Random Notes on Reading—December 25, 1999

Random Notes on Reading—December 25, 1999

“Swelling occurs outside the internal organs, pushing out the organs and expanding the chest and ribs, causing skin swelling; hence the name ‘swelling.’” (from “Ling Shu: On Swelling”) This passage is truly a well-known and insightful statement. Ancient people had an extraordinary understanding of the location of swelling, pointing out that swelling arises outside the internal organs. ① Pushing out the organs (ascites); ② Expanding the chest and ribs (pleural effusion); ③ Skin swelling (edema). Ascites, pleural effusion, and edema all share the sensation of swelling, hence the name “swelling.” It is truly commendable that ancient people had such an understanding of edema.