TCM Pharmacist Explains: Diabetic Skin Itchiness is a Sign That Blood Isn't Reaching the Surface. Medicinal Cooking to Improve Blood Circulation

Introduction

I received this question during a TikTok live stream.

"Why does diabetes cause itchy skin?"

When we think of diabetes symptoms, we often think of blood sugar levels and complications. However, skin itchiness is also deeply related to diabetes. If it persists even after applying moisturizing cream, the cause is not on the surface of the skin, but in the state of your blood.

Conclusion

The reason diabetes causes itchy skin is because the blood is thick and sluggish, preventing it from reaching the surface of the skin.

Temporary moisturizing is not bad, but the root cause lies in the state of your blood. Improving blood circulation is the priority.

Reason

Blood is a "package of nutrients and moisture"

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood is considered the medium that delivers nutrients and moisture throughout the body. If blood is flowing smoothly, it reaches every corner of the tiny capillaries on the skin's surface, supplying the skin with nutrients and hydration.

However, when blood becomes thick and sluggish, it cannot enter the tiny capillaries. Because nutrients and moisture no longer reach the skin's surface, the skin becomes dry and itchy.

Itchiness, numbness, and pain are signs of poor blood circulation

When a state where blood wants to flow but cannot continues, the body sends out signals.

• Slightly restricted flow → Itchiness

• More restricted flow → Numbness

• Even more restricted flow → Pain

Itchiness is the first sign the body gives you to say, "Blood is not reaching here." If you only treat this sign with moisturizer, it may eventually progress to numbness and pain.

In TCM, this state is called **Oketsu (Blood Stasis)**. It is a condition where blood flow is stagnant, and nutrients are not reaching the extremities of the body.

From a Western medical perspective, persistent high blood sugar damages blood vessels and increases blood viscosity. Impaired blood flow in the capillaries leads to skin dryness and nerve damage.

Countermeasures

Review dietary habits that make blood thick

The main causes of thick blood in diabetes are excessive intake of carbohydrates and a diet high in animal fats. A diet consisting of too many sweets, excessive rice consumption, and frequent fried foods increases blood viscosity.

Be careful about excessive water intake

Many people believe that 'drinking lots of water will make your blood smooth,' but this is a misconception. Drinking too much water causes the stomach to become bloated and swollen, which puts pressure on the pancreas located below the stomach. When the pancreas is compressed, it becomes harder for insulin to be released, which can further worsen diabetes.

It is important to drink the necessary amount of water; drinking excessively will not make your blood smooth.

Lower blood sugar levels with massage while bathing

Massaging your whole body while soaking in a bathtub promotes blood circulation and can be expected to have the effect of lowering blood sugar levels. Delivering blood to the extremities while warming the body leads to the improvement of itching and numbness.

Medicinal Recipe

May Medicinal Recipe: Stir-fried New Onion, Asparagus, and Bacon with Shio Koji

A dish using seasonal ingredients for May that promotes blood circulation, helps eliminate excess carbohydrates, and delivers moisture to the body.

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 1 new onion

• 4 asparagus spears

• 3 slices of bacon

• 1 tablespoon shio koji

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• A dash of black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the new onion into wedges. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and cut them diagonally. Cut the bacon into 2cm widths.

2. Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan and stir-fry the bacon.

3. Add the new onions and asparagus, stir-fry until cooked through, then add the salt-koji and stir-fry briefly to combine.

4. Serve on a plate and sprinkle with black pepper.

Medicinal Benefits

• New Onions: These help regulate blood flow and flush excess substances out of the body. They are a classic ingredient for keeping blood thin and healthy.

• Asparagus: This helps drain excess moisture and replenishes necessary hydration in the body. It is a seasonal ingredient for May that also helps with fatigue recovery.

• Bacon: This replenishes Qi and provides the energy needed to move the body. Combining it with salt-koji makes digestion and absorption smoother.

• Salt-Koji: As a fermented food, it improves the intestinal environment and aids digestion. It is also expected to help slow down sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Summary

• Diabetic skin itchiness is a sign that blood is not reaching the surface of the skin.

• Signs of worsening blood circulation appear in the order of: itchiness, then numbness, then pain.

• Drinking too much water puts pressure on the pancreas. It is important to promote blood circulation with massage while bathing.

Please do not ignore the small signs your body gives you. Itchiness is a message from your body telling you that 'blood is not reaching' those areas. Adjusting your diet and lifestyle leads to fundamental improvement.

Course Information

The TCM Medicinal Cooking Techniques Introductory Course, a 6-month program, will begin on the second Monday of September 2026.

This is an introductory course that even beginners can study with peace of mind. You will spend 6 months thoroughly learning the basics of medicinal cooking that are easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

• Format: Zoom and archive viewing

• Time: 20:00–21:00

• Tuition: 54,000 yen

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