Ageless Herbs TCM for Diabetes
Chinese Herbs and Acupressure
Diabetes has risen to epidemic levels in the U.S.; the CDC reports that between the years of 1980 and 2005, the number of new incidents of diabetes has basically doubled. The chance of developing diabetes increase significantly as we age. Herbal strategies are effective at preventing and treating type-2 diabetes, especially when caught early in the pre-diabetes stage, or while in the insulin resistant phase. Herbal formulas can help to moderate blood sugar levels for type-1 diabetes,
but are not especially effective at reversing it.
There is historical data showing that Chinese medicine has recognized and treated diabetes for over 2,000 years. There are many patterns of imbalance that diabetes can present with, but there are some basic commonalities in the majority of diabetes cases. According to Chinese medicine, there are typically three stages in type 2 diabetes. Each individual will advance through diabetes differently, but this is a basic progression common in type 2diabetes:
Stage 1
Before diabetic symptoms appear, there are signs of Yin deficiency. Thirst is a common sign of Yin Deficiency and is prevalent in patients with diabetes. Unfortunately, simply drinking water will not reverse Kidney Yin Deficiency, as the condition requires Yin nourishing herb formulas that include herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa and Dioscorea. There are many other symptoms that point to Yin Deficiency.
Stage 2
As the disease progresses, Yin Deficiency left untreated persists, and Qi Deficiency develops next. The pancreas is part of the Spleen System; Spleen Qi Deficiency is common in the pre-diabetes stage and patients could be drug dependent at this stage.
The Spleen is responsible for the way we utilize and store food in Chinese Medicine. The combination of obesity (that would signify a low metabolism common in diabetes) and, at the same time thirst and heat signs (hyper-active metabolism), demonstrates Spleen Qi Deficiency and the empty heat that is prevalent in Yin Deficient conditions. During this stage, those suffering with diabetes would benefit from Yin nourishing tonic herbs as discussed above, and Spleen Qi tonic herbs such as Atractylodes and Astragalus.
Stage 3
Yang energy is dependant on Yin (substance) and Qi (energy); if diabetes progresses without proper treatment, all three will collapse. Blood is dependent on Qi to circulate, so further symptoms develop related to poor circulation; many diabetic herbal formulas include herbs such as red sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza, to increase blood circulation. At this stage, the diabetes is an advanced disease and becomes difficult to reverse.
Chinese Medical Patterns of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Type 2 can present itself through the interactions of specific Organ Systems. While no patient is textbook, these patterns help to guide us so that we can disseminate a diagnosis based on Chinese medical theories. As mentioned earlier, the pancreas is a part of the Spleen organ system, and a Spleen imbalance is a given when dealing with diabetes.
Spleen - Kidney Yang Deficiency
This pattern will present with feelings of coldness throughout the body, fatigue, frequent urination, weakness, sore lower back and knees, and a shortness of breath. This pattern becomes more common as we age. The concept of Yang energy in the body is discussed in Part 1 of this book, but generally Yang is our warmth and vitality. Herbs that are warming in nature such as cinnamon and ginger might be employed in a formula that supports Yang. Qi is also Yang in nature, so Qi tonic herbs such as codonopsis, and astragalus will help to improve this condition. Yang tonics must be used with care in a well balanced formula to avoid creating further imbalance in the body.
Kidney Yin Deficiency
The concepts of Yin energy is detailed in Part 1 of this book , but would generally include thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination of dark urine, and soreness in the lower back and knees. This is a common early indication of diabetes, but can present any time throughout the disease process. Nourishing Yin tonics such as rehmannia, and Chinese yam can help to nourish the Yin.
Stomach Heat
Closely associated with Yin Deficiency, stomach heat can develop due to Stomach Yin Deficiency possibly created by poor diet. Signs would include thirst, a big appetite, and yellow coated tongue. Marshmallow is a Western herb with demulcent qualities that nourishes stomach Yin. White peony root is another effective Yin tonic that will nourish the stomach, and is often included in Yin tonic formulas. The temptation is to drink iced drinks to cool the heat and quench the thirst in this pattern, but the tactic backfires by forcing the stomach to constantly create heat so that it can maintain an optimum temperature for digestion.
Herbs Used for Diabetes
There are many herbs that are effective at addressing diabetes. Most of the herbs listed have been shown to demonstrate blood sugar lowering qualities; however, these herbs more interestingly demonstrate the ability to moderate blood sugar levels by correcting the underlying imbalances and nourishing the Organ Systems that have are affected. These herbs are typically used as a part of a formula that addresses all of the complex attributes of diabetes. Most herbal formulas for diabetes also contain supporting herbs that may not lower blood sugar, but make the overall formula more effective.
