Growing Beautiful Hair with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

How can we grow beautiful hair and prevent premature graying and hair loss?

The first step is to enhance circulation to the scalp, which increases nourishment to the hair follicles. Gently massaging the scalp with your fingers is an effective way to stimulate blood flow. For some individuals, using a gua sha tool might be more beneficial, as it allows for more vigorous pressure. Those concerned about hair loss may notice tender spots on their scalp, which can sometimes be located in areas not directly related to hair thinning. Often, these tender areas align with acupuncture channels connected to hair health. When using acupuncture for hair loss, we target these sensitive spots across the scalp, including the back of the head, the top of the head, temples, ears, forehead, and neck. We address the entire head and neck because the blocked energy that impedes blood flow and affects the hair can reside in these regions as well. This blocked energy is often considered as wind or heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and techniques such as acupuncture and gua sha help dissipate it. Weekly or biweekly acupuncture treatments can significantly invigorate blood flow to the scalp and hair. However, daily scalp massage and gua sha are essential to augment these effects. Combining these practices with red light therapy or topical treatments can yield even faster results.

This approach addresses only the branch symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine also seeks to identify and treat the root cause of hair issues. For example, the classical Ming Dynasty herbal formula “Qi Bao Mei Ran Wan” (The Seven Treasures for Beautiful Whisker) provides insights into what Chinese Medicine considers important for hair health. The formula includes seven herbs: He Shou Wu, Dang Gui, Gou Qi Zi, Niu Xi, Tu Si Zi, Bu Gu Zhi, and Fu Ling. He Shou Wu, the primary herb, literally translates to “Mr. He with Black Hair” and nourishes the blood and the yin of the liver and kidneys, which is crucial for healthy hair. This formula also contains Gou Qi Zi and Dang Gui to further support blood nourishment. Nourishing the blood can be supported by consuming a diet high in protein, fats, and collagen. Bone broths are an excellent way to nourish the blood. Additionally, ensuring regular meals and avoiding skipping meals is important. The formula also includes herbs that nourish kidney and liver yin, such as Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Bu Gu Zhi, and Niu Xi. Foods that can nourish kidney and liver yin include eggs, oysters, seaweeds, black beans, black sesame, and fish oil. Dang Gui and Niu Xi also improve blood flow. The goal is to strongly nourish the body and enhance overall blood flow. When the internal organs are strong and healthy, and the blood is well-nourished and flowing effectively, combined with regular scalp massage and stimulation, you can achieve beautiful hair.

Bu Gu Zhi helps preserve essence and reminds us that building blood and yin requires not only good nutrition but also energy conservation. Therefore, it is important to avoid overexertion, including excessive exercise, work, and stress, and to ensure adequate rest. Fu Ling, the final herb in the formula, supports digestive function, emphasizing that even the best nutrition will be ineffective if your digestive system is weak. To support digestion, eat at regular intervals, avoid overeating, consume warm and cooked foods, drink hot liquids, and manage stress and overthinking.

Stress is a significant factor that causes energy blockages throughout the body and can contribute to hair loss. When stressed, various areas in the body tense up. Tension in the abdomen can impair digestion, while tightness in the ribs and chest can lead to anxiety and poor circulation. Tension in the shoulders, neck, jaws, face, and head may result in headaches, eye strain, ear ringing, and hair loss. Acupuncture can help clear blocked energy, relax the nervous system, and reduce muscle tension, improving overall well-being and blood flow, which in turn promotes hair growth. In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages body awareness to identify and address tension. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, and breathwork, along with stretching and foam rolling, can help manage stress and enhance circulation. This holistic approach addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes, requiring active participation. The more you engage in these practices, the more quickly and effectively you will see results.