Diabetes
mellitus, because of its frequency, is probably the single
most important metabolic disease and is widely recognized as
one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.
The clinical signs of diabetes in the order in which they
usually appear are: frequent, copious urination; excessive
thirst; rapid weight loss; excessive hunger; drowsiness;
fatigue; itching of the genitals and skin; visual
disturbances; skin infections; slow healing; and paresthesia
in the hands or feet.
Modern research suggests the following as the leading causes
of diabetes: heredity, endocrine imbalance, dietary
indiscretion and obesity, sequelae of infection, and severe
and continued psychic stress.
Environmental and dietary factors also appear to be
significant contributors to the disease. A diet high in
refined fiber-depleted carbohydrate is believed to be the
causative factor in many individuals, while a high intake of
high-fiber complex carbohydrate foods is protective against
diabetes.
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Although
the incidence of diabetes is lower in China than in the U.S.,
the disease has been known in the East since ancient times,
and has been a subject of clinical studies for the past forty
years. Chinese medical treatment of diabetes includes
acupuncture, herbal therapy, and dietary recommendations.
Modern research has shown that the therapeutic effects of
acupuncture on diabetes are similar to those of the diabetes
pills used in Western medicine; however, acupuncture excels in
the prevention of complications, especially cardiovascular
diseases.
For a complete consultation, please
contact us at 704.968.0351.
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Acupuncture
is most suitable for patients with Type 2 diabetes who are
either moderate in constitution or obese. Acupuncture can also
achieve good results in patients if the disease course has
been short and the severity of the condition is slight or
moderate.
Diabetes is a complex condition with a multitude of metabolic
imbalances, and, therefore, cannot be cured by acupuncture
alone. A combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal
therapy, as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications, is
strongly recommended.
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