Treating diabetes naturally with Chinese Medicine depends on restoring the Spleen function. This Chinese herb formula for diabetes increases the cells sensitivity to insulin and reducing insulin resistance, thus acting as a prophylactic where borderline diabetic conditions exist.
Spleen Qi Deficiency
This pattern is indicated with loose stools, low energy, distention and gas after meals, weak limbs, scallops on the side of the tongue, and sometimes a loss of appetite. Spleen Qi Deficiency is also indicated in cases of insulin resistance and hypoglycemia which are often considered pre-diabetic conditions. Utilizing Spleen Qi tonics in pre-diabetic conditions can prevent the slippery slope of digression associated with insulin dependence.
Atractylodes
Atractylodes macrocephala
Atractylodes is a perennial herb cultivated for the root of the plant. Atractylodes, or bai zhu, is a highly revered Spleen Qi tonic in Chinese medicine used for all types of Spleen Qi deficiency and internal dampness.
Atractylodes is gaining much attention for its ability to modulate blood sugar and improve the ability to utilize insulin on a cellular level. Additional modern uses are being utilized in the treatment of cancer as an immune system modulator.
Jiao Gu Lan
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Jiao gu lan is a vining perennial native to Southern areas of Asia. It has a long tradition of promoting wellness and longevity among local inhabitants of its natural habitat where locals consume the tea often and are known to grow to an old age.
Jiao gu lan is considered an adaptogenic herb able to strengthen the immune response and increase the body’s ability to react to stress. While jiao gu lan can be used safely and for prolonged period to improve any imbalance in the body, it is gaining popularity in its ability to moderate blood sugar levels.
Bitter Melon
Momordica charantia
Bitter melon is a tropical vine that resembles a textured cucumber that is cultivated in Southern areas of Asia for its bitter fruit. The fruit is harvested before it ripens for this application.
Bitter melon is not a tonic and is quite cold in nature. It contains compounds that improve the cellular utilization of insulin and the uptake of glucose. It is very useful in treating diabetes, but caution should be taken if using it as a single for prolonged periods as cold herbs can damage the Spleen function, thus worsening diabetic conditions. It is best taken short term or in a formula to moderate the cold nature of the plant.
Lifestyle Practices that Help to Prevent Diabetes
Diet and Diabetes
The fact that increased rates of diabetes in the U.S. and other countries mirror the increased rates of obesity is certainly not a mere coincidence. Foods that are fatty or fried, sugars, and refined foods damage the Spleen Qi. With the Spleen system impaired, foods are not utilized properly and weight gain persists regardless of dieting efforts.
Consuming whole foods is vital in the prevention and successful reversal of this condition. Sugars and whites should be replaced with whole grains, fruit juices replaced with whole fruit, and vegetables consumed with wild abandon. Protein consumption is vital in maintaining level blood sugar levels and is best obtained through nuts, eggs, beans – legumes, and fish; keep meat and cheese, and greasy food consumption to a minimum. Most importantly, avoid iced drinks, raw foods, and frozen foods that can damage the Spleen.
Sugar Substitutes
In an effort to cut calories, overweight people will consume beverages with sugar substitutes. This strategy backfires as the pancreas is stimulated to release insulin without the presence of glucose in the blood stream. The individual cells respond by removing receptor sites for insulin. When the body does consume food, the cells are unable to uptake much of the resulting glucose because of the reduced number of insulin receptors and the glucose circulates to the liver where it is stored as fat. Additionally, sugar substitutes tend to be much, much sweeter than real sugar and create a craving for very sweet substances.
Diabetes and Exercise
The cells are responsible for many actions including making available energy for us. As the cells become less productive because of the developing insulin resistance there is less energy for exercise, and the condition just continues to spiral out of control. Additionally, regular exercise reduces stress that can contribute to the development of diabetes. A brisk two mile walk daily is preferred over running in this condition and Tai Qi and yoga are helpful in building Qi.
Stress and Diabetes
It is known that our nervous system has two functional modes; the Sympathetic & Para-sympathetic. We are supposed to live in the parasympathetic mode that promotes a "rest and digest" response and a calming of the nerves to preserve adrenal health.
