Everything you need to know about Hair Loss – from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Western Medicine
Regular sessions of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture treatments can treat and cure Hair Loss.
Different Types of Hair Loss in Conventional Western Medicine
Conventional Western Medicine Solutions available for Different Types of Hair Loss and Accompanying Side Effects
Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions available for Different Types of Hair Loss
Yoga Solutions for Hair Loss
Self Help Tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hair Loss
Conclusion
There are multiple reasons for hair loss also known as alopecia which give rise to different types of hair
loss conditions. In the commercialized retail clinics, Western Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine,
there is no clear diagnosis of what type of hair loss is involved before a proper professional treatment plan
is drawn up. This is the indolence of medical businesses in current society. It is only through the proper
diagnosis of the kind of hair loss that a person is facing that suitable effective treatment plan can be drawn
up that works for the patient.
In the Comedy of Error by Shakespeare, he mentioned “There’s many a man has more hair than wit”. Yet in
today’s society, people can be so frustrated by the loss of hair that they may barter in for more hair if they
have the chance. This is because hair is associated with people’s self-identity. And a person’s self esteem
and self confidence can be greatly hit when the undesirable condition of hair loss hit on them. So to have a
better understanding of the causes, pathogenesis and treatments and solutions of hair loss will be greatly
appreciated by many in the world.
The human hair has actually not a lot of physical functions. The more useful roles of hair can involve
protection against the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, touch sensation and trapping of heat to reduce heat loss.
On human body, there are mainly three types of hair, namely terminal, intermediate and vellus hairs.
Terminal hairs are long, thick, pigmented hairs growing on the scalp, armpits, pubic area, eyebrows, beard
and eyelashes. Vellus hairs are short and mainly unpigmented growing on the skin of body. Intermediate
hairs are hairs that have characteristics in between that of terminal and vellus hairs.
Hair loss can be irreversible and are known as cicatricial alopecia, meaning scarring or permanent hair
loss as the hair follicles disappear and the skin around the hair that is lost atrophy or die off. Hair loss that
are reversible are called non cicatricial alopecia.
For human beings, we are born with around 5 million hair follicles and no new follicles will be grown after
birth. The cycle for the hair follicle hence consists of three stages, with the first phase which is the growth
phase having the most increase in length and strength of the hair. It is also the longest phase which can
last to an average of between 1 to 6 years depending on the location of the hair growth on the body. The
hair then will shed in the third phase after a resting period of no growth for about 2 to 3 months at the last
phase and then a new hair will grow in its place to resume the hair follicle growth cycle.
So with a brief understanding of the physiology of hair loss or alopecia, let’s have a look at the different
kinds of hair loss:
Different Types of Hair Loss in Conventional Western Medicine
Non Cicatricial Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), which is also known as patterned hair loss, is the commonly seen hair loss
condition or alopecia that can occur to both genders. AGA is a physiological condition which can occur as
early as puberty but progresses slowly and gradually. For men, the pattern of hair loss is the thinning of the
hairline at the front, side temples and also at the crown of the head and has a high chance of a complete
baldness outcome. For women, the hair loss can be the crown or top of the head only.
The reason for the occurrence of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is due to the hormone called
Dihydrotestosterone found on the hair follicles. Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone with powerful properties
of helping men to develop the male characteristics of adulthood. However high levels of
Dihydrotestosterone can shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair follicle cycles, resulting in the hair to
become thin and brittle and ultimately falling out. Furthermore Dihydrotestosterone can slow down the
process of the new hair growth for a new cycle after the old hair has fallen out.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata (AA) is a form of hair loss that has a hereditary component. There also involves an
autoimmune aspect to the resultant condition whereby patients may have accompanying disorders such
as thyroid diseases or vitiligo. The immunity system instead attacks and destroys the hair follicles, resulting
in the hair loss.
Usually the hair loss occurs at the scalp and at the beard region of the body. This condition can occur in
men as well as women.
The distinguishing features of AA is that the hairs that are growing at the edges of the expanding areas of
the hair are thinner at the end that is closer to the body, making them appear like an exclamation mark
The above two kinds of hair loss is more commonly seen in people and to distinguish them is not difficult.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a progressive hair loss that occur at mostly the top of the head. It can be
accompanied by heavy oil secretion, dandruff and itching. Alopecia Areata is seen as a sudden flaking of
hair on the head, usually with no other accompanying symptoms.
Diffuse Hair Loss
Diffuse Hair Loss in contrast to Non Cicatricial Alopecia affect the scalp in a uniform manner rather than in
patches.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is one of the most common kind of diffuse hair loss that can last less than 6 months for
acute cases and more than 6 months for chronic conditions.
For this condition women that are aged between 30 to 60 years old are most commonly affected.
