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Healthy Living Newsletter
June 16, 2011
Edema, which is also know as dropsy or hydropsy, is considered a symptom not a disease or a disorder. It is the abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in the cavities of the body. It occurs when tiny blood vessels leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, therefore, causing swelling.
Edema can appear suddenly, though it usually happens gradually. A person with edema may have first noticed a slight gain in weight or puffy eyes after waking up. Although edema mainly shows itself through swollen hands, feet, ankles and legs, which is referred to as peripheral edema, there are other forms. Cerebral Edema, relating to
excess fluid in around the brain and Eye Edema, when there is excess fluid in around the eye.
Numerous factors can contribute to the onset of edema, such as having a high salt intake in your diet, which is a cause of fluid retention. Sunburns, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy and complications with lymph nodes. There are some medications that may also cause edema. Additionally, a lack of physical activity, standing or sitting for extended periods, high altitudes and malnutrition can all participate in causing edema.
Massage or Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be used to help alleviate edema by increasing blood circulation and dilating blood vessels, thereby improving the blood flow, which in turn can stimulate the release of excess fluids in the tissues. Massage therapy promotes lymphatic drainage and waste removal from our bodies.
When using massage therapy as a way of decreasing the symptoms of edema, the massage should be administered in the direction of the natural flow of blood that is towards the heart.
When combining massage therapy with a healthy diet as well as proper physical activity, alleviating and keeping occurrences of peripheral edema to a minimum, if at all, can be achieved.
If you know someone who suffers on a monthly basis, please forward this newsletter to them.
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If you have specific health concerns consult your medical doctor. The information in this newsletter
is educational only and is not intended to replace the advice of your personal health care providers. Relax-You're In Good Hands!
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