According to the understanding of Western medicine, Diabetes Mellitus is a syndrome of excess glucose in the blood, resulting from impaired insulin secretion and efficacy. Glucose is produced by the body from carbohydrate-rich foods and is our main source of energy. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas; it opens glucose channels, allowing glucose to pass from the bloodstream into the body's cells where energy is made.
Chinese medicine presents a different understanding. There are two important concepts in Chinese medicine to introduce. They are the theory of yin and yang, and the Triple Burner theory, which is known as San Jiao in Chinese.
The yin-yang theory states that everything that exists is composed of opposite but mutually dependent elements – yin and yang. There are countless examples in nature of these mutually dependent, opposite principles, such as the change in seasons, night and day, and even down to the microcosm—in the positive and negative principles of protons and electrons. This idea is carried over to Chinese medicine in its understanding of the structure of the human body, as well as the aetiology of disease and treatment. For example, the upper body is regarded as yang, the lower as yin; different organs also correspond to different principles. Poor health is understood as an imbalance of these principles, whereby one dominates the other. A healthy state is achieved when these elements are in harmony.
The theory of San Jiao or Triple Burners is a system used in the diagnosis of disease. A disease is classified according to its location in the Upper, Middle or Lower Burner. These refer to the upper, middle and lower parts of the body, respectively. Each Burner also corresponds to a set of organs. This system is used primarily within the practice of Chinese herbal medicine.
How does Chinese medicine view diabetes?
In Chinese, diabetes may be referred to as Xiao ke or Wasting Thirst syndrome. The cause of Wasting Thirst syndrome is understood to be a deficiency of Yin in the body, along with a heat pathogen affecting the lungs, stomach and kidneys. When yin is deficient, heat is produced; in the same way, when heat is present it "burns up" yin.
Thus, the most common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, hunger and urination, associated respectively with the upper, middle and lower burners. Diabetes is often referred to as Upper Burner, Middle Burner and Lower Burner Wasting-Thirst Patterns of Disharmony. They are all associated with yin deficiency.
In Chinese medicine, it is understood that people who partake in alcohol, sweet or fatty foods and lead an irregular, unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle have a tendency to develop Xiao ke syndrome. Emotional disturbances can also contribute to Xiao ke. A yin deficiency may be characterised by lethargy, weakness and a pale complexion. Energy channels are blocked and a stagnation or thickening of the blood results. Eventually, toxic heat is generated. This consumes the vital organs' fluid, causing organ malfunction and disharmony between the lung, stomach and kidney.
How does Chinese medicine treat diabetes?
Chinese medicine does not measure food glucose levels like Western medicine. Rather, Chinese medicine seeks an individualised treatment in order to address and treat the symptoms of individual patients, their patterns of disharmony and points of deficiency.
When looking at diabetes, Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach and making detailed observations about their current state. This includes a four-part examination—looking, listening or smelling, touching and asking. It includes examining the shape, colour and coating of the tongue, the colour and expression of the face, the odour of the breath and body, and the strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse.
Chinese herbs can help to replenish yin deficiencies that contribute to diabetes. Depending on the specific case, herbs that will stimulate yin in the lungs, stomach, spleen or kidneys may be prescribed. Acupuncture therapy may also be employed in treating diabetes.
Just as in Western culture, Chinese medicine places emphasis on proper diet and nutrition in promoting good health. However, it presents a different understanding of how food interacts with the human body; the energy properties of food determine their therapeutic effectiveness, rather than the nutritional content. For example, spinach is said to be cooling, it strengthens the organs, quenches thirst, and promotes urination. Bamboo shoots and bok choy also have a cooling effect; celery tonifies the kidneys and clears heat; winter melon is quite effective in regulating blood sugar.
Chinese herbal medicines are a core part of diabetes management. The most effective, non-toxic herbs with substantial evidence of efficacy include: European Blueberry, Bitter melon, Onion, Garlic, Fenugreek (good for fasting and reducing sugar levels after meals), Ginkgo biloba (improves blood flow in the arms, legs, fingers and toes), and Ginseng.
Feeds