The classic characteristic of this condition is that there is usually a trigger of immense stress that happens
2 to 4 months before the onset of hair loss. The event can be hormonal based such as development of
thyroid conditions, birthing, nutrition based such as sudden change in diets, drug-related such as the
usage of anticoagulants, major illnesses such as cancer.
Anagen Effluvium
This is a kind of diffuse hair loss that is classic in the growing phase of the hair where breakages occur. The
classic presentation of the hair is that there is obvious break or fracture of the shaft of the hair. The reasons
for Anagen Effluvium hair loss is usually cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Loose Anagen Syndrome
This is classic in blond female that is usually aged between 2 to 5 years old and the resulting hair is usually
short and dull. The reason for this kind of hair loss is because of premature keratinization of the inner root
sheath of the hair and thus causing the root of the hair to not adhere to the hair shaft cuticle.
Traumatic Hair Loss
Traumatic hair loss is usually due to physical trauma exerted on the hair and scalp. There usually may be
psychological factors involved in the causation of the hair loss condition as well.
Trichotillomania
This is a hair loss condition when the patient has developed an irresistible urge to pull their own hair. It is
usually linked to mood and anxiety disorders. The resulting presentation of this hair loss is short broken
hair that is distributed sparsely and without a pattern at different areas.
Traction Alopecia
This is due to tension from tying of hair such as tight ponytails, hair extensions and even usage of hair
styling devices that cause hair loss. The areas that are affected are mostly where the pressure or pull is
applied.
Cicatricial Alopecia
Hair loss that is irreversible is called cicatricial alopecia. This is when there is scarring or permanent hair
loss as the hair follicles disappear and the skin around the hair die off.
Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus
This is due to the autoimmune disease called lupus that results in the immune system attacking its own
tissues and causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. For chronic
cutaneous lupus erythematosus, scaly, erythematous plagues with well demarcated borders is the classic
presentation of this hair loss condition.
Lichen planopilaris
This is due to the autoimmune attack on hair follicles mediated by T lymphocytes. In this hair loss
condition, smooth white areas with central scarring is the typical presentation.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
This hair loss condition is associated with chemicals and pressure applied to the hair. The typical
presentation is the hair loss starts from the crown of the head and expands outwards toward the entire
scalp. There is scarring involved in this hair loss and is irreversible.
Conventional Western Medicine Solutions available for Different Types of Hair Loss and Accompanying Side Effects
The topical application of Minoxidil is recommended across the different types of hair loss conditions.
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is a topical vasodilator that prolongs the growth phase of the hair and
increases the size of smaller hair follicles.
Side effects: Continuous application of this drug is required for long term effects. Some people develop
tolerance to the drug.
The oral drug that is often prescribed for hair loss is finasteride which reduces the level of sex hormones.
Side effects: Erectile dysfunction
For hair loss conditions due to autoimmune responses, they are modulated with corticosteroid injections,
topical application of corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy and oral corticosteroids. Sometimes
immunosuppressive drugs are used as well.
Side effects: The entire immune system is compromised and patient will be susceptible to diseases and
illnesses that thrives on low immunity such as increased susceptibility to viruses and bacteria infections.
For hair loss conditions that are associated with anxiety and mood issues, behavioural therapy, anti anxiety
drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors are applied.
Side effects: Long term usage of anti depressant or anti anxiety drugs will numb the nervous system and
affects sleep and eating patterns in the long run.
As usual, the approach by conventional Western Medicine is the bandaid method of either opening up the
vessels for hair growth and expanding the hair follicle size with chemicals. Or if autoimmune conditions
are the root problem, they will suppress the immunity without taking into account the side effects of the
compromised immunity that the patient has to face in days to come.
So how does Traditional Chinese Medicine and ancient medicine help with Hair Loss?
Different Types of Hair Loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different way of looking at hair loss and classifying the different kinds of
hair loss. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, differential diagnosis is a unique form of diagnosis based on the
five elements, exogenous factors and endogenous factors involved in the causation of illnesses and
diseases.
Hair loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be grouped into acute sudden hair loss or gradual hair
thinning.
The renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine dermatologist Zhu Ren Kang from the mid 90’s divides hair
loss based on acute or gradual based in differential diagnosis as listed:
Acute sudden hair loss
Blood Heat Generating Wind Pattern
This pattern is more common in young adults who have more vigor and vitality and body constitutions are
towards the Yang heaty side. When the emotions of anger, frustration and irritation are experienced, the
heat increases in the Blood and generates Wind factor, meaning it dehydrates the hair follicles and stirs
the hair to drop. Accompanying symptoms can be headache and slight itching in scalp.
Qi and Blood Deficiency Pattern
This pattern usually occurs post-partum or with serious illnesses. With insufficient Qi and Blood, the hair
cannot be nourished and result in the falling away of hair. Accompanying symptoms can be fatigue, low
blood pressure, paleness in facial colours.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency Pattern
This pattern occurs with people under prolonged periods of Western Medications which adds toxins and
burdens to the Liver and Kidney. It is also significant in people under an extended period of extreme stress.
