When many people are diagnosed with diabetes, their first reaction is: quickly lower the blood sugar! They take medication, get injections, control their diet, and keep their eyes glued to the numbers on the glucose monitor every day.

Yet, have you ever noticed that even if the blood sugar is temporarily stabilized, the body still doesn't feel right? For instance, constantly feeling weak all over, utterly exhausted, and emotions like riding a roller coaster—sometimes irritable and wanting to lose temper, other times feeling aggrieved and unable to lift the spirits.

Why is this?

In traditional Chinese medicine, this is likely your "liver" throwing a tantrum!

The liver is not an "outsider" in blood sugar control

In TCM, our liver acts like a "chief administrator," responsible for "regulation and dispersion"—ensuring the smooth flow of qi, blood, and emotions throughout the body without congestion.

If this "general manager" (referring to the liver) becomes depressed due to stress and irritability, getting "stuck" (what we commonly call liver qi stagnation), then its companion—the spleen and stomach—won’t be able to function properly.

What do the spleen and stomach do? They are responsible for "transformation and transportation," which, simply put, means converting the food we eat—especially sugar—into usable energy and distributing it throughout the body.

Now, with the liver blocked, the spleen weakens, and sugar can't be transported out, accumulating in the bloodstream—doesn't that lead to high blood sugar? At the same time, with qi and blood "stuck in traffic," they can't nourish the body, naturally making people feel weak and sluggish. Long-term stagnation of liver qi may also "turn into fire," causing dry mouth, bitterness in the mouth, and irritability.

To regulate blood sugar, start by regulating the liver—our approach needs to shift.

So, in TCM diabetes treatment, we're not just acting as "sugar-lowering soldiers," but as "peacemakers" – harmonizing the partnership between the liver and spleen, helping them work together again.

This brings us to a classic approach for regulating liver-spleen harmony, exemplified by the renowned formula "Xiao Yao San" (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder). It perfectly embodies this "peacemaker" philosophy.

Bupleurum root (Chai Hu) serves as the "vanguard," specifically clearing stagnant liver qi, ensuring the "commander" (liver) stays relaxed and unobstructed.

Angelica root (Dang Gui) and white peony root (Bai Shao) function as the "logistics team," replenishing blood to nourish the liver damaged by stagnation, restoring its soft, supple nature.

Atractylodes, Poria, and Licorice are the "cheerleaders," providing support and encouragement to the spleen and stomach (strengthening the spleen and boosting qi), helping them restore their transformative and transport functions.

Finally, a small amount of mint and ginger, like a refreshing breeze, assists Bupleurum in better soothing the liver and relieving stagnation.

You see, the entire approach is not about directly "suppressing" blood sugar, but rather by harmonizing the liver and spleen, restoring the body's innate ability to metabolize sugar. When the body's functions return to normal and sugar can be properly utilized, blood sugar naturally stabilizes at its root.

Warm reminder: Of course, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, as each individual's condition varies. This article provides a new perspective, but specific prescriptions and medications must be administered under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner!