Diabetes and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine treats diabetes according to the individual’s unique pattern of symptoms.  No two people with diabetes have identical symptoms whether it is Type I or Type II.  In Chinese medicine diabetes is described as “Wasting & Thirsting Syndrome” as often the main symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are excessive thirst and hunger with weight loss.

In either Type 1 or Type 2 the main organs to stimulate would be the pancreas, and the kidneys.  We can stimulate the body with acupuncture or herbal therapy.  Acupuncture can help regulate the endocrine system by helping to regulate blood sugar metabolism.

Acupuncture can also help with any problems that arise from long-term diabetic sufferers such as, peripheral neuropathy with numbness and pain of the extremities. Acupuncture helps stimulate blood flow to the extremities and can also help to decrease inflammation and spasms in the muscles.

Certain Chinese herbs such as; atractylodes, cyperus and rehmannia help to regulate blood sugar by creating a hypoglycemic effect.

It is especially important to make lifestyle and dietary modifications. We can educate the patient about certain foods that support the pancreas and kidneys. For example, foods that support the pancreas include low glycemic index foods such as whole grains.  Nutrition that supports the kidneys can include fish, minerals, and beans.

At our clinic we take a holistic view of your health.  We believe that it is important to help the body to regulate itself in order to prevent further degeneration or atrophy.

Posted in Diet & Nutrition.