Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hair Loss
TCM for Hair Loss
As the saying goes, ‘If it doesn’t nourish your soul or hair, let it go’ Hair loss is a natural process. On average we shed about 50-100 hairs a day, however when hair loss is accelerated or hair growth declines, this can lead to thinning or balding. The most common cause of hair loss is related to genetics and hormonal changes.
TCM for hair loss
Other causes of hair loss can be attributed to stress, new medications, infection, medical conditions, and trauma. Oftentimes this can be seen as patches of baldness that can show up anywhere on the body.
TCM views hair as the expression nourishment related to the body’s ability to produce and move Blood to nourish the different organ systems.
Sometimes prolonged stress, anger, anxiety, or emotional trauma can result in Qi (energy) stagnation in the Foot Jue Yin Channel. This Channel system is a key component of circulating Blood and regulating our energy (Qi). When the body’s Qi is stuck it can’t move the blood to nourish the hair and it tends to fall out. Unfortunately this can lead to more stress and anxiety leading to more Qi stagnation and less blood circulating to the hair follicle and more hair loss.
The Foot Shao Yin Channel and related organ structures are responsible for Jing (Essence) that gives hair it’s luxurious texture and color. If there is a deficiency in Jing there may be a decreased amount of hair growth, or possibly an increase in white/grey hairs.
Are there natural remedies?
YES! While changing your diet to incorporate more blood nourishing foods and foods to nourish your essence will be the most helpful, micro needling along the scalp with an herbal tonic twice a month is the most complete care to regrow/prevent further hair loss.
What are some foods that nourish the blood?
Fruits include: Dates, Red Grapes, Figs. Veggie: Beets, Spinach, Adzuki Beans. Meat: Sardines, Egg Yolk, Beef Tallow, Liver
What about nourishing my essence?
Walnuts, Black Sesame, Sunflower Seeds, Lotus Seeds, & Chestnuts.
Do you recommend herbal formulas?
Yes! But this is on a case by case basis. I would be happy to schedule a Telehealth appointment to get an herbal formula customized to your needs.
What about Prescription hair growth medicine?
These prescriptions medications were originally designed for patients with high blood pressure but found that when applied topically, hair started to grow.