parts of the body. Modern science attributes edema to various causes, including:
- Arthritis
- Brain tumor
- Burns
- Medications
- Chronic lung disease
- Contraceptive Pill
- Diabetes
- Excessive salt intake
- Genetic predisposition
- Head injury
- Heart failure
- Heat
- High Altitudes
- Kidney disease/damage
- Liver disease
- Menopause
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Thyroid disease
Ayurveda, on the other hand, identifies causes such as:
- Anemia
- Fever
- Improper diet
- Food poisoning
- Incompatible food
- Sedentary life
- Warm, spicy, and heavy food intake
Symptoms of fluid retention include:
- Discoloration
- Disorientation
- Heaviness of the body
- Oedema
- Warmth
- Debility in the veins
- Numbness
- Pain
- Pitting oedema
- Roughness
- Red or black discoloration
- Thinning of the affected skin surface
- Unstable oedema
Ayurveda classifies edema into three types based on the dominant dosha:
- Vatika Shoptha (Vata-type)
- Pittaja Shotha (Pitta-type)
- Kaphaja oedema (Kapha-type)
Risk factors for edema include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Cirrhosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Kidney disease
- Lymphedema
- Nephrotic syndrome
It's important to note that Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing edema, taking into account individual constitution, lifestyle, and diet.