Diabetes & Ayurveda
http://www.ayurvedahc.com/articlelive/articles/344/1/Diabetes-amp-Ayurveda/Page1.html
Dr.Upneet Kaur, BAMS
graduated from Baba Farid University Of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab. By Dr.Upneet Kaur, BAMS
Published on 04/30/2008
We discuss diabetes according to Ayurvedic & Allopathic modalities
Definition & Types of Diabetes: East & West Views
Diabetes is known as Prameha in Sanskrit
What is diabetes:
Ayurvedic View:
Types:
Ayurvedic View:
By the vitiation of tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha) there are 20 types of prameha, the main dosha is kapha.
Out of 20 types:
• Kaphaj – 10
• Pittaj – 6
• Vataj – 4
Western View:
• TYPE 1 DIABETES (Juvenile onset diabetes)
What is diabetes:
Ayurvedic View:
Diabetes has become a very common manifestation among people. In Ayurvedic language it is known as PRAMEHA. According to Acharaya Charak, meaning of Prameha is disease of urine.The most common clinical feature of prameha is Polyuria, i.e Increased frequency of urination.
Modern View:
A disease in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly.
Modern View:
A disease in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly.
Types:
Ayurvedic View:
By the vitiation of tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha) there are 20 types of prameha, the main dosha is kapha.
Out of 20 types:
• Kaphaj – 10
• Pittaj – 6
• Vataj – 4
Western View:
• TYPE 1 DIABETES (Juvenile onset diabetes)
DEFINITION: It is an auto-immune disease where the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
PERCENTAGE: It accounts for 10-15% of all people with the disease.
AGE: It can appear at any age, although commonly under 40.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: It is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed.
TREATMENT: people with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day and follow a careful diet and exercise plan.
• TYPE 2 DIABETES (Adult onset diabetes)
DEFINITION: It is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
PERCENTAGE: It accounts for 85-90% of all people with the disease.
AGE: Commonly above 40 years of age.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The disease is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major risk factors for its development.
TREATMENT: It can be treated by dietary changes, exercise and/or tablets. Insulin injections may later be required.
PERCENTAGE: It accounts for 10-15% of all people with the disease.
AGE: It can appear at any age, although commonly under 40.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: It is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed.
TREATMENT: people with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day and follow a careful diet and exercise plan.
• TYPE 2 DIABETES (Adult onset diabetes)
DEFINITION: It is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
PERCENTAGE: It accounts for 85-90% of all people with the disease.
AGE: Commonly above 40 years of age.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The disease is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major risk factors for its development.
TREATMENT: It can be treated by dietary changes, exercise and/or tablets. Insulin injections may later be required.
Causes, Symptoms & Therapies - East & West Views
Causes:
Ayurvedic View: (according to Acharaya Charaka)
• Excessive intake of sugar and fats.
• Excessive intake of heavy foods.
• Lack of exercise or physical activity.
• Obesity.
• Laziness.
• Excessive Sleep
Western View:
• The pancreas doesn't make enough or any of the hormone insulin.
• When the insulin produced doesn't work effectively.
• Genetics.
• Obesity.
• Lack of exercise.
• Allergy to any drug.
• Trauma, stress.
• Pregnancy.
• Physical illness.
• Environmental factors such as viruses.
Symptoms:
Ayurvedic View:
According to the three types of Prameha:
Western View:
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Slow healing of infections
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweet smelling breath
Complications:
• Heart and Blood Vessel Disease
• Blindness
• Kidney Failure
• Foot Ulcers
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Skin complications
• Depression
• Hypoglycaemia
• Impotency
Treatment:
• Home remedies
• Ayurvedic remedies
• Yoga asanas
Home Remedies
Yoga Asanas:
• Padma asana
• Mayur asana
• Surya namaskar
• Bhramari and Bhasrika Pranayama
• Dhanurasana
• Paschimottanasana
• Halasana
Ayurvedic View: (according to Acharaya Charaka)
• Excessive intake of sugar and fats.
• Excessive intake of heavy foods.
• Lack of exercise or physical activity.
• Obesity.
• Laziness.
