Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes: All You Need to Know

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is characterized by an absence of insulin. The ayurvedic solution to this condition involves remedial therapies that seek to address Vata-Kapha dosha dysfunction.

Type 2 Diabetes

The common form of diabetes known as Type 2 develops when the body is no longer able to respond to insulin. This type is predominantly associated with Kapha dosha irregularity but could be caused by improper diet and unhealthy working habits. Amma's theraputic approach of Ayurved provides the new nutrition and herbal medicine plan along with a change in lifestyle to balance it.

Gestational Diabetes

There is one type of diabetes known to develop during pregnancy and it is believed to be caused by hormones. Ayurveda does not stress sudden modifications in one’s diet and carries out gradual exercise during this period to maintain the general harmony of the body.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes, or borderline diabetes, serves as a warning phase. Ayurveda believes in the preventive approach of administering dietary and lifestyle changes coupled with herbal remedies to avoid the possibility of the disease graduating to full diabetes.

Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma is the basic process of detoxifying, nourishing, and revitalizing the cells of the body as a therapeutic means of controlling diabetes and its symptoms.

1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)

Vamana is a type of purgation, involving vomiting to eliminate the toxic buildup of Kapha which causes diabetes. The ions are that this therapy assist in the reduction of insulin resistance index and digestion in general.

2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy)

Therapeutic purging, that helps to eliminate the excess of Pitta and Kapha is known as Virechana. This procedure assists in cleaning the liver, pancreas, and other components of the digestion system that are involved in blood glucose control.

3. Basti (Medicated Enema)

According to the principle of Basti therapy, Basti therapy aims at the balance of the Vata by prescribing the medicated enema. This method helps to benefit the lower bowel, supports the metabolism, and can prevent diabetic complications for the nervous and circulatory systems.

Herbal Remedies

A number of Ayurveda herbs have the potential to control diabetes with some effects such as hypoglycemic, hypo-insulinemic, and Pancr[e]ato-protective activities.

Common Herbs for Diabetes in Ayurveda

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Closely associated with the immune system functioning and blood sugar control.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Aids in lowering blood sugar levels and clean the bloodstream.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Low glycemic index, rich in vitamin C, shows positive effect on the secretion of insulin and on the absorption of glucose.
• Bitter Gourd (Karela): Reduces blood sugar and helps to maintain the function of the pancreas.
• Fenugreek (Methi): Improves the way in which your muscles, organs and fat tissues take up glucose and reduces blood glucose levels.

Ayurvedic Medicines

Besides using herbs, Ayurveda uses certain prepared products that help in managing blood sugar, balancing the three doshas and having a healthy effect.

• Nisha Amalaki: Curcumin is composed of amla which has both anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycaemic effects.
• Vijaysar: It is a traditional remedy that helps manage blood sugar levels.
• Chandraprabha Vati: It balances doshas and helps manage problems connected with diabetes.

Dietary Guidelines

• Focus on Low-Glycemic Foods: Include barley, green veggies and bitter foods.
• Avoid Heavy and Sugary Foods: Eliminate sweets, processed foods, and dairy products.
• Eat at Regular Times: Always eat at the same time so that your digestion and metabolism don't suffer.

Yoga for Diabetes

Ayurvedic treatments can be made more effective by doing yoga which improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and increases insulin sensitivity, among other things. Certain poses are beneficial for those with diabetes:

• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Stimulates the pancreas.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist): This helps manage your blood sugar by enhancing organ function.
• Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): It reduces stress and helps improving respiratory efficiency.