Unfortunately, many of us are caught up in an unhealthy loop of emotional responses to life's every day stresses putting us in the Sympathetic mode that promotes a "fight or flight" response inhibiting digestion, increasing the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, inhibiting reproduction responses, and causing our body to consume tissue for quick energy: this causes adrenal exhaustion. In Chinese medicine, the adrenals are related to the Kidney System, and adrenal exhaustion typically points to Kidney Yin Deficiency which is the underlying imbalance of diabetes included in Stage 1.
A regular practice of meditation and Qi Gong breathing exercises performed daily for 15 to 20 minutes will normalize the stress response and allow us to respond to life challenges with grace and flexibility. There are also many herbs that are called adaptogens that nourish our nervous system and allow us to adapt to change and unexpected disruptions to every day life; these would include ashwaganda and eleutherococcus.
For information on conventional treatments for diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association, the CDC, or the National Institute of Diabetes. This is not an indorsement of these orginization, just a resource guide.
Diabetes Herbs and Acupressure
Chinese Herbal Diabetic Treatment
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Type 2 Diabetes
The Pancreas is part of the Spleen energetic system in Chinese medicine, and acupressure applied to Spleen
acupressure points is a central strategy with all diabetes.
Tonify Acupressure Point Sp 6
(Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Meetings) to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney Energy:
Spleen 6 is located 3 cun above
the tip of the medial malleolus
on the posterior border of the
medial aspect of the tibia.
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Herbs for Diabetes:
Momordica charantia-ku gua-Bitter Melon
At least three different groups of constituents in bitter melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus.
Atractylodes-bai zhu
Atractylodes is an important Chinese Qi tonic herb famous for regulating the digestive functions. It is a powerful energy booster and is widely used in China by athletes, in weight control programs, and for diabetes. It has a mild diuretic action and drains dampness.
Oplopanax horridus-Devil's Club Root Bark
An exceptional Native American herb that restores pancreatic function and has been known to cure type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels in the treatment of diabetes. It also has a tonic effect on the blood and liver.
Trigonella foenum-hu lu ba-Fenugreek Seed
Used widely throughout the Middle East, and Asian cultures, fenugreek enhances the Kidney Yang energy and enhances sexual function. Traditionally used for diabetes and high cholesterol.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum-jiao gu lan
Gynostemma is used to slow down aging and to prevent feebleness and senility; to reduce fatigue, to increase vigor; to improve digestion; to strengthen the mind; and to improve sex functions. It generally reinforces overall health and is viewed as a virtual "cure-all" in Asia. Ongoing use of Gynostemma has a protective quality strengthening the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of their life. Gynostemma is useful in a number of mental conditions, including simple depression and anxiety. It has developed an enormous reputation in Asia as a major aid in weight control programs. It also moderates blood sugar and reduces blood fat.
Astragalus-huang qi
Astragalus is a potent immune system tonic and has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. As a Spleen Qi tonic, Astragalus strengthens muscle, builds blood and improves all bodily functions, including pancreatic function in diabetes.
Rehmannia glutinosa-shu di huang
A Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in "anti-aging" formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is a first-class blood tonic and benefits sexual functions in men and women. It is the main ingredient in the best selling diabetes formula in Japan.
Eleutherococcus senticosus- wu jia pi
Eleuthro is a famous adaptogenic tonic herb used for thousands of years in China to enhance immune function, protect the body from stresses and build vital energy. It increases physical and mental endurance, builds blood and to improves memory. It aids in the recovery of over exertion of the body or mind. It is widely used to regulate blood sugar levels.
Salvia miltiorrhiza-dan shen-Red Sage Root
Salvia is a famed longevity herb. Studies show a prolonged hypoglycemic effect making Red Salvia an important herb for diabetes.
Cochlearia armoracia-Horseradish Root
Warms the middle, supports Spleen Yang.
Inula helenium-Elecampane root
A distinguished Native American energy tonic that affects the Spleen, Lungs and Heart. Useful for any deficiency of the respiratory system. Clears damp conditions of the lung and digestive tract. It has traditionally used to strengthen the immune function.
Alisma plantago-aquatica-ze xie-Water Plantain Root
Alisma is helps strengthen water metabolism and rids the body of excess dampness through the urinary tract. It is safe with mild tonic qualities, especially affecting the Kidney/Bladder, and the Spleen/Stomach. It is often used for obesity, especially for people who carry a lot of water weight. It is also commonly used by people who have difficulty urinating and by diabetics.
Foeniculum vulgare-xiao hu xiang-Fennel Seed
Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm & gas, supports Kidney Qi, warms the uterus, relieves coughing and stimulates the immune system.
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