Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. When a person eats, the process of digestion produces glucose that enters the bloodstream. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin that helps the glucose in the bloodstream enter the cells of the body to produce energy. Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to produce sufficient quantities of insulin or to use the produced insulin efficiently. The glucose is retained in the bloodstream causing elevated blood glucose levels. This condition is called hyperglycemia and is highly damaging to the body. Treatment of diabetes includes a variety of tried and tested formulations that keep a close eye on your glucose levels.
Doctors use the term prediabetes for a person with elevated blood glucose levels that are not as high as that of a diabetic but more elevated than normal. Patients at this stage are usually advised to make lifestyle changes to attempt to reverse the condition.
The plan of treatment of diabetes depends on the type of diabetes. Diabetes is classified into three major types:
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is characterised by the body producing insufficient or no insulin. It can occur at any age and is most common in children and teenagers.
This type of diabetes occurs because of the body’s inability to use the insulin produced properly. It is the more common type of diabetes and more frequently occurs in adults.
This occurs when an expectant mother has high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It usually resolves after pregnancy but increases the risk of the mother and the child having diabetes later on in life. Gestational diabetes can cause complications for both the mother and the child.
The terms used in Ayurveda for diabetes are Madhumeha and Prameha. These terms translate as ‘sweet urine’ which refers to the high glucose levels in the urine of a person who has diabetes. Ayurvedic texts also mention ‘Dhatupaka Janya Vikruti’ which are the ill effects that are caused in the body by diabetes.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts list twenty types of Madhumeha and Prameha and the main disease description is that of excessive urination. Ayurveda defines the essence of life as Ojas. The loss of Ojas causes the weakening of all bodily functions. Since the Ojas is lost through the urine in diabetes, it is also called Ojomeha.
Ayurveda also describes certain unwise lifestyle habits and choices that cause or aggravate diabetes. Improper digestion causes the production of a metabolic waste called Ama that is said to be the root cause of bodily diseases. Poor digestion could be caused by a weak digestive fire Agni or as a result of improper eating habits. Ayurveda also defines stress as a factor that aggravates diabetes. Inadequate or improper sleeping habits can also add to the problem.
Diabetes and Ayurveda Doshas: The two types of diabetes defined by Ayurveda are Avarana and Dhatuksyaya. Avarana type of diabetes is caused by the aggravated Kapha Dosha blocking the channels of the body. Dhatuksyaya type of diabetes is caused by the depletion or disturbance of the Dhatus or tissues of the body.
The different stages of life from infancy to old age are divided into three that each has a dominant Dosha as per Ayurveda. The childhood stage of life is Kapha dominant. Diabetes in children and adolescents can be caused by eating food that aggravates the Kapha Dosha.
Ayurvedic texts also describe a condition called Apathyanimittaja that is similar to type 2 diabetes. It is caused by an aggravated Vata Dosha that in turn aggravates the Kapha Dosha thus causing diabetes. Sedentary lifestyle habits make the problem worse.
Ayurvedic therapy for any disease is holistic. The body is to be seen as a whole in order to restore the natural balance. Both western approaches to Diabetes and Ayurveda recommend lifestyle and dietary changes.
Panchakarma uses five different methods of therapy as required to help detoxify the body and help restore its balance. By helping to reduce Ama the tissues of the body start functioning better and the Dosha maintenance is helped to get restored. Panchakarma therapies for the treatment of diabetes also help destress, relax and boost immunity.
Ayurvedic supplements use traditional herbs and ingredients that are useful in supporting the body’s response to insulin as well as the production of insulin. Traditional herbal formulations to aid digestion and support the Agni or digestive fire are also prescribed.
Diabetes Ayurveda treatment includes food choices that do not aggravate the Doshas and instead help support digestion and help maintain the Dosha equilibrium. Since the digestive fire’s efficacy is directly proportional to the strength of the sun in the sky, the largest meal should be at midday. The evening meal is ideally eaten before sunset.
Yoga is an ancient system that helps destress the body and helps promote good health. The practice of Yoga helps prevent fat accumulation both of which are beneficial to help control diabetes.
Ayurvedagram uses traditional holistic Ayurvedic methods to help people with diabetes. Each person is studied for their specific body type, imbalances of Doshas, Ama levels, lifestyle, diet, stress levels and other important factors. The Ayurveda therapies for diabetes for the person is then planned and customized according to their individual needs and body structure.
Panchakarma therapy at Ayurvedagram is given in strict adherence to the ancient texts based on the level and severity of the health issues. This Ayurvedic detoxification is accompanied by changes to the diet and lifestyle. Our Yoga experts teach Yoga Asanas (poses) that are beneficial for stress release and better physical vigor and strength.
Our diabetes Ayurvedic treatment Bangalore centre also provides a diet suitable to balance the aggravated Dosha of that person. Herbal remedies and traditional Ayurvedic supplements for the treatment of diabetes type 2 or type 1 diabetes are prescribed. For diabetes, Ayurvedic herbs and spices that are conducive to the strengthening of the digestive fire and maintenance of the Doshas are part of the treatment of diabetes at Ayurvedagram.
In diabetes type 1 treatment in Ayurveda, the person is taught how to incorporate diabetes Ayurvedic home remedies such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom as part of their daily food preparation so that they can sustain a healthy lifestyle post-therapy. Instead of three big meals a day, suitable foods are introduced as smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Help heal and recover your body from the inside out and help get a grip on your diabetes through the ancient science of Ayurveda. The earlier therapy is started, the easier it is to help detoxify and maintain your body. Visit Ayurvedagram today to see the wonderful ways in which Ayurveda can help you with the metabolic disorder of diabetes.
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