Prameha / Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Ayurvedic Perspective – Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreats in Rishikesh, Kerala & Goa, India

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes Mellitus—one of the world’s fastest-growing metabolic disorders—is known in Ayurveda as Prameha, a cluster of 20 metabolic conditions primarily marked by excess urination (prabhūta-mutratā) and turbid urine (avil-mutratā).

Classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya describe Prameha in remarkable detail, linking it to:

• Deranged metabolism (doshic imbalances)
• Poor dietary habits
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Dysfunction of meda dhatu (fat tissue) and kapha dominance

Modern science mirrors these observations, identifying diabetes as a disorder related to insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, chronic inflammation, and lifestyle factors. This article harmonizes both views to illuminate how integrative care at an Ayurveda retreat can support holistic wellbeing.

TYPES OF PRAMEHA

Ayurveda describes 20 types of Prameha:

10 Kaphaja Prameha

6 Pittaja Prameha

4 Vataja Prameha

Among them, Madhumeha (a Vata type) is often equated with chronic diabetes mellitus due to its symptoms:

• Sweet urine
• Excessive thirst
• Progressive tissue depletion
• Fatigue and neuropathic features

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is primarily classified into:

• Type 1 Diabetes – autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
• Type 2 Diabetes – insulin resistance & relative insulin deficiency
• Gestational Diabetes – occurring during pregnancy
• Secondary diabetes – steroid-induced, pancreatic disorders, etc.

Ayurveda’s Prameha most closely relates to Type 2 Diabetes.

SYMPTOMS : Ayurveda + Modern Correlation

Ayurvedic Symptoms of Prameha

As per classical texts:

• Prabhūta Mutratā – excessive urination
• Avila Mutratā – cloudy, turbid, or oily urine
• Daurbalya – weakness
• Sweda bahulya – excessive sweating
• Anga-Gandha – foul body odour
• Ati-trishna – excessive thirst
• Kshut-pipasa vriddhi – increased hunger & thirst
• Nidradhikya – excessive sleep
• Anga shaithilya – flabbiness/looseness of tissues

Modern Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Excessive urination (polyuria)
• Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow wound healing
• Tingling or numbness (neuropathy)
• Unexplained weight changes
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Correlations

• Prabhūta mutratā ↔ Polyuria
• Ati-trishna ↔ Polydipsia
• Daurbalya ↔ Fatigue
• Anga shaithilya ↔ Loss of muscle tone

Etiological Factors (Nidana)

• Day sleeping
• Overuse of snigdha, guru, and madhura foods (oily, heavy, sweet)
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive dairy, meat of marshy animals (anupa mamsa), and fermented foods
• Genetic predisposition (Sahaja Prameha)

Modern Risk Factors

• Sedentary lifestyle
• High-calorie/high-carb diet
• Obesity & central adiposity
• Chronic stress
• Sleep disorders
• Family history
• PCOS, metabolic syndrome

Ayurvedic Management

Treatment follows Shodhana (cleansing), Shamana (pacifying), and Rasayana (rejuvenation).

Ahara (Therapeutic Diet)

Diet focuses on kapha-pacifying, low-glycemic, digestion-enhancing foods:

Recommended

• Barley (Yava)
• Millet, green gram (mudga), horse gram (kulattha)
• Bitter vegetables: karela, neem, methi
• Triphala-based decoctions
• Low-fat, high-fibre foods
• Warm water, herbal teas

Avoid

• Milk, curd, cheese (heavy dairy)
• Sweets, refined carbs
• Fried foods
• Excess ghee
• Red meat
• Fermented foods

Vihara (Lifestyle & Yogic Practices)

• • Daily walking (prabhat vyayama)
  • Yoga asanas such as : Ardha Matsyendrasana, Trikonasana, Paschimottanasana, dhanurasana
  • Pranayama: Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Anulom-Vilom
  • Avoiding daytime sleep
  • Stress reduction, mindfulness, meditation
  • Establishing stable meal and sleep times
  • Yoga enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces sympathetic stress.

Aushadha (Ayurvedic Herbal MEDICATIONS)

Commonly referenced herbs:

• Guduchi – immunomodulatory & metabolic support
• Haridra + Amla – antioxidant synergy
• Vijaysar – traditional hypoglycemic effect
• Shilajit – improves energy & metabolism
• Meshashringi (Gymnema) – “sugar destroyer”
• Karela (Bitter gourd) – supports glucose regulation
• Methi (Fenugreek) – improves digestion & lipid profile

Panchakarma Therapies

• Vamana (therapeutic emesis)
• Virechana ( purgation therapy)
• Vasthi ( medicated enemas)

Cleansing therapies reduce metabolic load, improve tissue function, and restore internal balance.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation) Therapy

Used after detox to strengthen tissues:

• Amalaki Rasayana
• Shilajit Rasayana
• Ashwagandha & Shatavari (depending on prakriti)
• Medhya Rasayana for nerve health

Supports long-term vitality, immunity, and cellular repair.

Ayurveda does not replace standard medical treatment for diabetes. Instead, it offers:

• Enhanced metabolic regulation
• Stress management (a major factor in blood sugar fluctuations)
• Weight management
• Improved digestion and gut health
• Support for neuropathy, fatigue, and long-term vitality
• Personalized lifestyle medicine

Veda5 Rishikesh, Goa & Kerala Packages

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