Hypoglycemiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Metabolic Disorders
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose levels fall below normal. It's a condition often associated with diabetes treatment but can affect anyone. Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness. The body requires a certain level of circulating blood sugar to function optimally, and when levels drop, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses aimed at restoring balance. Timely recognition and management of hypoglycemia are critical to prevent potential complications.
How Does TCM View Hypoglycemia?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypoglycemia is not merely a deficiency of blood glucose but an indication of an imbalance in the body's energy system. TCM theory suggests that such symptoms result from a disruption in the harmonious balance of Yin and Yang, Qi, and Blood.
The focus in TCM is to identify the specific pattern of disharmony—whether it is a Deficiency of Qi, a disturbance of Yin, or an issue with Yang—because each of these imbalances can contribute to the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The aim is to restore equilibrium through tailored treatments that address these patterns.
Causes of Hypoglycemia According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delves into the underlying causes of hypoglycemia by examining imbalances within the body’s energetic systems. A pattern such as Stomach Yang Deficiency suggests a coldness hindering the digestive system's ability to convert food into energy, mirroring the symptoms of low blood sugar.
Additionally, the presence of Damp-Cold points to an accumulation of cold and moisture in the body, which can lead to sluggish organ function, further exacerbating the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypoglycemia
In response to these patterns, TCM turns to warming and energizing herbal formulas. For Stomach Yang Deficiency, a formula like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang utilizes the power of Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) to reintroduce warmth and bolster the Stomach's ability to function effectively.
Meanwhile, to counteract the lethargy brought on by Damp-Cold and Damp-Phlegm, Wei Ling Tang, with key herbs like Water plantain (Ze Xie), works to dispel the excess moisture and promote the healthy flow of Qi throughout the body. These carefully chosen formulas aim to restore balance and vitality, addressing both the immediate symptoms and the deeper disharmonies that characterize hypoglycemia from a TCM perspective.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypoglycemia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that expel dampness
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Hypoglycemia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for hypoglycemia
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Maltose (Yi Tang) |
| Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Maltose (Yi Tang) |
Formulas that expel Dampness
Hypoglycemia can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hypoglycemia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypoglycemia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hypoglycemia 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 Maltose (Yi Tang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypoglycemia, like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for hypoglycemia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Hypoglycemia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypoglycemia, like Wei Ling Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Hypoglycemia can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypoglycemia, like Wei Ling Tang.