Diabetes is a wide spread chronic disease of which 80-90% are Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Beta Cells of the Pancreas Glands are responsible for Insulin which is essential for proper utilization of carbohydrates. If insulin is absent, the carbohydrates is not utilized and these appear in the blood in the form of Glucose. Main problem with Diabetes is that it is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. The main symptoms are: excessive urine formation and frequent urination, burning of palms and soles, increased hunger, excessive thirst, sweet taste to mouth, weight loss, blurry vision, wounds that take time to heal, skin Infections, unexplained extreme fatigue etc. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to Heart attacks, Strokes, Blindness, Nerve damage, Impotence, erectile dysfunction etc.
Modern science have drugs, Insulin injections and all other Medicines available for diabetes can only control the level of sugar in blood stream and may not be effective at all times. And also it must be consumed throughout your life time.
As per Ayurveda, diabetes is not just lack of insulin. Its most probable cause is poor maintenance of your body which can be improved through Panchakarma treatments like herbal purge for the liver, pancreas, spleen, colon and the digestive tract and herbal oil massages, modification of diet and exercise, Yoga and breathing exercise.
Treatments Methods for Diabetes
Once the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner it would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and Rasayana therapies.
The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, they are classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.
The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body. These comprise diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and a stress free life.
Oral medicines for Diabetes
Oral medicines used for treating diabetes will be extracts of pure medicinal herbs, leaves, spices etc. These are prepared specifically to restore the lost balance and to provide the needed inputs to cure Diabetes.Kashayam and Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams - semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed. Some of the herbs and spices used in the preparation of kashayams and lehyams for treating Diabetes include neem, gurmar leaves, karela etc.
Diet regulations for Diabetes
Diet regulation will be suggested for patients suffering from Diabetes during and after the treatment. They should strictly avoid sugar in any form. Apart from this consumption of rice, bananas, potatoes, and sweet fruits should also be avoided. They can however consume a low calorie, low fat and alkaline diet. Seeds of bitter gourd, and fenugreek, Vegetables such as bitter gourd, cucumber, onion, garlic, Fruits such as Amala and grapes, Grains such as Bengal gram and black gram, Dairy products such as curd, butter milk etc can all be consumed. Besides, consumption of raw vegetables is always advisable. You can find out your type of prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself
Yoga and Life style for Diabetes
Yoga and meditation are always beneficial and have always played a vital part in curing every type of disease. Yoga exercises done every day replenish and re balance the physical and emotional systems that are depleted by the everyday stresses that lie so heavy on our lives. Yoga makes it possible to rest on a strong base of confidence and strength within oneself. Light yoga postures, meditations and breathing exercises are advised. Yoga exercises such as Bhujang Asana,( cobra pose), Shalabah Asana( Locust pose) and Dhanur Asana( Bow pose ) are highly beneficial.
Life Style for Diabetes Patients
Who are suffering from Diabetes is advised to take at least one or two weeks of rest after the Panchakarma experience. At this time the body is weak after the purification process and needs time to get back to normalcy. Diabetes patients are advised to avoid sleep during the day. It should be remembered that they should avoid all sorts of injuries as any injury especially that of the foot may take long time to heal. Proper care must be given to the upkeep of the eyes as the disease in an advanced stage can cause major problems for the eyes. Exercises such as Walking, cycling, swimming and jogging are recommended.
Author :
Dr Nirav Joshi, Ayurvedacharya
