Holistic Ayurvedic Approach for Managing Diabetes Mellitus: Exploring Prameha (Prameham) in Ayurveda

Diabetes and Ayurveda 

It's very common to hear people doubtful about one question: Does Ayurveda have a complete cure for Diabetes?

And this arises due to advanced technologies and solutions offered by Western medicine. Yes, it can comfort human life, but at the same time, people should believe that Ayurveda may not provide an instant relief, but it manages  effectively  and provides long-term benefits for uncontrolled diabetes, even though people are on oral medicines or on insulin

According to the statistical readings, Diabetes is difficult to manage, but it's not just impossible. In that way, Ayurveda provides us with numerous dietary and lifestyle advice and preventive care  to maintain our sugar levels in a controlled way.

Before we head to the Natural ways for prevention of diabetes treatment, we will quickly go through the symptoms and causes of diabetes through the lens of Ayurveda, particularly focusing on prameham. 

Diabetes is referred to as Madhu meha.  Diseases which is related to increased blood sugar levels are referred to as Prameha. Diabetes mellitus is often referred to as Vata Prameha. It is caused due to an imbalance in the Vata Dosha. Diabetes insipidus is referred to as Kapha Prameha, occurring due to an imbalance of Kapha Dosha.

According to Ayurveda, the causes of diabetes include:

• Sedentary lifestyle 

• Excessive day sleeping

• Over intake of sweets and curd

• Excessive use  of foods rich in kapha doshas

• Obesity

• Stress

Symptoms of Diabetes include

• Blurry vision

• Increased thirst

• Excess urination and hunger

• Sudden Weight Loss 

• Poor healing of wounds

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Neuropathy, Nephropathy

• HTN (Hypertension)

• Stroke

• Cardiac issues

  
  

Diabetes And Ayurvedic Doshas

Predominant with symptoms like excess thirst and urination, it's mentioned that diabetes is primarily a kapha disorder that is caused due to various reasons like obesity, excessive sweet intake, which obviously results in poor functioning of the pancreas, resulting in an increase of  Kapha dosha  in the stomach. This, in turn, leads to the  frequency of  urination.

Contrary to this, when it comes to Diabetes Mellitus, it is caused due to the Vata dosha. Vata  accumulates in the large intestine and travels to the pancreas, where it disturbs the normal functioning of the pancreas. In some cases, even Pitta plays a role in causing diabetes, like when it's  accumulated in the small intestine, before it's moved to the liver, it may cause pancreatic damage   

Ayurveda refers to diabetes as ‘Dhatupaka Janya Vikruti’  since it shows an ill effect on other bodily tissues. This is also referred to as Ojomeha, since the ojas /essence of life is lost in urine.

The Two Types of Diabetes As Per Ayurveda

Avarana and Dhatuksyaya. Avarana  is caused when the channels of the body are blocked by the vitiated  Kapha Dosha, as in Dhatukshaya, body  tissues are affected or depleted, which causes the second type of diabetes. This is usually the cause of juvenile diabetes, which requires immediate diabetes treatment.

In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells are destroyed, and the body fails to produce insulin naturally. This patient has to be on insulin support throughout their life so that the body can metabolise sugar. This is not preventable because of the autoimmune problem, where the autoimmune system attacks the beta cells by mistake.

Diabetes type 2, being a  lifestyle disorder mainly caused by sedentary habits and poor diet,  can lead to the malfunctioning of the cells that produce insulin. As a result, the insulin produced is insufficient,  so it cannot  break down glucose. This causes an increase in blood sugar levels.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

Ayurveda recommends the use of a holistic approach the help in the management of diabetes. The management for diabetes in Ayurveda includes:

·      Herbal remedies

·      Panchakarma for detox

·      Dietary advice 

·      Life style chages /Yogasana

The diet to pacify Kapha needed to help manage Diabetes type 2 would include:

• Incorporating  foods that are light, dry, and warm

• Avoid foods that are oily, cold, and heavy.

• Avoiding Milk products

• Fruits like apples, pomegranates, and berries can be eaten.

• Grains that are beneficial for diabetes treatment include whole grains rich in fiber.  Like millet and corn can be eaten.

• Spices like  Pepper, mustard, garlic, and ginger can be included in the diet as home remedies for diabetes.

• Gourd is known for its beneficial properties in home remedies for diabetes.  Vegetables can be included

• Fried  foods, tuber vegetables, soft drinks, fruits like mango, custard apple, dates, and banana should be avoided.

• Cakes, sugarcane products, and wine must be avoided.

Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight reduction therapies  

Yoga therapies like surya namaskara ,paschimotasana ,sethu bandhasana ,veera bhadrasana ,pavana mukthasana ,mayurasana ,bastrika can be followed

Some of the panchakarma therapies for Diabetes

Sirodhara /takradhara

Shirodhara gives a rejuvenating effect on the mind and also removes toxins from the central nervous system, which results in reducing fatigue. Since fatigue is one of the symptoms of Diabetes, it can be relieved by sirodhara. And also stress and anxiety find good results in intensity after Shirodhara procedures. Daha (burning sensation), suptata (numbness), harsha (tingling sensation), shosha (wasting), dourbalya (weakness), anga sada (lethargy) are the symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. To manage this condition, Takradhara is a type of the Shirodhara procedure, in this medicated Takra (butter milk) is used, which acts by normalising aggravated doshas, also acts as rasayana (rejuvenator).

