Diabetes in Western Medicine Context:
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which over time leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The most common is Type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough insulin. In the past three decades the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in countries of all socioeconomic levels. Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin by itself. (WHO)
Some cases of diabetes are related to hereditary; some are related to stress and some are related to habit of modern lifestyle, also known as life style disease.
Diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine context:
In Ayurvedic medicine, each person has a unique combination of three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), the biological humours. These are made up of five elements, namely ether, air, fire, water and earth. Each dosha inherits the characteristics of these elements. Imbalance in Doshas can give rise to diabetes. According to Ayurveda, diabetes is kapha dominating disease. Not all kapha dominating people get diabetes, rather it happens when the digestive fire get weaker due to sedentary life style, and an excessive intake of sweet and greasy food. The weak digestive fire is unable to counterbalance the kapha dosha and this leads to diabetes. So, a kapha dominating person should always remember that there should be plenty of air and fire elements in their lifestyle and food.
Ayurveda describe diabetes as ‘Medomeh’ which is classified in 20 types of medomeh on the basis of vata, pitta and kapha prakruti. ‘Medomeh’ means sugary urine, caused by excessive blood sugar level in urine. In Ayurvedic text, it is referred to Ojas as it is the essence of life. When Ojas is lost, the strength of all the bodily functions are lost. In diabetes, Ojas is lost by the urine and hence diabetes is sometimes called loss of ojas through urine.
The pathogenies of diabetes occur in two ways; one is Avarana and second is Dhatukshaya. In case of Avarana, the channels of the body are blocked by the aggravated Kapha Dosha or other tissues of the body. This is the usual cause of Type 2 diabetes in adult.
In case of Dhatukshaya, Ayurveda defines the bodily tissues as Dhatus. When these tissues are affected or depleted it causes Type 1 diabetes. This is usually the cause of juvenile diabetes.
The treatment approach in Ayurveda is to keep digestive fire (Agni) at strong level so that digestion is proper. The heaviest meal of the day should be in the afternoon. The food should be warm and fresh, and not stale. Avoid food which has excessive in sweet and sour tastes. Drinking warm water throughout the day is beneficial. Snacks between meals should be avoided. Intake of some Ayurvedic herbs such as triphala, gymnema, turmeric, fenugreek, bitter melon, cinnamon, guggul, shilajeet, punarnava and gukshur are advisable with or without Panchakarma Treatment. Regular practice of yoga and pranayama are also beneficial in case of diabetes.
Ayurveda employs a holistic healing approach. It can be combined with your regular consumption of diabetic medicine, insulin intake.
Diabetes in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine context:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diabetes is caused by overindulgence of greasy and spicy food which damage spleen and stomach which result in accumulation of heat in the interiors. At the same time mental emotional imbalances can result in stagnation of liver Qi which subsequently turns into liver fire. This may result in yin deficiency and subsequent production of endogenous dry heat. Interaction of Yin deficiency and dry-heat may worsen the condition. Primarily affected organs are spleen, stomach, and Kidney.
Differentiation of Syndrome.
- Diabetes due to injury of stomach by pathogenic dry – heat.
- Diabetes due to yin deficiency of liver and kidney
- Diabetes due to yang deficiency of the spleen and stomach
Treatment:
The acupuncture points are chosen based on differential diagnosis, tongue, pulse, and acupuncture points are used from toe to head. Treatment is given to the patient, which helps in relieving stress, regulate sleeping pattern, and reduce the diabetes related system such as dryness of mouth, frequent urination, and low energy level. Acupuncture can easily combine with conventional diabetes medication in mild to moderate patient.
Dr Kusum Lata is a Registered Acupuncturist and Qualified professional Ayurvedic Doctor. At AcuAyur Holistic Health Centre, individuals who have diabetic concerns can avail Acupuncture, Ayurvedic Medicine and Ayurvedic Detox treatments according to need and preference. If you think these time-tested traditional medicines can make a difference in your wellbeing, or would like further information, then please call Dr. Kusum Lata on (03) 9803 8718 or write email on info@acuayur.com.au
Note: The treatment protocol may change on the bases of a person’s body constitution and other conditions. If you are willing to make any changes related to your diabetes concern, please consult your medical Doctor first and then consult Ayurvedic practitioner.