Accompanying symptoms can be frequent urination, infertility, low libido, gallstones and fatty liver.
Blood Stasis Pattern
This pattern is more common with people who have poor blood circulation and often experiences
numbness and tinglings in their extremities. It also occurs more with people who take cold foods and
drinks or are dehydrated. Accompanying symptoms can be frequent aches and pains in body.
Gradual Hair Thinning
Blood Heat with Wind Dryness Pattern
This pattern is also more common with young adults with a more Yang constitution. However the Blood
Heat is accumulated over a longer period of time due to situations of chronic stress and anxiety.
Accompanying symptoms can be dryness and redness in other body areas such as the skin.
Damp-Heat Steaming Upward Pattern
This pattern is usually due to poor diet habits towards the sweet, rich and fatty foods leading to the
digestion’s sluggishness and inability to transform and transport. Dampness and heatiness are generated
which can cause the scalp to be greasy and oily, itching and usually the hair falls in clusters.
Blood Deficiency with Dryness Pattern
This pattern is presented with a weakness in blood of the person who may often experience dizziness,
weakness, fatigue, tiredness and paleness. The weakness of blood is unable to nourish the head and scalp
region and dries out the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency Pattern
This pattern is more common in middle-aged people who overthink and do a lot of brain work. The hair is
usually yellow and dull, or white. There is also usually dizziness and soreness in the back and knees.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions available for Different Types of Hair Loss
For Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatments can be acupuncture, herbs and other modalities and are
usually planned with differentiation of the hair loss condition based on cause of disease, on the basis of
clinical characteristics, and pattern identification.
Acupuncture
There are various techniques in acupuncture that are widely used to treat hair loss. Some techniques such
as the plum blossom acupuncture has the effect of replenishing Qi so that it can promote Qi slow and
solidification of Qi at the scalp region.
Acupuncture has the function of redirecting energy, blood and oxygen to nourish the scalp and at areas
where there is more hair loss.
For Blood Heat Pattern, acupuncture will be able to cool the Blood which will ultimately reduce the
generation of Wind that sheds the hair.
For Blood Deficiency Pattern, acupuncture can renourish Blood and improve digestion to transform food
to Blood for supply to the hair.
For Liver and Kidney Deficiency Pattern, acupuncture has the effect of invigorating the Liver and Kidney
through tonifying techniques.
In the above I have given a description of how Acupuncture can help with hair loss from a Traditional
Chinese Medicine perspective. Nonetheless even Science has also supported that Acupuncture can cure
Herbal Medicine
There are natural herbs that can naturally aid in the internal rejuvenation of the organs and systems that
are deficient and also externally clear the exogenous factors that result in the shedding of the hair, be it
acute or gradual.
Such herbs can exist in the forms of oral ingested herbs and also external application on the scalp.
Common herbs that are used for hair loss are Ginseng, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rice Bran, Chinese foxglove
root, Angelica sinensis, Liquorice, Astragalus propinquus.
Yoga Solutions for Hair Loss
Rabbit Pose
Rabbit Pose also called Sasangasana is well
known for cooling effect on the head and
eliminating anger, hence reducing the Blood Heat
that can cause hair fall.
Rabbit pose can also increase blood flow to the head and supply the head and scalp with more oxygen,
nutrients for hair growth encouragement.
Self Help Tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hair Loss
Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal for nourishment of the external body parts and also internal organs.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine body clock, breakfast time is recommended to be between
7am to 9am which the digestive system who skip breakfast often have yellowish brittle hair as the energy is
sluggish the whole day and unable to move up beyond the heart to energise the head region. Hence
memory and concentration drop without breakfast as well.
Some of the recommended food for breakfast that can help with treating hair loss are eggs, berries,
spinach, avocado, seeds and nuts.
Acupressure Point for Slowing down Hair Loss
Bai Hui
Baihui (GV 20) is a point on the Governor Vessel. It
is situated at the top part of the head and this is
the point when all the Yang Meridians meet.
Therefore by frequently stimulating this point, it
can gather more Qi and Blood to the head and
nourishes the scalp and hair follicles.
Directions: Press on this point for 3 to 5 minutes everyday in the morning after waking up and nighttime
before bed.
Conclusion
The understanding and approach to treat hair loss by Western Medicine are at a cellular level with lots of
accompanying side effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient traditional practices have a different set of philosophy and
approach from a more holistic and natural angle which works effectively with no side effects.
A proper diagnosis from Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine is needed for more targetted
and medically professional treatments rather than distractions and diversions from commercialised sales
and marketing gimmicks on the proper way of handling health conditions.