“What kinds of food will help me lose weight? In traditional Chinese health care practices, food has always been used to prevent disease, Make sure that you dine at regular times and keep the times between meals neither too short nor too long. Allow yourself to really taste and appreciate the natural tastes of foods.
Table of contents
- Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetes | Diabetes Spectrum
- The Acupuncture Diet – Food Plan
- How to Restore Your Metabolism to Healthy Levels Using the Timeless Wisdom of Chinese Medicine
Diabetes is classically divided into three types: Each has characteristic symptoms. The upper type is characterized by excessive thirst, the middle by excessive hunger, and the lower by excessive urination. These types are closely associated with the lungs, stomach, and kidneys, respectively, and all three are associated with Yin deficiency.
At some point during the course of their illness, most people with diabetes manifest symptoms of all three types. According to TCM, Xiao-ke is attributed to three main factors: Unlike Western medicine, TCM is not concerned with measuring and monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Treatment is individualized and geared toward assessing and treating the symptoms that compose patterns of deficiency and disharmony. Acupuncture and moxibustion traditionally have been used in the treatment of diabetes to reduce blood glucose levels and normalize endocrine function.
Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on lowering serum glucose levels. Needles may be stimulated manually or by using a small electrical current. In addition, the practitioner may warm the points with moxibustion. The number of treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes ranges from 6 to 14 sessions. Third-party payment for complementary and alternative therapies varies from state to state. Some insurers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover certain therapies for specific diagnoses only, i.
For an additional cost, a few insurance companies offer a separate complementary medicine package that allows the insured to see complementary medicine practitioners at a discounted rate. Auricular acupuncture inserting needles into specific points on the ear may be used alone or in conjunction with body acupuncture. According to TCM, the entire body is represented on the ear. Examination of the ears often reveals surface irregularities, such as superficial capillaries, scars, pitting, pimples, flaking, discoloration, or swelling. Peripheral neuropathy, one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes, occurs most often in the distal extremities and typically affects the sensory, motor, and autonomic systems.
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to exert a beneficial effect on neuropathic pain. In addition, it has been demonstrated that neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and substance P, are released during acupuncture treatments. Increases in local blood flow and vasodilation and increased levels of cortisol have also been demonstrated.
A recent study of 46 patients with painful peripheral neuropathy evaluated acupuncture analgesia to determine its short- and long-term efficacy. A randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study of 50 adults with type 2 diabetes evaluated the effectiveness of Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation PENS therapy in the treatment of neuropathic pain. PENS is a modern adaptation of acupuncture that uses percutaneously placed acupuncture needles to stimulate peripheral sensory and motor nerves innervating the region of neuropathic pain.
The results showed that active PENS treatment improved neuropathic pain symptoms in all patients.
In addition to reducing pain, the treatment improved physical activity levels, sense of well-being, and quality of sleep and reduced oral non-opioid analgesic medication requirements. Because of poor peripheral circulation and slowed healing of skin infections and ulcerations, needling of the lower extremities in diabetic patients should be performed with extreme caution and sterile technique. In general, however, acupuncture appears to be a relatively safe form of treatment.
An extensive worldwide literature search identified only adverse events including relatively minor events, such as bruising and dizziness over a year period. There have been approximately 86 reported cases of hepatitis B and 1 case of HIV transmission. In all of these cases, nondisposable needles were used. Herbal medicine has been an integral part of TCM for more than 2, years. Many herbal formulations have been developed and are used in the treatment of diabetes. Chinese herbs have specific functions i. They are also classified according to four natures cool, cold, warm, and hot and five tastes sweet, pungent, bitter, sour, and salty.
Formulas promote the effective use of herbs. The Deputy associate ingredient, which assists the Chief ingredient in treating the major syndrome or serves as the main ingredient against a coexisting syndrome,. The Assistant adjutant ingredient, which enhances the effect of the Chief ingredient, moderates or eliminates the toxicity of the Chief or Deputy ingredients, or can have the opposite function of the Chief ingredient to produce supplementing effects, and.
The Envoy guide ingredient, which focuses the actions of the formula on a certain meridian or area of the body or harmonizes and integrates the actions of the other ingredients. Panax ginseng Korean ginseng , which has a long history of use as a hypoglycemic agent. At least five constituents of this herb have been shown to exert hypoglycemic effects. In one study, treatment with ginseng lowered blood glucose levels and improved mood and psychological performance as compared with placebo.
Momodica charantia balsam pear , which is dried, powdered, and made into pills. Lagenaria siceraria bottle gourd , given as a decoction or pills. This, too, has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. Psidium gnajava, taken in the form of fresh leaves or as an infusion and drunk as a tea. It acts to reduce blood glucose levels. The above herbs do not appear to increase insulin levels, but rather enhance carbohydrate utilization. In addition, one should first ascertain the credibility of the herbal therapist by inquiring about where and for how long the person received training and about membership in herbal associations such as the American Herbalists Guild.