• Excessive Sleep
Western View:
• The pancreas doesn't make enough or any of the hormone insulin.
• When the insulin produced doesn't work effectively.
• Genetics.
• Obesity.
• Lack of exercise.
• Allergy to any drug.
• Trauma, stress.
• Pregnancy.
• Physical illness.
• Environmental factors such as viruses.
Symptoms:
Ayurvedic View:
According to the three types of Prameha:
(I) KAPHAJ PRAMEHA: There are 10 types of kaphaj prameha:
• UDAK MEHA: It may be compared to Diabetes incipidus according to modern. In this type, patient urinates a white coloured water like urine without any smell.
•
• IKSHUBALIKARAS MEHA: It may be compared to Glycosuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates sticky urine which is like sugarcane juice.
•
• SANDRA MEHA: It may be compared to Phosphaturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine which is very viscous in nature.
•
• SANDRA PRASAD MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is somewhat less viscous in nature.
•
• SHUKLA MAHA: It may be compared to Chyluria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine of white colour.
•
• SHUKRA MEHA: It may be compared to Spermaturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine mixed with sperms.
•
• SHEET MEHA: It may be compared to Renal Glycosuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates again and again, many times.
•
• SIKTA MEHA: It may be compared to Urates according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine along with some kind of particles in it which get in solid form in urinary bladder due to vitiation of kapha dosha.
•
• SHANER MEHA: It may be compared to Dysuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates in less quantity without any urge and difficulty.
•
• ALA MEHA: It may be compared to Albumin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine very viscous and sticky in nature.
(II) PITTAJ PRAMEHA: There are 6 types of Pittaj Prameha:
• SHAR MEHA: It may be compared to Alkaline Urine according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine which is alkaline in nature.
•
• KAAL MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine black in colour along with burning sensation.
•
• NEEL MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine of blue colour which is acidic in nature.
•
• RAKT MEHA: It may be compared to Haemeturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine red in colour along with burning sensation.
•
• MANJISHTHA MEHA: It may be compared to Haemoglobin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine red in colour along with very foul smell.
•
• HARIDRA MEHA: It may be compared to Bilirubin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine yellow in colour.
(III) VATAJ PRAMEHA: There are 4 types of Vataj Prameha:
• VASA MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is like fat mixed along with the increased frequency of urination.
•
• MAJJA MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is again fat mixed but frequency of urination is not increased.
•
• HASTI MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine in a very large quantity just like an elephant.
•
• MADHU MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is of whitish or yellowish in colour and rough in nature.
• UDAK MEHA: It may be compared to Diabetes incipidus according to modern. In this type, patient urinates a white coloured water like urine without any smell.
•
• IKSHUBALIKARAS MEHA: It may be compared to Glycosuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates sticky urine which is like sugarcane juice.
•
• SANDRA MEHA: It may be compared to Phosphaturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine which is very viscous in nature.
•
• SANDRA PRASAD MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is somewhat less viscous in nature.
•
• SHUKLA MAHA: It may be compared to Chyluria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine of white colour.
•
• SHUKRA MEHA: It may be compared to Spermaturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine mixed with sperms.
•
• SHEET MEHA: It may be compared to Renal Glycosuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates again and again, many times.
•
• SIKTA MEHA: It may be compared to Urates according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine along with some kind of particles in it which get in solid form in urinary bladder due to vitiation of kapha dosha.
•
• SHANER MEHA: It may be compared to Dysuria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates in less quantity without any urge and difficulty.
•
• ALA MEHA: It may be compared to Albumin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine very viscous and sticky in nature.
(II) PITTAJ PRAMEHA: There are 6 types of Pittaj Prameha:
• SHAR MEHA: It may be compared to Alkaline Urine according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine which is alkaline in nature.
•
• KAAL MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine black in colour along with burning sensation.
•
• NEEL MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine of blue colour which is acidic in nature.
•
• RAKT MEHA: It may be compared to Haemeturia according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine red in colour along with burning sensation.
•
• MANJISHTHA MEHA: It may be compared to Haemoglobin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine red in colour along with very foul smell.
