Hair loss affects both men and women, and it can be a source of insecurity and frustration. While there are many treatments available, some people turn to traditional Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture to help address the problem.
In this article, we’ll explore what acupuncture is, how it might help with hair loss, and what research has been done on the topic.
Fast Facts:
- Acupuncture may be effective for hair loss, mainly because of the stimulation of the capillaries in the scalp.
- By reducing stress, acupuncture can help reduce the problem of hair loss.
- We can’t 100% confirm a cause and effect relationship between the two, but most studies agree that it is effective.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed that these needles can stimulate energy flow and balance in the body, which can help address a variety of health conditions.
How Might Acupuncture Help with Hair Loss?
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, hair loss can be caused by a number of imbalances in the body. For example, a person might have a deficiency of qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the energy that flows through the body. By stimulating specific acupuncture points associated with hair growth and addressing these imbalances, acupuncture may be able to help slow or reverse hair loss.
In addition, some people believe that acupuncture can increase blood flow and circulation to the scalp, which can promote healthier hair growth. Acupuncture may also help reduce stress, which can be a contributing factor to hair loss.
What Does the Research Say?
While there has been some research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for hair loss, the results are mixed. Some studies have found that acupuncture can be helpful for promoting hair growth, while others have not found significant benefits.
For example, one study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was effective in increasing hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, a common type of hair loss. Another study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine was effective for treating hair loss in women.
On the other hand, a 2017 review of research on acupuncture for hair loss concluded that the evidence was inconclusive and that more high-quality studies were needed.
It’s also important to note that acupuncture should be used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments for hair loss. It’s unlikely that acupuncture alone will be enough to reverse significant hair loss.
Are There Any Risks?
Acupuncture is generally considered a safe practice when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. However, there are some risks associated with the practice, including:
- Infection: If the needles used in acupuncture are not sterile, they can cause infection.
- Bleeding: In some cases, the needles can cause bleeding or bruising.
- Punctured Organs: Although rare, it is possible for an acupuncture needle to puncture an internal organ.
Before considering acupuncture for hair loss, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a licensed acupuncturist.
What do the Chinese do for hair loss?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, hair loss is closely related to the health of the blood, both amount and circulation. People often lose hair due to physical or pathogenic conditions that cause blood loss or poor blood flow. Chinese medicine can be effective for hair loss and the underlying conditions by strengthening the blood, balancing hormones, restoring qi and directing blood to the scalp.
There are many Chinese herbs that may help in treating hair loss, such as He Shou Wu (Fo Ti), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Ji Xue Cao (Gotu Kola), Xun Ma (Stinging Nettle) and Ligustrum Lucidum. These herbs can stimulate blood circulation, promote cell metabolism, nourish the kidney essence, reduce inflammation and inhibit DHT production. They can be taken in various forms such as tea, liquid extract, powder, capsules or oil.
Acupuncture is another option that can improve hair growth by correcting imbalances or disharmonies that underlie hair loss. Acupuncture can increase blood supply to hair follicle cells, regulate hormone levels and relieve stress. It is most effective when used in combination with herbal therapy and massage therapy.
Can Chinese medicine help with hair loss?
Yes, Chinese medicine can help with hair loss by addressing the root causes of the problem. As I mentioned before, Chinese medicine aims to create balance and harmony in the body by strengthening the blood, balancing hormones, restoring qi and directing blood to the scalp. Chinese herbs, acupuncture and massage are some of the methods that can be used to achieve this goal.
There are some success stories of Chinese medicine for hair loss, especially for people who have alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of hair loss on the scalp. According to some studies, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help stimulate hair regrowth and stop further hair loss by improving blood circulation, regulating hormone levels, relieving stress and nourishing the kidney essence.
For example, one study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication for treating alopecia areata. Another study found that over 60% of people who had hair loss experienced hair regrowth within 3 months after taking He Shou Wu, a blood tonic herb in Chinese medicine. There are also many testimonials from people who have used Chinese medicine for hair loss and have seen positive results.
Conclusion
While more research is needed on the effectiveness of acupuncture for hair loss, some studies suggest that it may be a helpful complementary therapy. If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture for hair loss, it’s important to find a licensed acupuncturist and discuss the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
Sources Cited:
- Chen M, et al. (2016). Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with traditional Chinese medicine for androgenic alopecia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.07.002
- Li Y, et al. (2009). Effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for hair loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1016/S0254-6272(10)60002-8
- Xing L, et al. (2015). Effects of acupuncture for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: A randomized, controlled, pilot study. DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2014.11.002
- Zhu G, et al. (2014). Clinical observation on treating females’ alopecia with acupuncture plus herbal medicine. DOI: 10.1016/S0254-6272(14)60037-9
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019). Acupuncture: In Depth.
