Insulin Resistance & Chinese Medicine: A Fresh Look at Everyday Balance

Imagine your body as a small energy workshop. On most days, everything runs smoothly: fuel goes in, energy comes out. But with insulin resistance, that same workshop feels like it’s running on a slightly jammed conveyor belt. Glucose hangs around in the bloodstream longer than expected, and your body seems unsure what to do with it. It’s not a dramatic “something is wrong” moment — more like your system whispering, hey, something here needs attention.

In Chinese Medicine, this whisper is interpreted with a much wider lens. Instead of focusing only on blood sugar, TCM looks at the overall flow of Qi, the strength of the Spleen, the smoothness of the Liver, and the deep reserves of the Kidneys. Together, these systems shape how we produce, use, and renew energy.

Let’s explore what this looks like in practice.

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Understanding Insulin Resistance in a TCM Framework

Why TCM Doesn’t Call It a “Disease”

TCM avoids putting labels on conditions in the Western sense. Instead, it sees patterns — signs that certain organs or energies are out of sync. Insulin resistance, in this perspective, points to sluggish transformation of food into energy and disruptions in emotional or energetic balance.

The Role of the Spleen

In TCM, the Spleen is the main “kitchen” of the body. It turns food into usable energy. When it’s overworked or weakened by stress, cold foods, or irregular eating habits, energy production becomes shaky — which can show up as sugar cravings, dips in energy, or foggy focus.

The Role of the Liver

The Liver makes sure Qi flows freely. Emotions, stress, multitasking, and bottled-up feelings can tense up this organ’s energy, which disrupts everything from digestion to hormonal rhythm.

The Role of the Kidneys

Kidneys hold the body’s long-term reserves — think of them as your internal battery pack. When they’re taxed, the system may struggle with balancing blood sugar and keeping energy steady throughout the day.

Signs of Energetic Imbalance

• Afternoon crashes
• Irritability after meals
• Feeling heavy or sluggish
• Cravings for sweets
• Trouble waking up in the morning

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Everyday Foods That Support Balance in TCM

Food is a daily opportunity to restore balance — no strict rules, no intimidating diet plans, just thoughtful choices that support the body’s natural rhythm.

Millet — The Gentle Morning Starter

Millet is a classic TCM grain. Light, warm, and easy on digestion, it’s ideal for mornings when the Spleen needs a gentle push rather than a shock. Paired with plant-based milk, nuts, or soft fruits, it sets the tone for a calm and steady day.

Black Soybeans — A Kidney-Supporting Staple

In TCM, black foods often connect to Kidney energy. Black soybeans are particularly valued because they support long-term vitality. They work beautifully in soups, salads, or spreads and help maintain more stable energy throughout the day.

Cinnamon — A Warm and Subtle Helper

Cinnamon brings gentle warmth that supports digestion and energy flow. It blends easily into morning porridges, teas, or vegetable dishes and adds comfort without overwhelming the body.

Sample TCM-Inspired Daily Menu

• Morning: Warm millet bowl with nuts
• Lunch: Black soybean salad with greens
• Afternoon: Mulberry leaf tea
• Evening: Warm vegetable dish with a hint of cinnamon

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Helpful TCM Formulas & Acupressure Points

Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan — For Stress & Emotional Overload

Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is a classic, time-honored formula I frequently recommend as a TCM practitioner for people who carry their stress internally—especially in the chest, shoulders, or abdomen. This pattern is incredibly common among those navigating tight schedules, constant demands, and emotional ups and downs. The formula works by soothing Liver Qi stagnation, clearing mild internal heat, and supporting the Spleen so the body feels more grounded and centered.

From my clinical experience, people who benefit from Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan often describe feeling “tight,” easily irritated, or emotionally overwhelmed. Many also report digestive discomfort, irregular appetite, or tension that settles around the ribcage area. This herbal blend gently helps the body unwind, restoring a sense of emotional fluidity and inner calm without causing drowsiness.

As a TCM doctor, I appreciate how harmonizing and balanced this formula is—it supports both emotional resilience and physical ease.

Tai Chong (LV3) — A Key Point for Flowing Qi

Tai Chong (LV3) is one of the most important points in Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially when it comes to restoring emotional ease and encouraging the smooth, natural flow of Qi. Located on the top of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, it’s incredibly simple to find and even easier to work with. As a TCM specialist, I often recommend this point to people who feel tense, overwhelmed, or stuck—whether emotionally, mentally, or energetically.

What makes Tai Chong so powerful is its ability to release stagnation. When Qi feels “blocked,” you might notice irritability, restlessness, tightness in the chest, or a sense of internal pressure. Gentle pressure on this point can help soften those sensations, allowing the body to shift toward a calmer, more grounded state.

