Qigong for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) is a complex, chronic, metabolic disease with hyperglycemia arising from insulin resistance, progressive pancreatic beta cell failure, insufficient insulin secretion and increased hepatic glucose output. In the Chinese medicine theory, T2DM is often referred to as a form of Xiao Ke (消渴)or"wasting-thirst disorder." Genetic, dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors play a role in T2DM. People with a family history of diabetes or who are obese are at the highest risk of developing the disease. T2DM is often associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis and if not managed can lead to complications including cerebrovascular accident, peripheral vascular disease and nephropathy. T2DM can be well managed with biomedical and Chinese medicine treatment approaches. Lifestyle changes including appropriate diet and exercise are paramount in managing T2DM. Regular Qigong practice can be a beneficial part of one's exercise routine for T2DM self-care. Qigong exercise has shown promising results in clinical experience and in randomized, controlled pilot studies for affecting aspects of T2DM including positive associations between participation in Qigong and blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, weight, BMI and insulin resistance. This chapter looks at how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views diabetes as well as new understandings of how Qigong can support the management of T2DM.

Qigong Exercises for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The following statement was recorded in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, Suwen Chapter One: “If your mind is calm and peaceful and able to reach a state of emptiness, and you hold your spirit within, and your authentic qi flows easily and freely, how could illness arise?” (the reign of the Yellow Emperor was 2690–2590 B.C.) [ 19 ]. Jing Zuo literally means “quiet sitting” or “sitting in silence” and refers to a meditation practice to achieve a peaceful and tranquil mind for internal observation, cultivation and realization.…”

“…It was during the Jin dynasty (A.D. 265–420) and the Northern and Southern dynasties (A.D. 420–589) that qigong developed as a practice to prevent or correct disease through the transmission of healing qi [ 19 ]. Medical qigong therapist can emit their healing qi to assist another person.…”

“…To fully understand the pathophysiology of T2DM from this perspective it is important to first acknowledge the functions of these internal organs and systems and how they influence each other through the meridian/bio-energetic-information system. It is also important to note that, along with the physical functions of the internal organs, TCM recognizes that thoughts and emotions are connected and affect the function of each organ system [ 19 ]. For example, if one experiences excess amounts of anger, their liver system is negatively affected, grief and sadness challenges the lung function, fear and hatred deplete the kidneys and worry, overthinking, shame and guilt all have adverse effects on the pancreas [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”