Gestational diabetes with TCM looks at the root problem. When pregnancy starts, our body needs to supply the baby with kidney Qi, kidney essence and blood. Kidney Qi and essence are the reservation of our function and vitality. It serves like our savings account. We always want to save a little more then we spend into our saving account, right? And as we age, these two can deplete fast. Age, preexisting conditions, and poor lifestyle choices can also lead to fast depletion of kidney qi and essence. Gestational diabetes is like overdrafts of your savings account and continue to pay for two people.
Thus it creates conditions of:
- Qi Deficiency: Your digestive system is like the kitchen of your body. During pregnancy, it works overtime, and sometimes, it just runs out of fuel. You might feel low energy , and not nourished easily. And sometimes you can even feel out of breath easily.
- Blood Deficiency: Think of your blood as a life-giving river. Pregnancy demands more flow, and when it runs low, problems arise. This can lead to you feeling weak, not able to function optimally during pregnancy or even pain and depression as the blood can’t nourish the heart.
- Yin Deficiency: Pregnancy metabolism is like a roaring fire; without enough water (Yin), the fire rises too hot. In this condition, you can feel restless or even insomnia. Hot flashes or even anxiety. Sometimes this can lead to restless fetus or fetus fail to thrive.
- Excess Heat: Too much sugar creates a heat wave in your body, and TCM knows how to cool things down. You can all sorts of symptoms of inflammtion such as yeast infection, UTI , or mood swing
Acupressure: Your Body’s Sugar Control Buttons
- Boost Qi with Stomach 36 (Zusanli):
Tip: Imagine turning up the energy dial in your body’s kitchen by massaging this point after meals. - Cool the Fire with Large Intestine 11 (Quchi):
Tip: Think of this as the “fire extinguisher” for your body—press it to cool things down after indulging in sweets. This point can also help reduce inflammation and relieve related pain. - Relax Your Mind with Du 20 (Baihui):
Tip: Press this “antenna” on top of your head to send a calming signal to your brain—deep breaths included! Du 20 is also known for its ability to soothe both the mother and the fetus.
Food Therapy: Delicious Solutions for Sweet Balance
- Boost Qi: root vegetable is known to nourish the spleen Qi , pair it with nuts that is rich in essential fatty acid, is a good partner for tonfying kidney Qi.
- Nourish Yin: if you choose smartly, fruit can be a good friend even with gestational diabetes. Fruit as well as vegetable that is low in glycemic index and rich in juice are good choice to nourish
Yin. Choices include oranges, grape fruit , peaches(fresh not canned), asparagus, and lettuce. - Cool Heat: blant and bitter taste are the taste in TCM that tames the fire. You can drink barley tea , corn silk tea or eat greens that has bitter taste such as kale, or dandelion greens .But be careful, pregnancy , during pregnancy , your digestive system can be sensitive. Consume bitter foods in moderation to avoid overstimulation of the digestive system.
With TCM, gestational diabetes doesn’t have to be feared. Together, with a little Qi, Yin, and love, you can conquer this sweet adventure and embrace the healthiest version of yourself and your baby.
