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Diabetic Neuropathyaccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Chronic Inflammatory Conditions, Neurological Disorders, Neuralgias and Neuropathies, Diabetes

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes, characterized by damage to the nerves due to prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms including pain, numbness, and weakness, predominantly in the feet and hands.

Diabetic neuropathy encompasses several different nerve damage or dysfunction conditions, commonly referred to as diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy, diabetes-related nerve damage, or neuropathy due to diabetes. This nerve damage can affect various parts of the body and is a leading cause of disability and diminished quality of life among people with diabetes.

How does TCM view Diabetic Neuropathy?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on diabetic neuropathy, viewing it through the lens of energy flow, organ systems, and balance within the body. TCM attributes the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy to imbalances and disharmonies within the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood (circulatory health), Yin and Yang (dynamic balance of all physiological functions), and the functionality of specific organ systems, particularly the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver.

Unlike the Western approach that focuses on managing blood sugar levels and preventing nerve damage, TCM aims to restore the body's balance, enhance Qi flow, nourish the blood, and strengthen the affected organ systems, thereby addressing the root causes of the symptoms.

Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diabetic neuropathy is perceived through the imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and Blood within the body, leading to specific disharmonies. Two primary patterns often associated with this condition are Blood Stagnation, which can manifest as pain and numbness due to obstructed Blood flow in the Channels, and Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, which leads to inadequate nourishment of the limbs.

TCM posits that the root of diabetic neuropathy lies in the Stagnation and Deficiency that disrupt the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood, contributing to the symptoms experienced. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for alleviating the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy from a TCM perspective.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Diabetic Neuropathy

To combat the patterns identified in diabetic neuropathy, TCM employs specific formulas and herbs that aim to restore balance and flow within the body. For the pattern of Blood Stagnation, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang is recommended, utilizing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) for their sweet and warm properties to invigorate the Blood and warm the Channels, effectively treating the Stagnation.

For those suffering from Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang is advised, featuring White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) known for their bitter, sour, and neutral qualities. This formula is designed to nourish the blood and address deficiencies, targeting the root causes of diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Through these targeted treatments, TCM aims to re-establish the natural equilibrium of Qi and Blood, offering relief from the discomfort associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address diabetic neuropathy, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that tonify blood

Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.

One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify Blood

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.

One such formula is Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address diabetic neuropathy, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetic neuropathy, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.

One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetic neuropathy, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.

One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetic neuropathy, like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang.