Identify what changes in your selected age range and/or condition might be affected using Ayurveda OR Traditional Chinese medicine (research article).
Chinese Medicine (CM) has originated thousands of years ago which is a well-developed system of medicine that uses several modalities to treat and prevent illness. Most commonly used methods are herbal medicine, diet therapy, mind/body exercises, acupuncture and moxibustion. As per CM whole body is taken into consideration, no single body part or symptom can be assessed without its relation to the whole body. Two basic theories of TCM explains and describes the phenomenon in nature. Yin-yang theory and the Five Phases/element theory (water, fire, earth, metal and wood). It is the belief that there is a balance and relationship among the elements and when this balance is destroyed, pathological changes may occur (Coving, 2001).
In Chinese medicine Xiao-ke correlates with diabetes. It attributes to 3 main factors: improper diet, emotional disturbance and constitutional deficiency. It is not concerned with monitoring of blood glucose levels in patients. It is more directed towards assessing and treating the symptoms that comprise patterns of deficiency and disharmony (Coving, 2001).
In the treatment of diabetes to reduce blood glucose levels acupuncture and moxibustion is used, which involves needling 4-12 points and allowing the needles to remain in place for approximately 10-30 min. Needles are stimulated manually or with use of small electric current. Sometimes the practitioner may warm the points with moxibustion. With acupuncture there is release of endogenous opioids from the spinal cord, brainstem and hypothalamus which helps with neuropathic pain associated with diabetes. It also releases neurotransmitters such as serotonin and substance P, increases local blood flow and increases levels of cortisol (Coving, 2001).
Many herbal medicines have been developed that are used in treatment of DM. Most common ones are:
1. Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng): At least five constituents of this herb have been shown to employ hypoglycemic effects. In one study, treatment with ginseng lowered blood glucose levels and improved mood and psychological performance in comparison to the placebo group. Recommended dosage is 100–200 mg/day.
2. Momodica charantia (balsam pear), which is dried, powdered, and made into pills. A dosage of 18 g/day has been shown to reduce blood glucose.
3. Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), given as a decoction or pills. The recommended dose is 3 g/day. This, too, has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels.
4. Psidium gnajava, taken in the form of fresh leaves or as an infusion and drunk as a tea. The dosage is 9 g/day. It acts to reduce blood glucose levels.
The above herbs do not appear to increase insulin levels, but rather enhance carbohydrate utilization (Coving, 2001). TCM herbs such as ginseng, mulberry and Radix coptidis are excellent herbs for long term use for prevention and treatment of type II diabetes mellitus (Wang, Wang & Chan 2013)
According to TCM, diet plays a vital role in treating disease and maintaining health. In the TCM foods are appreciated and prescribed for their energetic and therapeutic properties rather than solely for their chemical makeup.
Tui Na is a traditional form of Chinese massage that uses hand manipulations, such as pulling, kneading, pushing, and grasping to stimulate acupuncture points and other parts of the body to create balance and harmony in the system. It can be used effectively in lieu of acupuncture in patients who dislike needles, especially pediatric patients (Coving, 2001).
TCM practitioners, and health care providers who choose to assimilate the two forms medicine practice must distinguish the importance of careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, as well as monitoring for potential side effects such as drug-herb interactions.
Reference
Coving, M.B. (2001). Traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of diabetes. Diabetes spectrum, 14(3), 154-159.
Wang Z, Wang J, Chan P. Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Traditional Chinese and Indian Medicinal Herbs. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM. 2013; 2013:343594. doi:10.1155/2013/343594.