Diabetesaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Diabetes
The Root Causes of Diabetes in TCM
In TCM, diabetes is often associated with Yin Deficiency leading to Empty Heat, a condition where a lack of cooling, nourishing Body Fluids in the body causes symptoms akin to heat. Lung Yin Deficiency and Stomach Yin Deficiency are prime examples, presenting with excessive thirst, dry mouth, and a propensity for hot sensations.
Blood Stagnation and Liver Qi and Yin Deficiency may also contribute to the disease's complexity, reflecting the holistic nature of TCM diagnoses. These patterns highlight the intricate relationships between the body's energetic systems and their role in diabetes.
Tailored TCM Treatments for Diabetes
To counteract these specific disharmonies, TCM employs targeted formulas and herbs aimed at nourishing Yin, clearing Empty Heat, and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. For individuals presenting with Lung Yin Deficiency or Stomach Yin Deficiency, treatments may include herbs and formulas that deeply nourish the Yin and cool the body, such as Mai Men Dong Tang and Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, addressing the root of Yin Deficiency and Empty Heat.
In cases where Blood Stagnation is identified, practitioners might use herbs that invigorate Blood and dissolve stasis, ensuring a free flow of energy and fluids throughout the body. Similarly, Liver Qi and Yin Deficiency calls for a combination of approaches to soothe Liver Qi Stagnation and nourish Liver Yin, employing specific formulas designed to harmonize and restore the Liver's functions.
Acupuncture for Diabetes Management
Alongside herbal treatments, acupuncture plays a vital role in TCM's approach to managing diabetes. Specific acupoints, such as Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3, are selected to directly influence the organs and energetic pathways implicated in diabetes. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Yin and Yang, enhance the flow of Qi, and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, providing a holistic remedy to this chronic condition.
Through a deep understanding of the body's energetic landscape and a personalized approach to treatment, TCM offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on managing diabetes, addressing both the symptoms and their underlying causes.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Diabetes
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address diabetes, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and preserve body fluids
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for diabetes
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for diabetes
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bai Hu Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
| Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, with milkvetch seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis" recommended for diabetes
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi) |
| Sang Piao Xiao San | Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao) |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Yu Nu Jian, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for diabetes
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Yu Nu Jian | Gypsum (Shi Gao), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
| Yu Nu Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
Formulas that vent membrane source
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang, with glehnia root as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and preserve Body Fluids
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas when it is due to summer heat that also depletes or harms the body fluids, necessitating treatments that cool and nourish the body's fluids.
One such formula is Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Diabetes can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Acupoints for Diabetes
See more details below about Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3, an acupoint used to address diabetes.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Back (EX-B)
Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 8th thoracic vertebra (T8).
TCM Herbs for Diabetes
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address diabetes, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Diabetes 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) | Not applicable |
| Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan) | Not applicable |
| King Solomon's Seal Roots (Huang Jing) | Not applicable |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Mai Men Dong Tang | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang |
| Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
| Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban) | Da Bu Yin Wan |
| Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu) | Not applicable |
| Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) | Not applicable |
| Mulberry Fruits (Sang Shen) | Not applicable |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Da Chai Hu Tang |
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang |
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Diabetes 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 diabetes, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Shen Qi Wan |
| Coriander (Hu Sui) | Not applicable |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Diabetes 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Corn Silk (Yu Mi Xu) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Sang Piao Xiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao) | Sang Piao Xiao San |
| Schisandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Yi Wei Tang |
| Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Diabetes 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 Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for diabetes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Yu Nu Jian | Yu Nu Tang | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Da Bu Yin Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
Herbs that expel parasites
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs if it arises from parasitic infections, utilizing their properties to eliminate parasites from the body.
One such herb is Pumpkin Seeds (Nan Gua Zi), which is directly recommended for diabetes.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Bai Hu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Diabetes can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diabetes, like Shen Qi Wan.