THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. EDEMA Edema is the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in body tissues. Before attempting to relieve this symptom, it is essential to diagnose its cause, because edema may precede pain as a warning of serious disease which requires prompt treatment. Edema of one leg may be caused by thrombophlebitis, which should not be treated by acupuncture. The most common causes of symmetrical edema are malfunctions of the heart, kidneys or liver. Electrocardiograms, urinalyses and various other laboratory tests should be performed to evaluate the condition of these organs before acupuncture is given. Parasitic infestations, such as trichinosis or filariasis, may cause edema in various parts of the body and should be treated by appropriate medications. Cortisone and its derivatives given for arthritis or allergies are a frequent cause of edema in the United States but cannot safely be discontinued abruptly. Other drugs and substances causing edema should be eliminated promptly. The edema from acute allergic reactions can be potentially fatal and usually requires intensive medical treatment as well as elimination of the allergen. This type of edema should not be treated by acupuncture unless more appropriate treatment is not available. In cases of chronic angioneurotic edema, however, acupuncture is safer and sometimes more effective than antihistamines. The ankle edema from chronic heart disease is usually effectively treated by diuretic drugs, but these sometimes have undesirable side effects. In some cases acupuncture can be more effective than drugs and can be used to potentiate or even replace them. Acupuncture should not, however, be used as a substitute for digitalization of people with chronic hear disease. Eating too much salt or too little protein will aggravate most types of edema. Except in certain kinds of kidney disease and allergic conditions, anyone with edema should be on a low salt, high-protein diet which includes essential vitamins and minerals. Tight garments which push edema from one part of the body to another generally interfere with circulation and should be avoided. Elevating the legs may relieve edema temporarily in the ankles, but the surplus fluid will tend to accumulate in the part of the body which is in the lowest position. Raising the foot of the bed, for instance, may result in lung edema which is more serious than ankle edema. Chronic edema can often be relieved for many months or years by a series of six acupuncture treatments. Patients should understand, however, that being free from the symptom of edema does not necessarily mean that they are free from the disease which caused it. They should continue whatever other medical treatment may be indicated. next