Swollen, Heavy Legs, Ankles

I am currently in China teaching English for 3 weeks. The temperature is 95 C+. I am standing on my feet while teaching 6 hours per day with a 4 hours break in the afternoon. My bed room is air-conditioned and my classroom is somewhat air-conditioned. My left leg is heavy and my left ankle is very swollen. I can probably get most Chinese medicines here! Thanks for your help.

Matthew's reply: Hi, Chinese herbal medicine may well help your swollen, heavy legs and ankles but you will need to see someone face to face. To know which medicine is best first requires a Chinese medicine diagnosis.

You didn't say where you are in China but I doubt you'll have trouble finding a Chinese medicine doctor. Virtually all hospitals have a herbal medicine department and many pharmacies have herbalists working in their stores.

Hot, damp weather can cause swollen, heavy legs, ankles, etc. Chinese herbal medicine can help to balance the organs which (according to Chinese medicine) are usually related to such problems.

Basically, imbalances in certain organs have made you more susceptible to the prevailing environmental conditions, i.e. heat and dampness. Diet can also help stop your swollen, heavy legs and ankles. Any foods and drinks which heat the body and cause dampness (phlegm) can worsen the problem. Examples to avoid are fried, spicy food, coffee and alcohol, and diary foods like icecream, cheese and yogurt.

A Chinese medicine doctor will be able to give you specific dietary advice along with a herbal prescription.

Any questions about how Chinese medicine treats swollen, heavy legs, ankles, etc, just post below.

All the best,

Matthew