Diabetes is a clinical syndrome primarily characterized by the disorder of sugar metabolism, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Insulin deficiency and impaired insulin action, either individually or concurrently, lead to metabolic disruptions in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, and electrolytes, with elevated blood sugar being the main feature. Diabetes is classified into Type-1 and Type-2, of which Type-2 is the most common, affecting almost 90% of patients who are overweight or obese. The treatment of Type-2 diabetes involves not only Western medicine but also Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal therapy.
TCM has two distinctive features in treating diseases: a holistic approach and differentiation of symptoms for tailored treatment. According to TCM concepts, diabetes falls under the category of ‘Xiao Ke,’ characterized by symptoms such as excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and emaciation. The etiology and pathogenesis of Xiao Ke are often attributed to congenital deficiencies, Yin deficiency in the body, and imbalances caused by dietary indiscretions, emotional disturbances, or excessive physical exertion.
Unlike Western medicine, TCM does not focus solely on directly lowering blood sugar levels but emphasizes balancing Yin and Yang, alleviating symptoms, improving metabolic conditions, and preventing complications. The rational application of various TCM treatment, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tuina massage, dietary therapy, and health-preserving exercises, aims to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
TCM Treatment for Diabetes
Herbal medicine
TCM classifies diabetes into three categories based on the severity of symptoms (Shang, Zhong, and Xia) and distinguishes patterns such as Lung Dryness, Stomach Heat, and Kidney Yin Deficiency. Treatment is often tailored to the specific pattern of symptoms.
| Pattern | Treatment | Prescription |
| Upper Consumption with Lung Heat and Jin Injury | Clear Heat, Generate Fluids, Stop Thirst | Xiaoke Fang (Ingredients: Tianhuafen, Huanglian, Shengdihuang, Ouzhi) |
| Middle Consumption with Excessive Stomach Heat | Nourish Yin, Supplement Essence, Tonify Kidneys | Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Ingredients: Shengshu, Shanyurou, Huaishanyao, Danpi, Zezhi, Fuling) |
Lower Consumption with Kidney Yin Deficiency
| Nourish Yin, Supplement Essence, Tonify Kidneys | Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Ingredients: Shengshu, Shanyurou, Huaishanyao, Danpi, Zezhi, Fuling) |
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates specific acupoints, improving insulin resistance and reducing blood sugar levels. Acupuncture approaches blood sugar reduction in two ways. Firstly, it aids in repairing the functions of organs such as the spleen and kidneys, increasing insulin secretion. Secondly, acupuncture has a stress-relieving effect, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and improving insulin resistance.
Research suggests that acupuncture on foot points such as Zusanli and Sanyinjiao, hand points like Hegu and Quchi, and abdominal points like Qihai and Guanyuan can stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, thereby lowering blood sugar. Other studies indicate that acupuncture around the eye sockets or scalp acupuncture, particularly around the forehead and jaw, combined with ear acupuncture at “Shenmen,” can enhance the parasympathetic nervous system, indirectly relieving stress.
Dietary Tips for Diabetes
In addition to the combined treatment of herbal medicine and acupuncture, dietary control, appropriate exercise, and mental well-being are crucial.
Diet for diabetics
Reduce consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and high-cholesterol foods, and avoid foods with excessive seasoning and high salt content.
Maintain a balanced diet tailored to individual physical activity levels and weight, avoiding excessive calorie intake. Choose foods high in fiber, and consider adopting a diet with a low glycemic index to help control blood sugar levels.
Chinese herbal soup for diabetics
Chinese herbal ingredients that are believed to have nourishing Yin, generating fluids, clearing heat, and moistening dryness properties, and are known to help lower blood sugar include Tianhuafen, Gegen (Pueraria), Shashen (Glehnia), Maidong (Ophiopogon), Tiandong (Asparagus), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Shengdihuang (Rehmannia), Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Yuzhu (Solomon’s Seal), Gouqizi (Goji Berry), and Shihu (Dendrobium).
Several commonly used ingredients are known for their blood sugar-lowering properties, such as oats, corn, black sesame, tofu, tomatoes, broccoli, onions, bitter melon, cucumbers, eggplants, white radishes, carrots, black fungus, and silver ear fungus.
Unique TCM Natural Therapy
Dr. Wang Xiaozhong, a TCM practitioner at Shanghai Medical Clinic in Dubai, has developed a unique therapy called the “Fuxi Back Meridian Regulation Method” for treating Type-2 diabetes. Patients with Type-2 diabetes undergoing this therapy can immediately cease insulin injections and all other Western medications for blood sugar control. Blood sugar levels typically reverse to normal within a week, and patients may achieve recovery within 3 to 6 months.
The “Fuxi Back Meridian Regulation Method” is derived from the traditional Chinese folk practice known as “Gu Mo Dou Chen Fa” from Tianshui, China. This therapy employs a distinctive diagnostic approach. It involves applying a special “Fuxi Lao” substance to specific locations along the twelve meridians, followed by unique massage techniques. The treatment also incorporates traditional Muslim spices and herbs, along with a unique herbal formula, and combines acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine applied to corresponding acupoints and areas. This method integrates traditional Chinese bone-setting, tendon adjustment, acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine, reflecting a holistic approach in Chinese medicine.
Shanghai Medical Clinic offers the best Chinese medicine service for people interested in pursuing alternative treatments for Type-2 diabetes. The clinic has a team of registered TCM practitioners who develop a personalized plan for each individual effectively.
