Hair falling
Hair loss
More hair in the shower and on the pillow. Qi and blood, sleep, stress and diet behind hair loss.
When people come in
- Thinning hair or a receding hairline
- Heavy shedding after birth or stress
- Oily or itchy scalp
The Chinese medicine view
“Hair is the surplus of blood,” and the Kidney shows in the hair. Deficient qi and blood, depleted Kidney essence or rising damp-heat leave hair undernourished.
Common patterns
Qi and blood deficiency
Thin, dry hair, pale face
Liver and Kidney deficiency
Early greying, backache, tinnitus
Rising damp-heat
Oily, itchy scalp
Liver qi constraint
Shedding after stress
Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.
The medical view
Hair loss can relate to low iron, thyroid problems, postnatal hormonal change, stress or genetics. Sudden patchy loss or a red, painful scalp should be seen by a doctor or dermatologist first.
What the consultation covers
Onset, diet, sleep and cycle guide herbs, plum-blossom needling or scalp acupuncture, and scalp-combing technique.
Therapies that may be discussed: Herbal medicine
What to bring
- When it started and possible triggers
- Blood tests for iron and thyroid, if any
- Hair products, colouring and perms
Questions
Will postpartum shedding settle?
Usually within months; meanwhile qi, blood and sleep can be supported.
Can I buy He Shou Wu myself?
Not advisable. It carries a risk of liver injury and should only be used under a practitioner.
Related reading
How Does Chinese Medicine View Hair Loss?
From a TCM perspective, hair is not merely a skin appendage, but an important reflection of the internal state of the body, including the balance of the organs, qi, blood, and esse
10 Hair Growth Tips from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
How Do I Help You Grow Hair? 👩🏻⚕️As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, I take a holistic approach to uncovering the root causes of hair concerns through tongue and pulse diagnosi
How Combing Therapy Helps Reduce Hair Loss - Chinese Medicine way
- You can use a hairbrush, a gua sha tool for the scalp, or simply run your fingers through your hair.