We are seeing an increasing number of patients who are struggling with hair loss in the clinic. Chinese Medicine has been treating hair loss in men and women for thousands of years. It can help stop or slow further hair loss and also support regrowth.

Chinese Medicine View of Hair Loss

In Chinese Medicine, healthy hair is dependent on abundant flow of blood and Qi. It is said in the old Chinese texts that hair is the surplus of Blood. When there is a deficiency of either Qi or Blood (more often blood) or stagnation of Qi or Blood, the hair follicles aren’t able to receive the nourishment they need to grow healthy hair. Typically, blood and Qi deficiencies are caused by poor diet or digestive issues which prevent proper absorption of nutrients. Qi and Blood stagnation are often caused by stress or hormone imbalances (very common in perimenopause).

📸 : @steinportraits

Acupuncture improves the flow of Qi and Blood to the scalp and body to improve hair growth. Chinese herbs are often used to nourish the blood and Qi to prevent excess hair shedding. We usually recommend both herbs and acupuncture as well as nutritional and lifestyle modifications.

Top Recommendations for Hair Loss

1. Get Regular Acupuncture – acupuncture nourishes the Qi and Blood and increases Qi and Blood flow to the scalp to stimulates hair regrowth.
2. Get plenty of sleep – sleep is the time when yin and blood are most nourished in Chinese Medicine. Any issues of insomnia or poor sleep can ultimately cause more deficiency of blood and yin which affects hair. Focus on good sleep hygiene to allow for better rest.
3. Check for deficiencies of vitamins and thyroid irregularities – simple bloodwork with your doctor can rule out medical reasons for the hair loss. Hormonal changes, anemia (low iron), low B12 are all common causes for hair loss, especially found in vegetarians or vegans. Biotin (vitamin B7) is found in protein rich foods like organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes). High doses of biotin can affect thyroid numbers on labwork so be sure to talk with your doctor if you want to supplement with biotin. Be sure to eat enough foods rich in Omega -3 like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds as well. Silica can also
4. Take Herbs Daily – there are a number of herbs and classic herbal formulas that have been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries to prevent hair loss.
   • • • He Shou Wu (Polygonium Multiflorum) – this herb, also known as Fo-Ti, is translated from Chinese to English as “The Black Haired Mr. He” meaning it prevents premature gray hair. It is used as a blood tonic and is recommended for almost everyone experiencing hair loss, no matter the reason.
       • Qi Bao Mei Ran Wan – this traditional Chinese Medicine formula is a wonderful blend of herbs for supporting the hair.  It’s translation is “Seven Treasures for Beautiful Hair”. This formula is not a quick fix as it takes a while to build up your blood. Plan to commit to at least 3 months of this herb in order to really see the benefits. One bottle should last 7-10 days taken 3x/day.
       • Texas Medicinals Herbal Iron Syrup – this iron-rich syrup is formulated with mineralizing herbs to support the body (see the recommended teas below).
       • Floradix Iron + Herbs – This liquid iron supplement is easy on the stomach and full of mineral rich herbs to boost iron levels. It is easy to find at grocery stores in town or go to my online pharmacy to order.
       • Yina Lumidrops Collagen Gummies – these gummies contain Chinese herbs to support the kidneys and liver with vitamin C, lycopene, biotin, and free-range, grass-fed bovine collagen to help strengthen hair, improve skin elasticity, and promote energy.
         

         Pearl powder by Root and Bones

       • Pearl Powder by Root and Bones – pearl powder promotes healthy, glowing skin, and accelerate cell regeneration. It is rich in calcium, zinc, amino acids and antioxidants like glutathione and SOD. It supports healthy collagen production and defends against oxidative stress.
       • Marine Collagen by Root and Bones – this ultra-absorbable blend of Type I, II, III & IV collagen is sourced from wild-caught deep-sea fish (cod, pollock, haddock) for maximum potency and bioavailability. Rich in amino acids that support skin elasticity, joint health, and connective tissue regeneration. 

         It also contains pearl powder, tremella mushroom extract and bamboo silica.  Pearl powder is a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and over 30 trace minerals. Tremella mushroom extract hydrates the skin and support elasticity. Bamboo silica encourages collagen synthesis and promotes strong, healthy hair growth.

5. Do scalp massages regularly with hair oil – a daily scalp massage helps stimulate the scalp to encourage hair regrowth. I love using my gua sha tool (with the comb side). Gently wiggle it back and forth over the scalp for 5 minute in the morning and evening. For even better results, massage oil into scalp and then brush it through your hair. Leave it overnight (protect your linen because the herbs will easily stain sheets!) or at least 4 hours. Use 1x/week. My favorite hair oils are:
   

   Using the scalp oil on hair. 📸: @thefullonmonet

   • • • Banyan Botanical Hair Oil – this oil contains sesame seed oil, coconut oil with ayurvedic herbs like bhringaraj (known as the “King Of Hair”, cabbage rose flower, hibiscus, gotu kola, and amla fruit. Massage oil into scalp and then brush it through your hair. Leave it overnight (protect linen because the herbs will stain sheets) or at least 4 hours. Use 1x/week. 
       •  Banyan Hair Serum – this serum combines lightweight oils with rosemary and lavender for more frequent use than the hair oil above. Use daily to promote healthy hair growth, nourish the scalp, and lock in moisture.
       • Manetain Ayurvedic Hair Oil –  this wonderful hair oil is made by a local herbalist. It contains bhringaraj and amalaki as well as nettle and oat straw. Similar to other hair oils, it’s best as a once a week treatment.
       • Hair Therapy Oil – this oil is made by Jamila at her nearby salon, Jamila’s Salon. She doesn’t do online sales anymore but you can contact her to pick up.
6. Drink herbal teas regularly to nourish blood – teas can supplement the diet with added minerals to nourish the blood.
   • • • Nettle tea – contains essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron, and silica which are helpful for follicle health and keratin production. Nettle also contains vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants and fatty acids to strengthen hair. Steep nettle for 10 minutes to extract the minerals.
       • Red raspberry leaf tea – not for use when pregnant or breastfeeding. It contains antioxidants like vitamin A and  vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium to strengthen hair follicles and prevent damage.
7. Add more fruit, berries, and seeds to your diet 
   • • • Goji Berries and Mulberries – tonifies the liver and kidneys in Chinese Medicine and nourishes blood. Also helps with dry eyes and eye health.
         

         Dried mulberries 📸: Antoni Shkraba Studio

       • Apple, apricot, avocado, date, fig, grape, and longan – these fruits are all helpful to nourish blood in TCM.
       • Sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds – these seeds provide zinc, magnesium, and fatty acids to aid in healthy hormone production.
8.  Try microneedling – microneedling can help with hair loss by stimulating follicles. It also increases absorption of skincare products by 2000%. Because of this increased absorption,  herbal topicals for hair growth that contain Chinese herbs like He Shou Wu and apple stem cells are even more effective after the microneedling. Schedule an acupuncture + add on microneedling session for hair loss if you are curious to try it out.

There are many ways to address hair loss from both an external and internal perspective through the lens of Chinese Medicine. Obviously, everyone is unique and will not require all of these suggestions above. If you would like to schedule a consultation to receive more specifics, please schedule an acupuncture consultation.

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