diabetes type 2

 Diabetes Type 2: Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diabetes is viewed as an imbalance between Yin and Yang, with a predominance of Heat in the body and a deficiency of Qi and Yin, especially in the kidneys and spleen.

TCM offers a holistic approach to treating type 2 diabetes, including herbs, acupressure, Qigong exercises, and diet to help regulate blood sugar levels, support kidney function, improve circulation, and restore the body's energy balance.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes in TCM

In TCM, type 2 diabetes (also known as "xiao ke") is associated with several key imbalances:

Kidney Yin Deficiency : In TCM, the kidneys are responsible for storing energy and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Kidney Yin deficiency can lead to excess heat, leading to symptoms such as thirst, dry skin, and frequent urination.

Spleen Qi Deficiency : The spleen is responsible for energy production and food processing management. Spleen Qi deficiency can lead to decreased metabolism and decreased immunity.

Liver Qi Stagnation : Liver Qi stagnation can affect the flow of energy in the body, which can lead to increased stress, decreased vitality, and symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings.

Increased Yang : Excess Yang can lead to excess heat in the body, which aggravates diabetes symptoms such as excessive thirst, sweating, and weight loss.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes in TCM

1. Herbs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

TCM uses a variety of herbs and blends that help regulate blood sugar levels and strengthen kidney and spleen function. Here are some of the most commonly used herbs:

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan – This is one of the most commonly used formulas in TCM, which tonifies the kidney yin, strengthens the overall energy balance and helps to lower blood sugar levels. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan consists of six herbs that help to improve kidney function and moisturize the body.

Huang Lian (Coptis Chinensis) – Huang Lian is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that helps lower blood sugar levels. In TCM, it is used to remove excess heat from the body, which is especially helpful in treating diabetes.

Ginseng (Ren Shen) – Ginseng supports the functioning of the immune system, helps improve metabolism and balances blood sugar levels.

Glycyrrhiza (Gan Cao) – Licorice helps improve energy, enhances other herbs, and helps stabilize glucose levels.

2. Acupressure for type 2 diabetes

Acupressure is an excellent supportive treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine, helping to reduce the symptoms of diabetes by improving the body's energy balance.

ST36 (Zusanli) Point – Located on the leg, about 4 fingers below the kneecap. This is a point that enhances energy and improves the functioning of the digestive system. It helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels.

SP6 Point (Sanyinjiao) – Located on the leg, 4 fingers above the ankle. This is a point that helps balance the body's energy, tonifies the spleen and improves the flow of Qi.

LV3 Point (Taichong) – Located on the foot, between the big and second toes. Helps to relax the body, remove Qi stagnation and improve energy flow.

How to do acupressure?

Gently press these points for 1-2 minutes, using small, circular motions. This can be done daily, especially in the morning and evening.

3. Qigong for people with type 2 diabetes

Qigong is an exercise that helps improve the flow of energy in the body. Practicing Qigong regularly can improve metabolism, reduce stress, and aid healing processes.

Qigong Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes:

Stand in a comfortable, stable position with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Raise your arms to chest height, imagining you are holding energy.

Make slow, circular movements with your hands as if you were "spreading" energy throughout your body.

Repeat for 5-10 minutes, focusing on energy balance and well-being.

Performing this exercise regularly improves the flow of Qi, strengthens energy, and supports hormonal balance.

Diet to support the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Diet is key to treating type 2 diabetes in TCM. Eating right helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports the functioning of the organs responsible for metabolism.

Qi-tonifying foods : Warm soups, cooked vegetables, rice, cereals, and whole grains help improve digestion and metabolism.

Yin Hydrating Foods : Avocados, nuts, seeds, and vegetable fats help replenish Yin deficiency.

Avoiding processed carbohydrates : Highly processed foods high in refined sugars can worsen blood sugar problems.

Recipe for tea to support the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (available in ready-made tablets or powder)

1 teaspoon Huang Lian (Coptis Chinensis)

500 ml hot water

Preparation:

Pour hot water over the herbs.

Brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain.

Drink tea every day, especially before meals.

Why does it work?

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan tonifies the Kidney Yin, improves circulation and energy balance, while Huang Lian helps lower sugar levels and clear the body of excess heat.

Summary

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can be effectively treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbs, acupressure, Qigong exercises and diet help regulate blood sugar levels, improving the body's energy balance. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Huang Lian are excellent herbs to help achieve balance in this difficult-to-treat disease.

Other diseases

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