•
• HARIDRA MEHA: It may be compared to Bilirubin Uria according to modern. In this type, patient urinates urine yellow in colour.
(III) VATAJ PRAMEHA: There are 4 types of Vataj Prameha:
• VASA MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is like fat mixed along with the increased frequency of urination.
•
• MAJJA MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is again fat mixed but frequency of urination is not increased.
•
• HASTI MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine in a very large quantity just like an elephant.
•
• MADHU MEHA: In this type, patient urinates urine which is of whitish or yellowish in colour and rough in nature.
Western View:
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Slow healing of infections
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweet smelling breath
Complications:
• Heart and Blood Vessel Disease
• Blindness
• Kidney Failure
• Foot Ulcers
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Skin complications
• Depression
• Hypoglycaemia
• Impotency
Treatment:
• Home remedies
• Ayurvedic remedies
• Yoga asanas
Home Remedies
• The best remedy for this disease is Karela. Eat Karela as often as you can. Take 1 tablespoon of Karela juice daily to control your sugar level.
• Take 1 tablespoon of Amla juice and 1 mix it with 1 tablespoon of Karela juice. Take it regularly for 2 months.
• Boil the 5 leaves each of Tulsi (Basil), Neem, Jamun, Bel, with 4 seeds of pepper in a glass of water and drink two times a day. (Persons with high blood pressure should avoid it)
• Spend 45 minutes to one hour taking a good brisk walk every day.
• Take raw onion daily in any form. It has diuretic and digestive properties which help to control the sugar levels.
• Eat half a cup of sprouted chana dal daily. It utilizes glucose in the body and reduces the intake of insulin.
• The powder of seeds of Fenugreek (Methi) taken two to three times a day helps control the sugar in blood and urine.
• Have your meals at regular timings and limit your overall intake.
• Garlic every day early in the morning in an empty stomach will help.
• Crush JAMUN seeds and make powder. Take one or two spoons of the powder with water for four weeks.
• Boil 15 fresh Mango leaves in 1 glass of water. Leave overnight. Filter this water and drink first thing in the morning.
Ayurvedic Remedies
• 1-2 tablets of Agnitundi vati with luke warm water twice a day.
• 1 tablet of Basant kusmakar (with gold and pearl) with water twice a day.
• 2 – 3 tablets of Madhumehari yog with water twice a day.
• 1 capsule of Shilajit with water twice a day.• Take 1 tablespoon of Amla juice and 1 mix it with 1 tablespoon of Karela juice. Take it regularly for 2 months.
• Boil the 5 leaves each of Tulsi (Basil), Neem, Jamun, Bel, with 4 seeds of pepper in a glass of water and drink two times a day. (Persons with high blood pressure should avoid it)
• Spend 45 minutes to one hour taking a good brisk walk every day.
• Take raw onion daily in any form. It has diuretic and digestive properties which help to control the sugar levels.
• Eat half a cup of sprouted chana dal daily. It utilizes glucose in the body and reduces the intake of insulin.
• The powder of seeds of Fenugreek (Methi) taken two to three times a day helps control the sugar in blood and urine.
• Have your meals at regular timings and limit your overall intake.
• Garlic every day early in the morning in an empty stomach will help.
• Crush JAMUN seeds and make powder. Take one or two spoons of the powder with water for four weeks.
• Boil 15 fresh Mango leaves in 1 glass of water. Leave overnight. Filter this water and drink first thing in the morning.
Ayurvedic Remedies
• 1-2 tablets of Agnitundi vati with luke warm water twice a day.
• 1 tablet of Basant kusmakar (with gold and pearl) with water twice a day.
• 2 – 3 tablets of Madhumehari yog with water twice a day.
• 1 tablet of Sariwadi vati in the morning with milk.
Yoga Asanas:
• Padma asana
• Mayur asana
• Surya namaskar
• Bhramari and Bhasrika Pranayama
• Dhanurasana
• Paschimottanasana
• Halasana
This article is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe, treat, or heal diabetes. Do not take any medication or practice asanas without the advice of qualified health and yoga practitioners.
Queries may be addressed to the author at: dr_upneet@yahoo.co.in.
Queries may be addressed to the author at: dr_upneet@yahoo.co.in.