Water retention in summer in Grenoble: when the heatwave clogs the water pathway

Swollen hands, puffy eyelids on waking, legs that keep the imprint of a finger: water retention readily sets in with heatwaves and humidity. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is the “water pathway” that becomes clogged.

Why water retention? The perspective of Chinese medicine

In TCM, the circulation of water depends on the Kidney (which transforms and directs), the Spleen (which transports) and the Lung (which diffuses). When heat and humidity weigh down the Spleen and Kidney Yang no longer transforms enough, fluids accumulate instead of circulating: the tissues become engorged with heavy water. The aim is to restart the transformation and elimination of water.

Two common patterns in practice

Spleen deficiency with Dampness

Oedema of the limbs and eyelids, heaviness, loose stools, fatigue, swollen tongue.

**Tongue**: swollen, greasy coating · **Pulse**: slippery, weak

Kidney Yang deficiency

Oedema more marked in the morning, feeling the cold, weak or nocturnal urination, lumbar pain.

**Tongue**: pale, swollen · **Pulse**: deep, weak

What traditional Chinese medicine offers

Acupuncture and moxibustion

Points that support the Spleen and warm Kidney Yang — the transformation of water depends on them.

Diet

Drain without dehydrating: squashes, beans, celery, grains; reduce salt, sugar and alcohol. Drink enough.

Lifestyle

Regular movement (walking pumps the water), avoid prolonged sitting, seek advice in case of unusual oedema.

The acupuncture points most often used for this reason: RM9, R3, RT9.

The combined approach of sophrology and Chinese medicine in Grenoble

Traditional Chinese medicine and sophrology complement each other: the former acts on the body's energetic balance, the latter on the nervous system and stress management. Combining the two makes it possible to address the terrain — the ground that sustains the symptom — and the emotional state that accompanies it. In Grenoble, at the Centre Équilibre, this combined approach is built session after session, according to your own profile.

Frequently asked questions

Should I drink less water?

No: it is the opposite. Drinking supports elimination; restricting concentrates fluids.

Why especially in the morning?

At night, Yang is at rest and water redistributes: the eyelids and hands swell on waking.

When should I worry?

Sudden, one-sided oedema, or oedema with breathlessness, should be assessed medically.

Learn more

→ [Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Grenoble](/praticien-en-medecine-traditionnelle-chinoise-a-grenoble)

→ [Chinese medicine and sleep in Grenoble](/medecine-chinoise-et-sommeil-a-grenoble)

→ [Acupuncture in Grenoble](/l-acupuncture-a-grenoble)

**Ghislaine Morin**, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and sophrologist, welcomes you at 29 Quai Claude Bernard, 38000 Grenoble. Book on 06 24 90 04 98 or online at https://calendly.com/centre-equilibre-sophrologie

Discover the practice in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/medecine-chinoise-a-grenoble-38000-38100