When seeking the Diabetes Alternative Therapies that suit you best, you face the problem of plenty. There are just too many of them.Some like Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are ancient and have been used with great efficacy for thousands of years. Some like Aromatherapy and Chromotherapy are relatively new and have acquired their own community of faithful adherents in a short while.
Ayurveda
This system of medicine is thousands of years old. Ayurveda believes in healing the whole body rather than treating a certain disorder.
While treating this malady, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach. Drastic changes are made in the diet – eliminating sugars of all kinds. Simple easily digestible carbohydrates are also replaced with complex carbohydrates. Panchakarma – a cleansing technique which includes massages, herbal therapy, and fasting is also used. This is followed up by herbal medicine and yoga.
Today Ayurveda is gaining in popularity around the world, especially in UK and US.
Chinese Medicine
In China and parts of Korea Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is not an alternative therapy for diabetes, but the mainline treatment. In fact professional Chinese doctors prescribe TCM for their diabetic patients.
TCM focuses on strengthening up the circulatory system and endocrine system. This is often complemented with acupuncture, the practise of inserting sharp needles into the body to stimulate nerve points.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy believes that substances that are harmful in large doses can be beneficial while taken in minute quantities. Homeopathic medicines have provided relief to many patients around the world. However, while taking homeopathic medicines make sure that you consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner.
Dietary Supplements
Certain dietary supplements have been found to have a beneficial effect on diabetes. These are usually chromium, garlic, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Some herbal supplements also claim miraculous effects. However, while treading this path, it is advised that you step with caution and also under the advice of your doctor.
Aromatherapy
Adherents of this school of thought believe that aromatic oils affect the body and mind in various ways. Oils of eucalyptus, germanium, and juniper are delivered nasally through vaporisers or used in bathwaters.
Relaxation Therapy
In this technique, the patient is made to create certain mental images. These images are to have a profound effect on a person’s mind and body. It creates a positive mental outlook and helps the person heal himself from within.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarian food as a general has more complex carbohydrates and more fibre content. No wonder vegetarians are usually thinner and with less cholesterol problems.
A vegetarian diet also helps maintain a better metabolism and lower blood sugar levels.
Massage
An expert masseuse kneads certain points and muscles in a person’s body. This is supposed to increase circulation and reduce quite a few negative effects of diabetes.
Hydrotherapy
This is another ancient system of healing. Recent studies have shown that hydrotherapy improves sleep patterns, reduces blood sugar, and enhances the general health of the body.
Chromotherapy
This system believes in the healing power of colors. It is believed that diabetes is caused by the deficiency of orange and yellow colors. A combination of green and orange is helped for treating diabetes.
Plant Foods
Certain plant foods seem to have beneficial effects on people suffering from this disorder. These are Brewer’s Yeast, Brocolli, Buckwheat, Peas, Okra, Sage and Fenugreek.
Lot of research is still being done on diabetes alternative therapies. Hopefully in the future, more will be known about these therapies.