A Functional Medicine Approach to Resolving Idiopathic Edema

A Functional Medicine Approach to Resolving Idiopathic Edema

Saffron & Sage has been cultivating a unique and transformative approach to patient care. Our integrative, whole-person approach to medicine has garnered remarkable success stories, resonating with individuals seeking a comprehensive and personalized path to well-being. This article delves into one of our patients’ success stories that underscore the power of Saffron & Sage's commitment to harmonizing ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices, providing a beacon for those on a journey towards optimal health and vitality.

CASE STUDY

Linda W. is a 75 y/o female that presented to Saffron & Sage with edema in the hands, knees, and ankles. In April 2023, she experienced a fall that left two of her fingers on her right hand broken, resulting in a cast.

After the cast came off, her hand continued to swell and become extremely inflamed. Her Western medicine doctor put her on prednisone, a corticosteroid used to address inflammation, for about 12 days. Her symptoms did not resolve and if anything, began to worsen. Soon after, the edema began to reach her left hand, moving to the back of her knees and then reaching her feet. Linda’s symptom severity heightened in September, disabling her from the use of her hands. She could no longer perform daily functions, such as cooking dinner, or yoga practice, leaving her to rely on her husband. 

In mid-September, Linda found Saffron & Sage, in which she began receiving acupuncture, lymphatic drainage massage, breathwork, and spiritual direction. Within 5 weeks of receiving consistent treatment, she started to see significant improvement in her edema. To date, Linda has no swelling in her hands, knees, or feet. Read on to learn more about her physical, spiritual, and mental health transformation through our collaborative care model. 

Q & A:

What did you think about the addition of ‘Spiritual Direction’ & ‘Breathwork’ being added to your treatment plan? Were you surprised?

“It was a strong spiritual implement for me, I was able to connect with my purest essence” 

“There were times where I felt outside of my body - I was able to connect with who my being really is, eliminating the issues of the body, social issues, psychological issues - I was able to connect with my soul.”

What would you say your diagnosis was from a Western Medicine perspective vs. a TCM perspective?

“They had no idea, and after being here I still can’t be certain what exactly it was, but I feel it was that I was out of balance and the traumas I’ve experienced in the past, I think caught up to me.” The balance is being restored again. Sometimes I think God speaks to us through our bodies, He wakes us up so that we stop to reevaluate”.

Is there any correlation that you’ve found since the beginning of your symptoms that may have contributed to your condition?

“ I hadn’t ditched the mentality that I had adapted in my career, I hadn’t gotten rid of that & this experience forced me to stop. I was very focused & productive.”

Did you have any fears or expectations coming here?

“I was completely open to this and what I would say about Saffron & Sage is that it brought together various modalities, some of which I had never participated in, but I would say alternative therapies have worked for me in the past, but I had forgotten about meditation and the superpower of meditation”

How has your quality of life improved since being a member here?

“I can use my hands! It’s made a huge difference. Until you don’t have the ability to use your hands, you don’t realize what a disability it is. So it’s given me empathy for those with disabilities and it’s made me grateful”

“Being here has also helped my relationship with my husband, he came through for me 1000%, he did things that I never thought I would have to ask

How does it feel to have had such a shift in your quality of life from receiving treatment here?

“Powerful. One of the reasons I wanted to do this testimonial and the uniqueness of S&S is that it’s not a spa, it’s about wellness & I think others could benefit from this. The difference that S&S offers is that all the modalities and practitioners speak to one another, so the care plan is coordinated & you can trust that whatever shows up with the acupuncturist is shared with the massage therapist and with the breathwork practitioner. All of that is unique to a place like this.”

What advice would you give someone who is afraid to take the financial leap?

“The one thing I would say is - don’t put it all on the practitioner, you have to be willing to work hard to, so if you’re not willing to do that, then don’t spend the money”

“You have to be willing to change. You have to be willing to invest your time and energy and money”