To become members, herbalists must submit three letters of reference from other professional herbalists, a description of their training, and an account of at least 4 years of experience working with medicinal herbs. As part of their training, TCM practitioners learn about the proper use of herbals. Many Chinese herbs and formulations have been used safely for centuries in the hands of trained TCM practitioners.
It is important to recognize, however, that data on drug-herb interactions are scarce, and there are clear contraindications to the use of specific herbs in certain populations, such as pregnant women. Discontinuing conventional medications in favor of herbal formulations may lead to serious complications such as significant hyperglycemia, and combining conventional hypoglycemic agents with herbal preparations without proper monitoring could lead to hypoglycemia. Herbal products are considered dietary supplements according to the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act DSHEA of ; therefore, the manufacturers do not need FDA approval or evaluation for safety, purity, and efficacy before bringing their products to market.
Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetes | Diabetes Spectrum
There have been reports of some formulas imported from China containing heavy metals such as lead and mercury and of others being deliberately adulterated with conventional Western pharmaceuticals, such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents, and benzodiazepines. According to TCM, diet plays an important role in maintaining health and treating disease. In the TCM paradigm, foods are valued and prescribed for their energetic and therapeutic properties rather than solely for their chemical makeup. Other foods considered to be cooling and beneficial for diabetes include vegetables and grains, such as celery, pumpkin, soybeans i.
Fruit remedies, which act in specific therapeutic ways, include crab apple, guava, plum, strawberry, and mulberry. Meals should be smaller, eaten more frequently, and eaten at regular times each day. It is a meditative method that consists of breathing techniques that can be combined with body movements in order to regulate, harness, and enhance Qi. Qigong is used as a means of promoting health, healing, spiritual growth, and overall well-being.
While Qigong is not typically used as a major treatment modality for diabetes, it has been found to be a valuable adjunctive therapy for this condition. There are specific Qigong exercises for diabetes. 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 have an aversion to needles, particularly pediatric patients. There is still a great need for more and better research on the efficacy and safety of both Chinese herbals, which are being used along with or in lieu of Western pharmaceuticals, and acupuncture in the care of diabetic patients.
Patients, TCM practitioners, and physicians who choose to integrate the two forms of care must all recognize the importance of careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, as well as monitoring for potential side effects such as drug-herb interactions. As always, in seeking to integrate different traditions and forms of healing, we are seeking to offer patients the safest, most effective care possible. Remaining open to alternative forms of care and educating ourselves about the safety and efficacy of these modalities can benefit us all.
Covington, MD, is director of education for the Complementary Medicine Program and an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. We do not capture any email address. Skip to main content.
Diabetes Spectrum Aug; 14 3: Fluids Fluids are bodily liquids other than blood and include saliva, sweat, urine, tears, and semen. The Chief principal ingredient, which treats the principal pattern of disease, The Deputy associate ingredient, which assists the Chief ingredient in treating the major syndrome or serves as the main ingredient against a coexisting syndrome, The Assistant adjutant ingredient, which enhances the effect of the Chief ingredient, moderates or eliminates the toxicity of the Chief or Deputy ingredients, or can have the opposite function of the Chief ingredient to produce supplementing effects, and The Envoy guide ingredient, which focuses the actions of the formula on a certain meridian or area of the body or harmonizes and integrates the actions of the other ingredients.
View inline View popup Download powerpoint. Signs of Yin and Yang Patterns. Chinese medicine focuses a great deal on optimizing and improving the digestion when treating patients who want to lose weight, therefore prevention of any kind of digestive impairment is a crucial piece of the puzzle. A way to help get your digestion and metabolism kick-started after eating, especially in the middle of the day, is to give your belly a rub and then try to walk a hundred steps before sitting back down again.
Regular exercise helps to get the circulation flowing and aids in peristalsis by moving the foods and fluids down and out for excretion. Exercise warms the body up the same way that blowing on a dying fire can rekindle a flame and helps to transform the excess fat the Chinese refer to this as phlegm. Exercise literally helps to melt our fat way! I know it may sound hard and possibly a bit too drastic, but I assure you that getting rid of the sweet stuff is probably one of the best things you can do for your health.
Too many sweet foods in the diet can cause a myriad of health complaints and problems ranging from headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive problems to even more serious problems such as high cholesterol and diabetes. The key is to taper down slowly and to follow all of the other suggestions listed below to lessen those side effects.
