The Relationship between TCM Hair Loss and Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a saying that "hair is the surplus of blood." During adolescence, when blood and qi are abundant, hair naturally grows thick, dark, and lustrous. However, urban dwellers often experience high levels of stress, prolonged periods of mental tension, dietary imbalances, and excessive use of chemical products such as styling foams and hair dyes. These factors can damage the health of hair follicles and lead to various hair thinning conditions such as ghost shaving, seborrheic hair loss, weakened hair loss, and hormone imbalance-related hair loss. Hair loss has been a significant and common problem among urban populations, and TCM hair loss prevention can address the root causes.

According to TCM records related to hair loss, the condition of the hair is considered an important indicator of overall health, reflecting the balance of yin and yang and the circulation of qi and blood within the body. TCM views hair as an external manifestation of kidney essence and blood. Therefore, the health of the hair is closely related to the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Individuals with abundant kidney essence and robust qi and blood circulation often have dark, lustrous, and thick hair, while those with kidney deficiency and insufficient qi and blood may experience issues such as dryness and hair loss.

The diagnosis of TCM hair loss can be based on observing the texture and color of the hair to understand the individual's constitution, physical condition, qi and blood circulation, and organ functions. TCM believes that the texture of the hair is closely related to the individual's constitution. Dry and brittle hair may indicate deficient yin fluids, while excessively oily hair may be associated with a damp-heat constitution. Therefore, observing the texture of the hair can help TCM practitioners preliminarily understand the individual's constitution and take targeted TCM hair care measures. Additionally, changes in hair color can also reflect the individual's internal health. For example, premature graying may be related to kidney deficiency, liver fire, or insufficient qi and blood. Dull and lackluster hair may indicate poor circulation of qi and blood within the body.

In TCM hair loss, the health of the hair is closely related to organ functions. For example, the health of the hair is closely related to kidney function, and kidney deficiency can lead to issues such as dryness and hair loss. Additionally, the health of the hair is also associated with liver function, spleen and stomach function, and other factors. The growth rate of the hair is often influenced by the circulation of qi and blood within the body. When qi and blood are sufficient and circulating smoothly, hair growth tends to be healthy and rapid. Conversely, insufficient qi and blood or poor circulation can result in slow hair growth or even hair loss. Properly nurturing the liver and regulating the functions of the organs and spleen and stomach are also important aspects of TCM hair loss prevention.

TCM Hair Loss Treatment Methods

TCM hair loss theory suggests that hair loss is related to factors such as endocrine imbalance, poor blood circulation, and deficiency of qi and blood. TCM hair loss treatment aims to address individual constitutions, adjust imbalances in yin, yang, and the five elements, improve qi and blood supply, and promote hair growth. There are various TCM hair loss treatment methods, primarily focusing on natural therapies. TCM hair loss management may involve herbal therapy, acupuncture, massage, dietary adjustments, and other methods. By adjusting the balance of yin and yang and improving the circulation of qi and blood within the body, TCM treatment can enhance the nutritional supply to the hair, promote hair growth, and strengthen hair health.

  • Herbal Therapy

    Herbal therapy is one of the commonly used methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for managing hair loss. TCM practitioners will formulate a personalized herbal formula for hair growth based on the patient's constitution and hair loss condition. Some commonly used herbs in TCM hair growth treatment include He Shou Wu, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Dan Shen, and others. These herbs have nourishing effects on the liver and kidneys, replenish qi and blood, and promote blood circulation, which significantly contribute to TCM hair loss prevention and improving hair health.

  • Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is also widely used in TCM for hair regrowth treatment. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can regulate the body's qi and blood circulation, improve the nutritional supply to the hair, and promote hair growth. Commonly used acupuncture points in TCM hair regrowth include Baihui, Fengchi, Baicao, and others. Acupuncture can effectively stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and enhance follicle growth.

  • Scalp Massage

    Scalp massage is a simple yet effective TCM treatment method for hair loss. By massaging the scalp, blood circulation in the scalp can be stimulated, promoting hair growth. Using natural plant oils such as olive oil or coconut oil during scalp massage can nourish the hair and facilitate growth, contributing to improved TCM hair regrowth results.

  • Dietary Adjustments

    TCM theory suggests that diet has a significant impact on hair health. Adjusting the dietary structure and consuming foods beneficial for hair health play a positive role in addressing hair problems.

Success Stories of TCM Hair Regrowth

Many people still have mixed feelings about TCM hair regrowth and believe that TCM hair loss treatment focuses more on theory than practical results, causing them to miss the optimal timing for TCM hair regrowth treatment. However, TCM hair regrowth treatment is highly effective, and the TCM hair regrowth program at HHPCL has helped many individuals resolve their hair loss problems. Our success stories of TCM hair regrowth serve as a testament to the effectiveness of TCM hair loss treatment.

One of our TCM hair regrowth clients, Mr. Li, experienced hair loss, particularly in the frontal area, due to stress and a busy work schedule. After two months of TCM hair regrowth treatment, including herbal therapy and acupuncture, Mr. Li noticed a significant reduction in hair loss, and his hair texture became healthier. Another client, Ms. Zhang, had dry and brittle hair caused by years of hair dyeing and the use of chemical shampoos. Through herbal therapy and scalp massage in TCM hair regrowth, Ms. Zhang's hair received effective nourishment and repair, restoring its original shine and softness.

Mr. Wang, who had been facing work-related stress and lack of sleep for a long time, experienced significant hair loss. After undergoing TCM hair loss prevention treatment at HHPCL, Mr. Wang noticed a noticeable reduction in hair loss, his hair regained its luster, and overall scalp health improved. Mr. He, who had a genetic hair loss issue and had been struggling with hair loss since adolescence, had tried various commercial products and treatments with little success. After a year of TCM hair regrowth treatment, Mr. He's hair grew back, with a significant increase in hair density, restoring his confidence.

