What condition can lead to pitting edema in the lower body?

Pitting edema in the lower body is often associated with Kidney Yang Deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This condition is characterized by a lack of warmth and energy in the kidneys, which are responsible for fluid metabolism and regulation. When Kidney Yang is deficient, the body's ability to transform and transport fluids effectively is compromised, leading to dampness and fluid accumulation, particularly in the lower extremities.

In TCM, Yang is associated with warmth, activity, and transformation, so a deficiency in Yang can result in a stagnant or excessive accumulation of fluids, manifesting as edema. The nature of the edema in this case is pitting because the excess fluids are easily displaced when pressure is applied to the affected area, creating a temporary indent.

Conditions like excessive heat, liver Qi stagnation, or blood deficiency would typically manifest differently. Excessive heat often leads to dry skin or inflammation rather than edema, liver Qi stagnation may cause distension or pain rather than swelling, and blood deficiency typically results in symptoms like pallor or fatigue rather than localized fluid retention. Therefore, understanding the specific role of Kidney Yang in fluid metabolism helps clarify why it is the condition leading to pitting edema in this context.