Allow yourself to really taste and appreciate the natural tastes of foods. A dash of cinnamon and a drizzle of vanilla over a bowl of fruit and plain or vanilla yogurt can be a delicious dessert. You can get the leaves at the health food store or we carry a liquid extract of this plant that you can use in the same way. When you eat in the morning, your body keeps the appetite stimulating neurotransmitters in check and this helps to keep you from overindulging or choosing the wrong foods later and subsequently have an energy crash.
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See our sample meal plan for some ideas. A daily cup of tea or coffee is fine — and there is actually plenty of research that supports the various health benefits of both, more than one cup can be dehydrating, raise blood pressure, cause symptoms of anxiety, and ultimately deplete you of your energy. Remember, everything in moderation. Dehydration can also lower blood pressure and cause you to have more food cravings. Nutrition experts tell us that one of the best ways to keep any kind of food craving at bay is to stay well hydrated.
The Acupuncture Diet – Food Plan
In addition, if you eat more water-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, this will lead keep you more satisfied and keep your cravings to a minimum. Eat more soups as well see below. Detox once a year. Toxins can easily build up in every system of the body, from the digestive to the endocrine, and this keeps us from functioning optimally by literally weighing and slowing our bodies down. This can lead to things like fatigue, chronic infections, poor immunity, and overall poor outlook on life.
Every body needs a spring cleaning. Ask us about our ultimate cleansing and detoxification program for details. Eat protein with every meal. Our bodies digest proteins more slowly than fats and carbohydrates, and this makes you feel full faster and keeps you fuller, longer. Try to eat lean proteins like chicken and lean cuts of other meats, fish, lentils, beans, and tofu , as well as nuts, seeds, and eggs.
How to Restore Your Metabolism to Healthy Levels Using the Timeless Wisdom of Chinese Medicine
Eggs give you a large dose of protein and some fat in just a small amount of calories. For people with high cholesterol, who otherwise have a healthy low-fat diet this should not be a problem. Eat vegetables with every meal.
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Vegetables are a natural source of fiber, which is important for filling you up. They help you to feel full and satisfied for longer periods than foods without the fiber. In addition to this, you should really start to think of vegetables as super foods because they have more vitamins and minerals than anything else you could eat. Giving your body all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs will keep you from feeling unsatisfied after a meal and from seeking out snacks to try to satisfy the whatever it is your body is looking for.
Eat more green foods.
One of my Chinese teachers who is an expert in the field always says that Americans are sorely missing out on their greens and should eat more of them to lose weight. Again, it has to do with all those yummy vitamins, minerals and fiber they contain. Eat healthy fats with almost every meal. Healthy fats include extra virgin olive oil, flax oil or seeds, organic coconut oil, organic butter Yes!
Fats are good for us, just so long as they are not from a restaurant many restaurants use poor quality, trans-fat oils , are not in excess, and are organic and fresh. They aid in digestion and they help you to absorb the vitamins and minerals from all the vegetables you are eating! Eat fewer carbohydrates than you are used to eating. When you change your diet to include at least one vegetable and a protein with every meal, and a little bit of fat, you might be shocked to notice how little room there is on your plate and in your stomach for the carbohydrates.
There is a lot of talk about carbohydrates; some people think that a high carb diet is the way to go, while others believe that it is NOT the way to go. There is a startling array of evidence out there to support the fact that for most people a low carbohydrate diet is the best way to lose weight and keep it off for good. If you follow the other guidelines and dietary suggestions that are listed on this handout, you will not have that problem.
This means finding a balance between eating foods that are high in protein, high in fiber i. Your body should feel much more satisfied than it would be if you consumed more carbohydrates. You will be so happy, because you are somehow feeling very satisfied with what you are eating and you are losing weight. This will be discussed at one of your nutrition appointments and you will receive a handout that can be used as a guide.
Generally speaking, low glycemic load foods include almost any kind of vegetable you want to eat, most fruits, and whole grain, unprocessed, and unrefined flours. Eat two servings of fruits a day. The reason I suggest only two serving is that you have to remember that fruits contain sugar and some of them are somewhat high in carbohydrate count. Most people already get way too many sugars and carbs through unseen, hidden ways in their diet, so it best just to be aware that you really need to concentrate on eating more vegetables than fruits.
This is another great way to help keep your appetite in check. Here is an excerpt taken from an article written by health writer Jack Challoner: Unfortunately, the appetite system is complex, and still poorly understood. After you eat a meal, the pyloric sphincter valve at the bottom of your stomach holds food back so that the digestive juices can get to work. When you eat the same meal as a soup, the whole mixture remains in the stomach, because the water and food are blended together. The stomach gradually empties, more slowly for the soup than the solid meal plus water.
Keep the bad-for-you salt in check by avoiding potato chips, processed foods, and canned soups.