Hair Loss
Chinese Medicine View on Hair Loss:
- Hair loss is seen as a sign of internal imbalances, especially in the Kidney and Liver channels, which are believed to govern hair health.
- A deficiency in Qi, Blood, or Kidney Jing (essence) can weaken the scalp’s nourishment, leading to hair thinning or loss.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Kidney Deficiency: Weakness in the Kidney essence (Jing) leads to premature hair loss.
- Blood Deficiency: When Blood circulation to the scalp is inadequate, hair may fall or grow thin.
- Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress and tension can restrict circulation, impacting hair growth.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) and Dang Gui (Angelica) to nourish Blood and Kidney essence.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Kidney 3, Liver 3, and Stomach 36 to enhance circulation to the scalp.
- Dietary Adjustments: Nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, walnuts, and black sesame seeds.
- Lifestyle: Stress reduction techniques like Qigong and gentle scalp massages.
Alopecia
Chinese Medicine View on Alopecia:
- Alopecia is viewed as an imbalance in the body’s Qi and Blood, with patterns involving Liver Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, and Kidney weakness.
- This condition is often triggered by stress, poor diet, or immune system imbalances, leading to sudden hair loss.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Qi and Blood Deficiency: Insufficient Qi and Blood weaken hair follicles.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress blocks Qi flow, affecting the scalp.
- Wind Invasion: TCM believes that "Wind" entering the body disrupts Qi, affecting hair growth.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Use of herbs like Bai Shao (White Peony) and He Shou Wu to nourish Blood.
- Acupuncture: Scalp-focused points (e.g., Du 20) and Liver 3 to calm Qi stagnation and enhance circulation.
- Plum Blossom Needle: Stimulate scalp circulation to promote hair growth.
- Lifestyle Changes: Stress management practices and warm, nutrient-dense foods.
Scalp Eczema
Chinese Medicine View on Scalp Eczema:
- Scalp eczema is seen as an expression of internal Damp-Heat and Wind, often related to Liver or Lung imbalances.
- It is typically worsened by poor diet, stress, or environmental factors that lead to excessive Heat and Dampness.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Damp-Heat: Greasy, heavy foods create Damp-Heat, which affects the scalp.
- Liver Heat: Emotional stress leading to Liver imbalance can trigger itchy, inflamed scalp.
- Blood Deficiency and Wind: Blood deficiency allows Wind to penetrate, causing itchiness and dryness.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Scutellaria and Honeysuckle to clear Heat, eliminate Dampness, and soothe itching.
- Acupuncture: Points like Large Intestine 11 and Spleen 9 to reduce Damp-Heat and support skin health.
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid spicy, greasy foods; perfe cooling, detoxifying foods like cucumber.
- Topical Treatments: Herbal washes to reduce itchiness and inflammation.
Hair Thinning
Chinese Medicine View on Hair Thinning:
- Hair thinning is often due to Qi, Blood, and Yin deficiency in the Liver and Kidney channels, leading to weak, brittle hair.
- Imbalances may be caused by stress, poor diet, or insufficient sleep.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Liver Blood Deficiency: The Liver stores Blood that nourishes the scalp.
- Kidney Yin Deficiency: Kidney energy is linked to hair vitality; a deficiency leads to thinning hair.
- Emotional Stress: Prolonged stress can stagnate Qi, leading to hair loss or thinning.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Angelica (Dang Gui) and Lycium (Goji) berries to nourish Blood and Yin.
- Acupuncture: Liver 3, Kidney 3, and Spleen 6 to restore hair health by balancing Blood and Qi.
- Dietary Therapy: Foods like black beans, sesame seeds, and dark leafy greens.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Practices to manage stress and improve sleep quality.