Water Swelling

Huangdi asked Qibo: "How are water swelling, skin swelling, drum swelling, intestinal tan, stone mass, and stone water distinguished from one another?" Qibo replied: "At the onset of water swelling disease, the eyelids are slightly puffy, like when one has just woken up. The pulse in the neck throbs, there is frequent coughing, the inner thighs feel cold, the lower legs are edematous, and then the abdomen becomes enlarged—by this time, water swelling has already formed. Pressing the patient's abdomen with the hand, when the hand is lifted, the abdomen returns to its original shape, as if it contains water within. These are the signs of water swelling."

Huangdi said: "How is skin swelling diagnosed?" Qibo said: "In skin swelling, cold qi lingers between the skin. Tapping the abdomen produces a hollow sound, not firm. The abdomen is enlarged, the whole body is swollen, the skin is thick. Pressing the abdomen with the hand leaves a depression that does not immediately spring back. The skin color of the abdomen shows no change. These are the signs of skin swelling."

"What about drum swelling?" Qibo said: "In drum swelling, the abdomen is enlarged, and the whole body is also swollen. The degree of swelling matches that of skin swelling, but the skin color is greenish-yellow, and blue veins protrude on the abdomen. These are the signs of drum swelling."

"What about intestinal tan?" Qibo said: "Cold qi lingers outside the intestines and contends with defensive qi. Defensive qi cannot circulate normally, so it condenses. The pathogenic factor accumulates and adheres within the intestines, giving rise to the pathogen, and a polyp grows. At the beginning of its growth, it is about the size of an egg. It gradually enlarges, and when fully formed, it resembles pregnancy. The course of the disease can span several years. Pressing it with the hand feels firm, pushing it with the hand moves it. Menstruation comes on time. These are the signs of intestinal tan."

"What about stone mass?" Qibo said: "Stone mass grows in the uterus. Cold qi lingers at the uterine opening, which becomes blocked. Qi cannot flow freely. Stale blood that should be expelled is not expelled, so stagnant blood accumulates. It grows day by day, its shape resembling pregnancy. Menstruation does not come on time. This disease occurs only in women and can be treated by the method of downward drainage."

Huangdi said: "Can skin swelling and drum swelling be treated with acupuncture?" Qibo said: "First, use needling to drain the stagnant blood vessels in the distended areas. Then, regulate the related channels. Pierce the stagnant blood to unblock the blood collaterals."