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Edema is categorized into Qi edema, Water edema, edema caused by food stagnation and phlegm retention, as well as various types of Yin and Yang edema. For Qi edema, Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) combined with Hezhong San (Harmonize the Middle Powder) is used; for Water edema, Weiling Tang (Stomach and Pingwei Decoction) is prescribed; for edema due to food stagnation and phlegm retention, Laihama Zhudu Wan (Toad Stomach Pills) is employed; for Yin-Yang deficiency edema, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) supplemented with Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Duzhong (Eucommia Bark), Pogostemonis Herba (Pogostemon Patchouli Herb, referred to as Pogu in text), and Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit) is used, applying warming and draining methods. Generally, this condition arises after sweating, vomiting, or purging therapies, or due to excessive sexual activity leading to Kidney deficiency; thus, warming the Kidney is appropriate, and the edema will subside naturally once Kidney Qi is restored.

When edema begins from the feet, it indicates Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao. It is advisable to first use warming and tonifying formulas for the Spleen and Stomach for five to six doses, then harmonize with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction), and finally drain water using Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria). When edema begins from the upper body, it indicates Damp-Heat in the Upper Jiao. One should first clear Damp-Heat for one to two doses; if thirst is present, Zi Su (Perilla Leaf) can be added, followed by warming and tonifying herbs for the Spleen and Stomach. Broadly speaking, a floating but weak pulse indicates the need for diaphoresis (sweating method), treated with Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder); a deep but weak pulse indicates the need for warming, treated with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Hezhong San (Harmonize the Middle Powder).

Zhudu Wan Prescription: One Toad, place one qian of Hu Jiao (Black Pepper) inside its mouth, wrap it in one Pig Stomach, sew it shut, boil until soft, and form into pills for administration.

Wuji San Prescription: Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (each 3 qian), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (6 qian), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum) (each 2 qian), Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) (2 qian), Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) (each 4 qian, stir-fried with Ginger Juice), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (3 slices), Cong Tou (Allii Cepae Bulbus) (7 pieces).

Umbilical protrusion with limb edema indicates a difficult-to-treat condition with poor prognosis, typically resulting in death within three months. Cyanosis of the mouth and black lips indicate rapid deterioration, typically resulting in death within three days. These are clinical cases of untreatable edema.

Case 1: A patient suffering from sores took several doses of Baidu San (Eliminate Toxicity Powder) and underwent steam sweating therapy. Post-sweating, edema appeared, and the patient claimed the medication was ineffective. Pulse diagnosis revealed all six pulses were slightly tight, rapid, and weak, indicating deficiency of Middle Qi. Symptoms included weeping fluid from both legs and shortness of breath with irregular breathing day and night. The prescription was Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) plus Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger) and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus), decocted with Ginger Water.

Case 2: Another patient presented with shortness of breath, abdominal distension, and foot edema, with deep and fine pulses at all six positions. The prescription consisted of Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Twig), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), and Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange Fruit), which led to recovery.

Case 3: A woman suffered from hematemesis accompanied by edema, abdominal distension, fever, anorexia, symptoms resembling malaria but not quite, and loose stools. Various medications had failed. This was diagnosed as Spleen deficiency causing sinking of Clear Yang and failure of Yang to ascend and diffuse. The pulse was large, floating, and slow. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) was used, resulting in recovery after three doses.

Case 4: A patient exhibited large and hollow pulses at all six positions, generalized edema, shortness of breath, and difficulty inhaling relative to exhalation. This was identified as Kidney deficiency leading to water flooding and Qi failing to return to its source. Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) plus Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus) was administered. Effectiveness was seen after ten doses, stability achieved after one month, and subsequent regulation was managed with Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill).