Acupuncture for Leg Swelling (Edema)

Acupuncture for Leg Swelling (Edema)｜針灸治療腳腫

By Jade Health Acupuncture．玉衡針灸

Overview

Leg swelling (edema) refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the tissues of the lower limbs. This may occur due to prolonged standing or sitting, venous insufficiency, kidney or heart conditions, or post-injury inflammation.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), edema arises from dysfunction in the Spleen, Kidney, or San Jiao systems, leading to water retention and obstruction of qi flow. Acupuncture helps restore balance by promoting the movement of qi and fluids through the meridians.

概述

腳部腫脹（浮腫）是下肢組織間液體過多所致，可因長時間久站、久坐、靜脈循環不良、腎臟或心臟功能失調、或外傷後的發炎反應而發生。

中醫認為，浮腫多由脾、腎或三焦功能失調，導致水液運行障礙、氣機不暢。針灸可藉由調整經絡氣血，促進水液代謝，使浮腫減輕。

Common Acupuncture Points

SP9 (Yinlingquan) – resolves dampness and benefits the lower limbs.
KI7 (Fuliu) – regulates Kidney qi, strengthens water metabolism, and assists in reducing edema.
Shuixiang (水相穴) – located 2 cun posterior to the tip of the medial malleolus, in the depression along the anterior border of the Achilles tendon; used for ankle and leg edema. Indications: nephritis, edema of the limbs, low back pain due to Kidney deficiency, spinal pain, postpartum disorders, cataracts.
Shuixian (水仙穴) – located 2 cun directly below Shuixiang, also along the anterior border of the Achilles tendon; enhances circulation and reduces local swelling. Indications: nephritis, edema of the limbs, low back / spinal pain due to Kidney deficiency, postpartum syndromes, cataracts, and back pain from Kidney deficiency.

常用穴位

陰陵泉 SP9 — 利濕消腫，改善下肢水腫。
復溜 KI7 — 調理腎氣與水液代謝，促進下肢循環、改善水腫。
水相穴 Shuǐxiàng — 位於內踝尖後二寸，沿筋（阿基里斯腱）前緣陷中，用於踝周及下肢水腫。
【主治】腎臟炎、四肢浮腫、腎虧而引起之腰痛、脊椎骨痛、婦科產後風、白內障。
水仙穴 Shuǐxiān — 自水相穴直下二寸，仍沿阿基里斯腱前緣陷中，用於足踝與足跟腫脹。
【主治】腎臟炎、四肢浮腫、腎虧而引起之腰痛、脊椎骨痛、婦科產後風、白內障、腎虧之背痛。

Treatment Notes

Patients may experience mild tingling or heaviness around the needling area. After treatment, elevate the legs and stay hydrated. Regular sessions combined with gentle exercise and diet regulation help prevent recurrence.

治療注意事項

治療時局部可能出現輕微酸脹或麻感，屬於正常反應。治療後可抬高雙腳並補充水分，配合運動與飲食調理可防止復發。