Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar is caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic presence of high blood sugar in diabetes leads to long-term damage and dysfunction of various tissues, especially the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves.
Diabetes currently has no cure, but it can be controlled, and its complications can be prevented.
Through experimental observations, it has been found that massage can increase insulin secretion, accelerate glucose utilization, reduce glucose absorption, and improve microcirculation to prevent complications. Below is a set of self-massage techniques that can assist in the treatment and prevention of diabetes complications.
Specific Techniques of Self-Massage for Diabetes
1. Rubbing from the sternum to the Zhongji acupoint: Place the palms of your hands tightly against your abdomen, and use alternating hands to vigorously rub from the sternum to the Zhongji acupoint for about 2 minutes. The Zhongji acupoint is located one palm's width below the navel.
2. Horizontal rubbing of the abdomen: Use the palm root to vigorously rub from one side of the abdomen to the other side, and then use the fingertips of five fingers to rub back to the original position. Massage for about 3 minutes.
3. Vibrating the abdomen: Stack your hands naturally, with the palm root aligned with the navel, gently press down and rhythmically vibrate the abdomen for about 5 minutes.
4. Acupressure on abdominal acupoints: Use the thumb to press and knead the Zhongwan acupoint, Qihai acupoint, and Tianshu acupoint for about 1 minute each. The Zhongwan acupoint is located above the navel, the Qihai acupoint is located two horizontal fingers below the navel, and the Tianshu acupoint is located two horizontal fingers on either side of the navel.
5. Rubbing the inner side of the ankle: Use the thumb to rub the inner side of the ankle and the Achilles tendon, about 4 minutes on each side.
6. Rubbing the Kidney Yu acupoint: Use both palms to rub the waist muscles, including the Kidney Yu acupoint, for about 2 minutes. The Kidney Yu acupoint is located near the waist on both sides.
Precautions
1. Avoid consuming high-sugar foods and choose sugar-free and high-fiber foods instead, such as whole grains, fiber-rich vegetables, and soy and soy products. These foods are not only rich in good quality protein, but also cholesterol-free and have lipid-lowering effects. They can be used as substitutes for some animal products such as meat. Bitter melon, freeze-dried mulberry leaves, onion, shiitake mushrooms, pomelo, and pumpkin can lower blood sugar and are ideal foods for diabetes patients.
2. Lack of exercise can also cause an increase in blood sugar levels in the body, so it is important to engage in moderate exercise such as jogging, practicing Tai Chi, and cycling. These exercises can help improve immunity and maintain good metabolism.
3. Follow the doctor's instructions and take medication on time. Do not stop or change medication without consulting a doctor, and ensure regular hospital check-ups.
