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.
Ayurveda Initiative for Global Health 