How to Treat Diabetes Through Chinese Medicine

For centuries, diabetes was referred to as "wasting and thirsting disorder" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its root cause is thought to be the spleen and kidneys' weakened ability to digest and transform food into usable energy. TCM seeks to correct this deficiency using holistic techniques as an alternative to expensive and synthetic therapies and drugs. TCM is an age-old medicine system that treats everything from arthritis to migraines with herbs, acupuncture and similarly natural techniques. Follow these steps to learn how to use TCM to treat diabetes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Familiarize yourself with the basic principles behind traditional Chinese medicine. The concepts of Yin and Yang, Qi (life energy), the body's Meridian system and Zang Fu organ theory will all crop up in discussions about how to treat diabetes through Chinese medicine.

2. Talk to a qualified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. The costs involved are moderate (comparable to a regular visit to your doctor). The practitioner will gladly offer detailed explanations of the many treatment options available.

3. Get a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. Through the use of four techniques--looking, listening, smelling/tasting and touching--your practitioner will be able to diagnose what organs are involved in your specific case of diabetes.

4. Understand how Chinese medicine views the diabetic condition by visiting Alternative Medicine Channel Web site (see Resources below). Your practitioner will attempt to treat your diabetic condition through generating more Qi or releasing your trapped Qi.

5. Speak to an acupuncture specialist. He or she will be glad to explain the numerous possible avenues to release your trapped Qi, depending on the specifics of the diagnosis you received in Step 2.

6. Be aware that traditional Chinese herbs can help replenish the Yin deficiencies thought to contribute to diabetic conditions. Depending on your specific case, you may be given herbs that will stimulate the Yin in your lungs, stomach, spleen and/or kidneys. Speak to your practitioner or a Chinese herbalist to learn more.

7. Treat your blood sugar conditions by eating Asian bitter melon (also known by its Latin name, "momordica charantia"). It has been scientifically proven to lower blood sugar.

Tips & Warnings

• Know how to identify a Chinese medicine practitioner's credentials. Someone with a C.A. designation is a Certified Acupuncturist. That person may or may not actually have a license to practice. An L.Ac. designation means the practitioner is licensed.
• Seek medical attention if you notice a sharp increase in the frequency with which you need to urinate, or if you experience a marked spike in your hunger or thirst. These can be signs of the onset of diabetes. You should immediately seek conventional medical care before undertaking any alternative treatments.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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