Diabetes (Madhumeha) From An Ayurvedic Perspective

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels, leading to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time. The most common is type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. In the past three decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in countries of all income levels.

In Ayurveda, Diabetes is referred to as Madhumeha (literally meaning sweet urine). Ayurvedic medicine sees Diabetes caused by doshic imbalances. It arises in two ways: (1) aggravation of the Vata dosha due to tissue depletion and/or (2) obstruction of the channels (srotas) caused by excess Kapha dosha and fatty tissue.

According to Ayurveda, the following are the primary causes of Diabetes:

Being physically inactive
Excessive sleep, including sleeping during the daytime
Overeating sweet food
Excessive use of curds
Eating too many foods that cause an increase in Kapha

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly. In fact, you can be living with type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. However, when symptoms are present, they may include:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck

As per modern science — Type 2 diabetes — the most common form of Diabetes — is caused by several factors, including lifestyle factors and genes.

Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity
Insulin resistance
Genes and family history
Insulin resistance
Genes and family history
Genetic mutations

Treatment Guidelines for Diabetes

According to Ayurveda, the line of treatment of prameha is strictly on the individual’s constitution. It is based on an entire change in the person’s lifestyle, along with medication and diet. The patient is also advised to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Even the mental aspects of the disease are stressed.

Ayurveda’s treatment program focuses mainly on three areas –

1. Purification

2. Repairing and Restoring

3. Continuity of maintenance

Ayurveda also recommends the use of specific herbs for people with Diabetes. Supplements such as Bitter Melon (Karella), Syzygium Cumini (Jambubeej), Gymnema Sylvestre (Gudmaar), Tumeric (Haldi), Embelica Officinalis (Amla), and more.

Ayurvedic Therapies for Diabetes

Udavartana
Abhyangam
Takradhara
Padabhyangam
Chadkrad basti

Relevant Short Courses by Param Wellness Academy:

Managing Diabetes: A Holistic Approach

This short course offered by Param Wellness Academy provides a comprehensive understanding of diabetes and offers holistic management strategies such as yoga, pranayama, meditation, Ayurvedic supplements, and home remedies. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and tools necessary to manage diabetes effectively using a holistic approach.

For a limited time, get a 30-minute live one-on-one online training with our Ayurvedic wellness coach when you enroll.

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