Thinning Hair Can Be Saved: TCM Hair Loss Prevention with 2 Herbal Recipes

TCM hair loss prevention suggests that in addition to consuming seaweed, nori, fish, eggs, and soy-based foods, TCM dietary therapy can also improve overall blood and qi deficiency or liver and kidney deficiencies, helping the hair regain healthy growth. Combined with acupuncture therapy, which stimulates acupuncture points, it effectively promotes blood circulation, adjusts the hair growth cycle, and stimulates follicle regeneration.

TCM practitioners also recommend the following TCM dietary therapies to address different causes and types of hair loss problems:

  • Hair loss due to insufficient blood and qi in women:

    Recipe: Danggui Black Bean Soup

    Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (cooked) 15g, Angelica sinensis 9g, Paeonia lactiflora 15g, Ligusticum chuanxiong 9g, Psoralea corylifolia 9g, black beans 15g, lean meat 120g

    Instructions: Soak the black beans overnight and then cook them with the rest of the ingredients over low heat for three hours. Add a small amount of salt for seasoning.

  • Hair loss due to liver and kidney deficiencies in men, weak hair loss, and premature graying:

    Recipe: Meat Composure Black Bean Soaked in Wine

    Ingredients: Black beans 500g, Psoralea corylifolia, Polygonum multiflorum, Asini Corii Colla, Angelica sinensis, Achyranthes bidentata, Poria cocos, Dodder seed, Lycium barbarum each 30g, Cyathula officinalis 15g, black glutinous rice wine 1.5kg

    Instructions: Soak the black beans overnight, put the herbal ingredients in a cloth bag, simmer over low heat for two hours, then place the black beans in the black glutinous rice wine, seal it, and consume 10 to 20 beans each day after seven days.

FAQs about TCM Hair Regrowth

1. What sets TCM hair regrowth methods apart from other hair regrowth methods?

Unlike other hair regrowth methods, TCM hair regrowth treatments are personalized based on individual constitution. TCM hair loss prevention focuses on strengthening the organs' qi and blood, promoting hair regrowth while enhancing overall health. TCM hair regrowth involves the use of purely natural Chinese herbs, avoiding potential harm caused by chemicals. It can also address other factors contributing to hair loss, such as gastrointestinal and skin issues. TCM hair regrowth aims to solve the problem at its root cause, offering a comprehensive and long-lasting solution.

2. How long does it take to see results with TCM hair regrowth?

Generally, it takes about two months to start seeing results with TCM hair regrowth. New hair will begin to grow in the areas where the hair is thinning. The TCM physician at HHPCL will regularly follow up on the progress of the TCM hair regrowth and adjust the dosage based on the hair growth progress.

3. How does TCM diagnose hair loss in a person?

TCM hair loss diagnosis evaluates the condition of hair loss through the four diagnostic methods: observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and pulse palpation. The TCM physician will observe the scalp condition, inquire about the patient's lifestyle habits and stress levels, detect any abnormal odors, and assess the function of internal organs through pulse palpation. Accurate TCM hair loss diagnosis is an important step in TCM hair regrowth treatment to prescribe appropriate remedies and achieve good results.

4. Can TCM hair loss treatment address male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men and is associated with genetic factors. TCM hair loss theory believes that it is related to deficiencies in congenital and acquired organs. TCM hair loss treatment targets these issues to improve genetic deficiencies. Therefore, TCM hair regrowth can also have certain effects on addressing male pattern baldness. Some men with male pattern baldness may also have excessive scalp oil secretion, scalp acne, and other problems, which can be improved simultaneously with TCM hair loss treatment.

5. Can Western hair growth products be used during TCM hair regrowth?

In general, Western hair growth products can be used simultaneously during TCM hair regrowth. However, it is recommended to consult with the TCM physician about whether your TCM hair regrowth treatment can be combined with Western hair growth products before using them. Combining TCM and Western treatments can sometimes achieve better results, but professional guidance is needed to avoid any potential interactions between medications.

6. How does TCM hair loss prevention treat hair loss in women?

Hair loss in women is often related to deficiencies in blood and qi, hormonal imbalances, and other factors. TCM hair loss prevention uses Chinese herbal medicine to nourish blood and qi, adjust organ functions, and reduce hair loss. If female hair loss is caused by skin diseases, TCM hair loss prevention treatment may be more complex and time-consuming. However, significant effects in hair loss prevention can be seen after a period of TCM treatment.

7. How does TCM hair regrowth help improve postpartum hair loss?

TCM hair regrowth focuses on nourishing blood and qi and strengthening kidney qi to help restore overall health in postpartum women. It utilizes Chinese herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to assist in the recovery of postpartum women.

8. Does TCM hair regrowth have any side effects?

Since TCM hair regrowth uses natural Chinese herbal medicine, it has minimal to no side effects. That's why many people choose to undergo TCM hair regrowth treatment.

9. What should be taken into consideration during TCM hair loss treatment?

During TCM hair loss treatment, it is important to maintain sufficient sleep, a relaxed mindset, and take the herbal medicine as prescribed. It is also recommended to adjust your lifestyle according to the advice of the TCM physician.

10. Is TCM hair regrowth expensive?

TCM hair regrowth is not expensive. At HHPCL, the cost of TCM hair regrowth treatment, including the diagnosis by the TCM physician, starts from a few hundred yuan. If the hair regrowth treatment requires a longer duration, we also provide discounts on the TCM hair regrowth program.