[Oriental Medicine] Boiled chicken guts help control diabetes
In our consumer-oriented society we tend to equate happiness with the amount of money we have, the size of the house we own, the number of clothes in our wardrobe or the number of friends think we are successful. The ego seems driven to seek out ever-bigger numbers in all these categories.Ironically, most of us eventually realize that true satisfaction comes from the quality of life, not from the quantity of our possessions. Therefore, few would disagree that the amount of money we possess is not as important as how it is spent; that the size of one’s house contributes less to comfort and coziness than does the spirit and ambience that exist within the four walls; and that hundreds of “social friends” tend to be less dependable and trustworthy than one true friend.
Accordingly, we instinctively know that the issue of quality also influences our body functions. In spite of this, an imbalance in the quantity/quality ratio has resulted in a frightening increase in “diseases of civilization” such as cancer or diabetes.
According to Oriental medicine, diabetes is a typical form of over-consumption disease. In particular, type II diabetes, the adult-onset, non-insulin-dependent variety, is caused by over-consumption of fatty, greasy, or sweet foods and alcohol. Bad diet impairs the functions of the spleen, pancreas and stomach. This generates internal heat, injures yin and consumes bodily fluids, thereby creating the characteristic thirst and hunger associated with diabetes.
When bodily fluids are consumed too rapidly they fail to nourish the lungs and kidneys. The pathological changes seen in diabetes, therefore, always include yin deficiency and dry heat. Symptoms include increased thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, unexplained weight change and fatigue.
In Western medicine, diabetes is seen as a condition in which the body cannot utilize or store blood sugar (glucose) correctly. The amount of sugar in the blood then rises to unhealthy levels. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many health problems, including impotence, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and circulatory problems leading to tissue death.
In acute cases, blood sugar levels should be monitored closely and regulated by appropriate insulin medication. Additionally, it is helpful to augment such treatments with Oriental medicine. Natural remedies containing herbs like ginseng will improve the spleen, pancreas and kidney function, and help to conserve yin and body fluids, thereby easing the systemic dry heat.
As unappetizing as it sounds, drinking a cup of tea made from boiled chicken gizzards and spinach, 3 times a day, strengthens the digestive organs and helps to dissipate heat. Eating cooked spinach and seaweed salad helps to clean the blood and reduce swelling, which is especially beneficial when a diabetic individual develops itchy skin or hot rashes. Regular meals that are low in fat and carbohydrates are also vital. Lastly, regular cardiovascular exercise is an essential component to creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Diabetes is a disease that is caused by excess. Therefore, its wise management relies on placing quality before quantity.
Raimund Royer is Medical Director of the International Clinic at the Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine.
by Dr.Raimund Royer
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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