Just a few minutes of slow, consistent massage can bring noticeable relaxation. Many of my patients describe a sense of “unclenching,” as if the body can finally breathe again. It’s a small daily ritual that can fit into any routine—morning, evening, or even during a break at work.

If you’d like to see exactly how to locate and massage this point correctly, I invite you to watch the step-by-step tutorial on my YouTube channel- HERE

It’s one of the simplest yet most impactful tools you can add to your daily well-being practice.

Additional Simple Practices

• Soft morning breathing
• A 10-minute walk after meals
• Mulberry leaf tea in the afternoon
• Light stretching or tai chi

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Lessons From Life in China

The Power of Small Food Rituals

During studies in Beijing, small everyday habits stood out more than any dramatic treatment. People chose warm porridges over sugary breakfasts, carried thermoses with herbal teas, and treated meals as moments of grounding rather than rushed obligations.

Real-Life Cases From TCM Clinics

One woman with notable energy swings saw remarkable improvements after shifting to simple foods like millet and black soybeans and using acupressure points daily.

A young man dealing with stress-induced fatigue felt steadier after using herbs that helped his emotional balance( jia wei xiao yao wan) — his daily energy smoothed out, and his mood followed.

Cultural Insights Into Everyday Energy Care

China treats food as part of self-care, not just fuel. Meals are slower, warmer, and often seasonal. Even the act of walking after eating is considered part of maintaining balance.

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Fascinating TCM Observations

Why Complex Carbs Matter

Grains and legumes are gentle on the digestive system and support steady energy instead of sudden spikes.

Tea Blends for Dampness

On herb markets, you’ll often see teas tailored to reduce “dampness” — a concept referring to heaviness or sluggishness in the body.

The Pace of Eating in China

Meals aren’t rushed — chewing slowly is seen as part of healthy digestion.

Classic Acupressure Points

Points like Tai Chong (LV3) or Zu San Li (ST36)– Watch HERE, have been used for centuries to support energy flow and digestion.

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What You Can Take Away From This Approach

Small steps make the biggest shifts. A handful of black soybeans here, a warm bowl of millet there, a few minutes of gentle foot massage — these tiny choices add up. TCM teaches that balance isn’t built in one giant leap; it’s shaped by consistent, mindful actions.

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Conclusion

Insulin resistance, through the lens of Chinese Medicine, becomes less of a problem to “fight” and more of a message to understand. Your body isn’t malfunctioning — it’s asking for rhythm, warmth, and steady habits. When you start tuning into these subtle signals, the whole system begins to feel lighter, clearer, and more aligned.

This isn’t magic; it’s mindful living in small, meaningful doses.

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FAQs

1. Can I use TCM practices alongside regular medications?
Yes — but it’s best to consult both your healthcare provider and a trained TCM practitioner.

2. How long before I notice changes?
Most people begin to feel shifts after 2–4 weeks of consistent daily habits.

3. Can Tai Chong be used every day?
Absolutely — a short daily massage is gentle and supportive.

4. Do I need strict diet rules for TCM to work?
Not at all. TCM encourages flexibility and mindful food choices.

5. Are these practices suitable for beginners?
Yes — simple steps like warm meals, mindful breathing, and short walks are accessible to everyone.

A recommended book is “The Insulin Resistance Diet Plan & Cookbook: Lose Weight, Manage PCOS, and Prevent Prediabetes and you can buy it on Amazon HERE

Another recommended book is “Insulin Resistance Diet for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Reverse Insulin Resistance & Manage Weight” , which you can also purchase on Amazon HERE

Where can I buy it?
If you’re looking for authentic, practitioner-recommended, high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas — available globally — we recommend the following herbal products. These time-tested formulas are crafted with the finest ingredients and are widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.

FYI: This post contains affiliate links to herbs we’ve actually tried from reliable, certified sellers. If you buy through them, you’re supporting our blog. Thanks! 🙏

Top Recommended High-Quality Herbal Formulas:

Before you decide to buy, check the detailed description and reviews in several stores to see if this product is right for you!

1. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
   An emotional & digestive support champion. It helps release stress, ease bloating, PCOS
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2.  Xiao yao wan
   Balances emotions and Qi
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3. Bu zhong Yi qi wan
   boosts Spleen Qi, supporting overall energy.
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4. Chai hu shu gan wan or Shu gan wan
   A favorite for chronic stress patterns.
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5. Black Soy Beans
   👉 [Buy on Amazon –Here ]
   

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These formulas are based on ancient herbal wisdom and are used by TCM practitioners worldwide. Be sure to consult a professional for personalized advice.

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At Arcana Herbs Shop (Chicago – Chinatown), every formula is handcrafted with care, using time-honored traditions and natural ingredients. You can also order herbs( HERE)

Want more tips? Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can naturally support emotional balance in Ask a TCM Doctor archive.

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