Fluid Retention / Oedema

Fluid retention occurs when the body cannot eliminate fluids properly. Oedema is the name given to the swelling caused by fluid retention. Fluid retention may be caused by an excess of salt in the body, pregnancy, disease of the renal or metabolic systems, and changes in the menstrual cycle. Treatments for oedema include keeping the affected area elevated, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, massage, traditional Chinese medicine, dietary changes and conventional medication such as diuretics.