Abhyangam

Abhyangam helps in relaxing the muscles and improving the circulation in the body and it further increases the glucose absorption and the amount of insulin required for the affected glucose level in the body.

Swedanam:

This procedure opens the pores and cleanses the system through the skin, eliminating toxins along with sweat.

Vasti:

Vasti concentrates on the elimination of toxins from the body through the rectum. Medicated oils and decoctions are introduced into the anal region of the patient with a catheter. Vasthy like  madhuthailika vasthy is been used

Udwarthanam:

The procedure involves rubbing medicated powders on the body. This helps in reducing the medas dhatu or the fatty tissue in the body, especially in cases of obesity

Virechanam:

It is the medicated purgation therapy that removes toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and the gallbladder.

Tarpanam /Nethra dhara

Ayurveda procedures  like Nethradhara and Netra Tarpan are potent enough to provide strength in blood vessels of retina so that there will not be any further hemorrhage and helps in cases like diabetic retinopathy . Netra Tarpana is a procedure wherein lukewarm medicated ghee is made to stay stagnant in the eyes for a specified time in a specific formed frame.

Some of the single herbs that help in preventing diabetes 

·        Jambu (Syzygium cumini)

·        Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

·        Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre)

·        Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

·        Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium)

·        Saptarang (Salacia chinensis)

·        Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

·        Neem (Azadirachta indica )

·        Triphala

·        Garlic is considered one of the effective remedies for diabetes in Ayurveda.

·        Bilwa

·        Fenugreek

·        Karela

·        Cinnamon

·        Gokshura

·        Punarnava

·        Curry leaves

·        Tulsi

·        Karimjeerka

·        Sage

·        Ginger

·        Lodhra

·        Nyagrodha

·        Devadaru 

What is the Ayurvedic approach to managing diabetes mellitus?

In Ayurveda, diabetes mellitus, or madhumeha, is considered under the concept of Prameha and is linked to various nidanas. It is a metabolic disorder related to lifestyle and diet, where Ayurvedic principles focus on balancing the doshas and improving overall health to manage the condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes in Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda, symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst (Trishna), frequent urination (Pipasa), unexplained weight loss (Kshaya), fatigue (Shrama), a sweet taste in the mouth, and dryness in the body.

How does Ayurveda explain the pathogenesis of diabetes?

Ayurveda describes diabetes as a result of an imbalance in the bodily humors (doshas), especially aggravated Vata and Kapha. This leads to impaired metabolism and production of toxins (ama) in the body, contributing to the development of diabetes mellitus.

What are the dietary recommendations for managing diabetes in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda recommends a diet that is low in sugar, carbohydrates, and fats, with an emphasis on whole grains, vegetables, and herbs like bitter gourd, fenugreek, and turmeric to help control blood sugar levels and support overall health.

What types of Prameha are mentioned in Ayurveda for diabetes management?

Ayurveda classifies Prameha into different types based on the predominant doshas involved, such as Vataja Prameha, Pittaja Prameha, and Kaphaja Prameha. Understanding the specific type of Prameha is crucial for personalized treatment.

Are there any home remedies recommended in Ayurveda for managing diabetes?

Yes, Ayurveda suggests various home remedies like consuming bitter gourd juice, cinnamon powder, fenugreek seeds, and Amla (Indian gooseberry) to help regulate blood sugar levels and support the management of diabetes mellitus.

What is the role of Ayurvedic medicines in the treatment of diabetes mellitus?

Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes focus on balancing the doshas, improving digestion and metabolism, and reducing the complications associated with diabetes. These medicines are derived from natural herbs and formulations to support overall health. 

Can I live a normal life with type 2 diabetes?

Yes you can

How to live a long life with diabetes?

Keep a regular check on weight, diet, and lifestyle.

What is the safest treatment for diabetes?

Prevention is better when it comes to controlling diabetes. If not, some detoxification and proper oral medications are the safest treatment.

Can I live a normal life with type 1 diabetes?

Yes, you can with diet regulations.

What is the line of treatment for Prameha?

It's based on the dosha involved.

What is the diet of Prameha in Ayurveda?

Anything light for digestion, pacifies kapha dosha, and nourishes dhatus.

Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for insulin resistance?

Methi /fenugreek triphala, and haridra.

What causes Prameha in Ayurveda?

Excessive intake of kapha pradana ahara, sedentary lifestyle.

How does type 2 diabetes affect a person's daily life?

Symptoms may appear gradually, and they may appear in a wild way.

Cow urine (Gomutra arka / Godhan Arka) for diabetes?

Yes, it's good in antioxidants, and it improves the immune system.

What medicines can be advised for nourishing tissues in a weak and underweight diabetic person?

You can use triphala as a rejuvenatory medicine.