What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body is incapable of producing enough insulin required for proper functioning, or it can occur due to an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. This is a condition where the choice of food we eat needs to be regulated.
In Ayurvedic terms, diabetes is referred to as “prameha,” which signifies a condition where the urine of diabetes patients is sweet, attracting flies and ants. Historically, diabetes is equivalent to the term “madhumeha,” meaning honey urine. Significant factors contributing to diabetes include poor eating habits, inefficient sleep cycles, lack of exercise, obesity, and, to some extent, genetic predisposition. It varies due to the body’s ability to create insulin or insulin resistance.
Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Types of Diabetes
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In this state, the pancreas damages the insulin-producing beta cells. It is a hereditary or inherited form of diabetes.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs primarily due to ageing. When the body fails to produce sufficient insulin, it reacts in a way that prevents the breakdown of glucose for energy distribution. In this situation, insulin must be injected in the required amount for proper bodily function.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and it gets resolved after childbirth
Signs and Symptoms
- The Kidneys work hard to break down excessive sugar, leading to frequent urination, which is a common symptom of diabetes.
- Excessive thirst is another common symptom, as the body pushes out the sugar, leading to dehydration.
- Even with adequate appetite, individuals diagnosed with diabetes may experience the problem of sudden weight loss.
- The body may not be able to breakdown glucose for proper functions, resulting in persistent hunger.
- Diabetes often shows symptoms of low metabolism and fatigue.
- Individuals are prone to disease as their immunity is weakened.
- Blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and numbness are other related symptoms that may vary from person to person.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Diabetes
Panchakarma Therapy
It is a detoxifying holistic approach for eliminating the toxins accumulated in the body. Panchakarma is a five-step procedure with smaller steps. Its procedures change according to the relevance of each disease and body condition. It is also significant to keep pivotal the body condition of the patient and the constitution of blood sugar levels. Panchakarma is one of the Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes that needs to be performed under the guidance of an approved practitioner and it involves three phases, which are the following:
1) Purvakarma is a preparatory detoxification process that involves two steps before the main procedures: Snehana (oleation therapy) and Swedana (sudation therapy). Snehana involves applying medicated oils internally and externally to remove the ama (toxins). Swedana includes inducing sweat through steam to mobilize the toxins for better circulation of blood in the body, supporting the elimination of metabolic waste. Eliminating body waste is crucial for blood sugar levels.
2) Pradhankarma is the second phase where important elements are addressed. This phase involves procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktmokshana. Vamana is a therapeutic method that involves vomiting to eliminate excessive Kapha (mucus). Virechana includes laxatives to cleanse the intestines. Basti includes the introduction of herbal oil into the colon to improve digestion. Nasya is a nasal cleansing procedure. Raktamokshana is a blood purification process that removes impure blood from the body through an Ayurvedic holistic approach.
3) Paschatkarma is a post-therapy phase where it is introduced to restore digestive strength, and rasayana for the rejuvenation of the mind and soul.
Yoga and Meditation
Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes always emphasizes a holistic approach for mental well-being. Yoga and meditation are the best methods to recenter and rejuvenate. They help cultivate a grateful mind-set, which can reduce the severity of the health condition. Meditation promotes stillness of the mind, emphasizing clarity and focus. It nurtures the inner feelings of an individual, apart from the medical aspect. It is very helpful in promoting better well-being and improving the quality of life.
Herbal Medications
Turmeric, ginseng, psyllium, cinnamon, aloe vera, bitter melon, milk thistle, jamun, neem, tulsi, and Fenugreek are commonly used. From an Ayurvedic perspective, natural fruits and vegetables can control sugar levels to a great extent. It is also believed that natural foods with a bitter taste can lower the sugar levels.
Lifestyle Alterations
Ayurveda and natural medications for diabetes always recommend a better lifestyle that supports the intake of light and warm food and a good sleep cycle. It is a fact that diabetes cannot be cured, but its intensity can be reduced significantly with proper treatment. The immediate effect of medications is not the aim of Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes; instead, the holistic approach makes it unique and effective.
