Pathogenesis of Xiao Ke (Diabetes) in TCM
Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat (阴虚内热)
Core Idea: Chronic Yin deficiency (fluid and nourishment depletion) leads to excessive internal heat, which consumes body fluids.
Symptoms: Thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, and weight loss.
Connection: This aligns with symptoms seen in diabetes, such as polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), and weight loss.
Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾气虚)
Cause: Poor diet, overthinking, or chronic fatigue weakens the Spleen's function in transforming and transporting food into energy.
Symptoms: Fatigue, poor appetite, bloating, and sugar cravings.
Effect: Impaired metabolism leads to excess dampness and phlegm, contributing to high blood sugar.
Kidney Deficiency (肾虚)
Cause: Aging, overwork, or inherited weaknesses lead to a depletion of Kidney Yin or Yang.
Symptoms: Frequent nighttime urination, weakness in the lower back and knees, tinnitus, and dry mouth.
Role: The Kidneys play a critical role in fluid regulation, so their deficiency can lead to fluid imbalances and high blood sugar.
Lung Heat (肺热)
Cause: Emotional stress, smoking, or external pathogens leading to excess heat in the Lungs.
Symptoms: Persistent thirst, dry mouth, and irritability.
Mechanism: The Lungs regulate water pathways, so their dysfunction contributes to fluid imbalances.
Blood Stasis (血瘀)
Cause: Long-term Qi stagnation or phlegm obstruction leads to impaired circulation.
Symptoms: Numbness, slow-healing wounds, and dark purple tongue.
Effect: This can explain complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and poor wound healing.
Types of Xiao Ke (Diabetes) in TCM
Upper Xiao (上消): Lung Heat damages fluids, causing excessive thirst and dry mouth.
Middle Xiao (中消): Spleen Qi deficiency leads to excessive hunger and overeating.
Lower Xiao (下消): Kidney Yin or Yang deficiency results in frequent urination and exhaustion.
Treatment Principles
Nourish Yin and Clear Heat
Used for Yin deficiency with heat signs.
Strengthen the Spleen and Resolve Dampness
Focuses on improving digestion and metabolism.
Tonify Kidney Yin or Yang
Supports fluid regulation and prevents further depletion.
eficiency.
Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
Diet: Avoid excessive sugar, greasy, and spicy foods. Focus on bitter and cooling foods like bitter melon, mung beans, and chrysanthemum tea.
Exercise: Moderate activities like tai chi or qigong to promote Qi flow and reduce stagnation.
Stress Management: Mindful practices to support emotional balance and prevent Qi stagnation.
TCM approaches diabetes by addressing the root cause (organ imbalance) and symptoms holistically, aiming to restore harmony and prevent complications.