TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diabetes, conventional treatments, alternative remedies, complementary therapies, integrative therapies, mind-body therapies

Chinese doctors treat Type I and Type II diabetics with acupuncture and a combination of herbs such as astragalus, wild yam, and rehmannia. With Type I diabetes, treatment must begin in the early stages of the disease for Traditional Chinese Medicine to be of any help. But it is quite effective, according to TCM practitioners, especially at the beginning and intermediate stages of Type II.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can improve circulatory problems and slow down the process of neuropathy. The inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with neuropathy are reduced as a result of TCM treatment. TCM may also help to stabilize blood sugar levels in Type II diabetics by restoring balance to the endocrine system.

Many TCM practitioners report success in treating diabetes with acupuncture. They suggest that the treatment of the spleen/pancreas point has effects which reduce the autoimmune component of diabetes. Acupuncture is also found to be helpful in reversing the neuropathy commonly found in long-term diabetics. Many diabetics find that they need substantially less insulin if they use acupuncture as a Complementary therapy.

Ear acupuncture is beneficial for Type II diabetes. It stimulates the sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems. Acupuncture alone is not sufficient treatment for diabetes. It is useful as a Complementary therapy with concurrent nutritional and conventional medical care.