Traditional Physical Therapy for Diabetes

YUANLIREN

DIABETES exhibits three main symptoms: frequent eating, drinking and urination. Traditional Chinese medicine be­lieves that it is caused by inner heat and the decrease of the cir­culation of vital energy and the blood caused by old age. There­fore, physical therapy in addition to medication is suggested.

The physical therapy has two steps.

FIRST, lie down on the bed and loosen the clothes. Stretch the back and at the same time draw a deep breath. Inhale to the maximum, hold the breath for two seconds and then ex­hale slowly. When breathing, the tip of the tongue should touch the palate lightly. Do this five times.

In this first step the person should be quiet, relaxed and concentrated so that the air can circulate smoothly in the lungs. It is recommended that it be done either in the morning or in the evening.

Though the method seems simple, it exercises internal organs and invigorates the blood circulation and the process of metabolism. A deep breath enables the vital energy to reach every part of the body. When it reaches the spleen, this organ is strengthened and will be able to accelerate the circulation of blood and vital energy, which in turn helps enhance the circu­lation of body fluid. When the vital energy circulation is smooth and the body fluid is plentiful, the mouth and throat will be moistened and yin weakness and inner heat will be reduced, thus reducing the symptoms of diabetes. The movements seem inactive but all the movements take place inside the body.

SECOND, the person should walk 120 steps and up to a thousand, depending on his general health. The purpose is to exercise the body and smooth the main and collateral chan­nels. This invigorates the circulation of the blood, vital energy and body fluid, strengthens the joints and enhances metabolism. It coordinates with the first step, harmonizing in­ternal organs with the body itself. It is especially good for el­derly diabetics.

The method should not be used directly after a meal or with an empty stomach because at these times the blood and vi­tal energy can easily be consumed, which is harmful to the body. If the person feels weak or exhausted during the exercise, he should stop until he feels normal again.

THIS physical therapy has a good effect on the efficacy of other treatment being used for diabetes. In recent years some foreign doctors have begun to recognize this. In Malmo, Sweden, doctors planned physical exercises for their diabetic patients. Three months later their condition had greatly im­proved and at last all of them recovered. The American book The Therapeutics of Diabetes also suggests that physical exercis­es should be fitted into regular medical treatment.

This physical therapy has existed in China for over a thou­sand years and should be promoted. The results should be con­siderable.