Two important principles in Chinese medicine are yin and yang and the triple burner (san jiao in Chinese).
The yin-yang principle 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 etiology of disease and treatment. For example, the upper body is regarded as yang and the lower as yin; different organs also correspond to different principles. Poor health is understood as an imbalance of these principles, where one dominates the other. A healthy state is achieved when these elements are in harmony.
The san jiao principle is 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 medicine, diabetes is referred to as xiao ke or wasting thirst syndrome. The cause of wasting thirst syndrome is understood to be a deficiency of yin, along with a heat pathogen affecting the lungs, stomach, and kidneys. When yin is deficient, heat is produced. When heat is present it "burns up" yin.
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, sweets, or fatty foods and lead an irregular, unhealthy, or sedentary lifestyle have a tendency to develop xiao ke. Emotional disturbances can also contribute to xiao ke. A yin deficiency may be characterized by lethargy, weakness, and a pale complexion. Energy channels are blocked, and a stagnation 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 individualizes treatment to address the patient's symptoms, patterns of disharmony, and areas of deficiency.
A Chinese medical examination includes a four-parts: looking, listening or smelling, touching, and asking. It includes examining the shape, color, and coating of the tongue, the color and expression of the face, the odor 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.
Chinese medicine emphasizes proper diet and nutrition. The energy properties of food, rather than their nutritional content, determine their therapeutic effectiveness. 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 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.
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