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.
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