Acupuncture for diabetes
Updated: Aug 27
Diabetes mellitus (type 2) is a growing disease of alarming rate in the United States and throughout the world. According to the statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the United States population in year 2021, 29.7 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes and 97.6 million people were diagnosed as prediabetic, which if not treated often leads to full-blown diabetes within five years. This widespread problem imposes a huge burden on the health care system and progressively erodes the productivity and quality of life for the diabetic population.
The continuing decline in health among diabetics has shown that relying on medications alone, even with strict dietary control, is not sufficient. However, on the optimistic end of the spectrum, clinical results have proven that diabetes can be controlled and the quality of life and health can be improved for diabetics with the integration of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Common symptoms of diabetes
Extreme fluctuations of blood sugar
Excessive thirst, dry mouth
Insatiable hunger and eating
Excessive urination especially at night
Extreme fatigue
Bodily pain, muscle weakness
Sleep disorders
Poor blood and energy circulation
Gangrene in advanced stage
Slow healing of wounds
Sluggish metabolism
Weight gain or loss
Neuropathy, edema in legs and feet
Poor vision and mental functioning
Mood imbalance, anxiety, depression
Muscle atrophy in advanced stage
kidney failure in advanced stage
Stroke in advanced stage
Chinese medicine diagnosis for diabetes
According to Chinese medicine principles the underlying cause of diabetes is organ deficiency, specifically relating to the lungs, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and long-term chronic stress play a huge role in the development of diabetes as they contribute to the decline of the organs. As diabetes progresses the functions of the related organs become more deficient and degenerative with time thus unable to metabolize and control blood sugar, regardless that a person is on medications.
In order to address diabetes, the health and vitality of lungs, spleen, stomach, and kidneys must be supported - diabetic medications are not doing this and thus leaving the root causes untreated. This is the reason why long-time diabetic patients are not able to control their sugar, even with multiple medications and increased dosages, the sugar continues to spike due to their weakened organs rejecting the medications. Not until they get on a regimen with acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy that the vitality of the affected organs begin to revive and the body is able to accept medications again. As a result, the sugar is brought under control.
How acupuncture can help diabetes
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been proven highly effective in the treatment for diabetes. When patients stay with our treatment protocol faithfully and care is given to the diet and exercise, they're able to reap the following benefits for their health.
Lower and stabilize sugar
Subdue cravings for sweets and junk food
Possibility of reducing the dosage of diabetic medications
Possibility of getting off some diabetic medications for those in the early stage
Feel greater energy, vitality, and improved quality life
Sleep better, function better, think better, feel better
Improved metabolic, digestive, and immune functions
Reduce edema in lower legs
Greatly improve blood circulation especially in the lower limbs
Improve the body's ability to heal wounds
Prevent the disease from progressing to gangrene, amputation, stroke, heart complications, blindness, kidney failure
And much more . .
Acupuncture as integrative care for diabetes
The role of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in conventional medicine is significantly beneficial especially for long-term diabetics who are not able to control their blood sugar within the acceptable range.
Depending on the severity of the condition and a patient's commitment to the treatment protocol, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help one to manage blood sugar without medications or at a reduced dosage.
For pre and borderline diabetes, there's a high probability for effectively controlling blood sugar with acupuncture and Chinese herbs without medications if one complies with the treatment protocol which includes staying consistent with the acupuncture treatment and the prescribed Chinese herbal regimen, keeping to the recommended diet for diabetes, staying committed to a serious exercise program of at least 4 days a week, and making any necessary changes to one's lifestyle or habits for example cutting back alcohol consumption.
For long-term and advanced stage diabetes, relying on acupuncture and Chinese medicine alone is not possible. However, if a patient stays committed to the treatment protocol outlined in the paragraph above, it's possible to reduce the medication dosage or the number of required medications over time.
It doesn't matter what stage your diabetes is or if you have to stay on diabetic medications, incorporating acupuncture and Chinese medicine into your diabetes management regimen will significantly improve your quality of life.
April Bui, LAC is a Texas licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist, Usui Reiki Master, Holy Fire Reiki Master and Instructor, and owner of Dharma Reiki & Acupuncture clinic. April has been in practice for more than 18 years as an acupuncturist and more than 25 years as a Reiki practitioner. April is passionate about helping people, healing, and teaching. She devotes much focus to her clinical practice as well as training future Reiki healers. April is available for in-person consultation; you will get an in-depth assessment and a personalized treatment plan for your conditions. Schedule your free consultation with April today.
