Diabetes refers to disturbance of the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein due to relative or absolute insuffi-ciency of insulin in the body marked by hyperglycemia and glycuresis. The clinical symptoms are polyuria, polydipsi-a, polyphagia, fatigue and emaciation. In severe cases ke-tosis and acidosis may be caused. It may also lead to se-vere complications like coronary heart disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, ocular fundus disease, acromelic gangrene and nervous lesion.
This dis-ease is similar to "Xiaoke" (diabetes) in TCM. It is usual-ly caused by extreme changes of emotions; or by exces-sive intake of greasy foods and alcohol; or by intemper-ance of sexual life leading to consumption of yin due to dryness and heat; or by transformation of dryness from yin asthenia and interior heat that results in lung dryness, stomach heat and kidney asthenia, eventually leading to upper diabetes, middle diabetes and lower diabetes. Pro-longed duration will give rise to asthenia of both qi and yin or asthenia of both yin and yang.
Treatment
Prescription: Weiwanxiashu (EX-B 3 ), Geshu (BL 17), Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6).
Modification: For upper diabetes, Xinshu (BL 15), Taiyuan (LU 9) and Shaofu (HT 8) are added; for middle diabetes, Weishu (BL 21) and Nei-ting (ST 44) are add-ed; for lower diabetes, Ganshu (BL 18), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) are added; for asthenia of both yin and yang, Guanyuan (CV 4) and Mingmen (GV 4) are added for thirst and dry mouth, Lianquan (CV 23) and Chengjiang (CV 24) are added; for polyphagia, Zhongwan (CV 12) and Fenglong (ST 40) are added; for profuse sweating, Fuliu (KI 7) is added; for blurred vision, Guangming (GB 37), Touwei (ST 8) and Cuanzhu (BL 2) are added; for skin itching, Fengchi (GB 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Quchi (LI 11), Xuehai (SP 10) and Zhaohai (KI 6) are added.
Performance: Weiwanxiashu (EX-B 6), a key effec-tive acupoint for treating diabetes, should be needled 0.5-0. 8 cun obliquely toward the spinal column with reinforcing needling technique. The rest acupoints are needled with reinforcing needling technique or mild rein-forcing and reducing needling techniques.
2. Ear acupuncture
Prescription: Pancreas and gallbladder (C011), En-docrine (C018), Lung (C014), Stomach (C04), Kidney (C010), Bladder (C09), Thirst point (midpoint on the line joining External Nose and Ear Apex) and Hunger Point (External Nose).
Performance: Each time 3 - 4 acupoints are selected and needled with filiform needles and mild stimulation. Or Wangbuliuxingzi (Semen Vaccariae) is used for ear acu-pressure. The two ears are pressed in alternation.
3.Chinese Herbs for Diabetes
Diabetes Pills
Actions: Promoting the production of body fluid to relieve thirst, nourishing Yin and the kidney, restoring the function of the pancreas step by step.
Herbal tea (Diabetes Formula)
Benefits:
Improves kidneys, and lungs functions
Reduces blood sugar
Reinforces the spleen and stomach
Preserves vital essence
Prevents complications of diabetes
