Chinese Medicine for Hair Loss
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Hair loss is distressing and often inadequately addressed by conventional medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, the condition of the hair reflects the state of the kidneys and the liver — specifically the abundance of kidney jing, blood, and the liver's capacity to nourish the hair. Treating hair loss through these organ systems produces meaningful improvement in many cases, particularly in women experiencing postpartum hair loss, stress-related shedding, or hormonal hair thinning.
TCM Patterns
Kidney jing deficiency — the most common cause of age-related hair thinning and premature greying. The kidneys govern hair in TCM; depleted jing leads to the hair losing its nourishment and vitality. Blood deficiency — the liver stores blood and nourishes the hair. Insufficient blood produces dry, brittle, thinning hair, often alongside pale complexion, fatigue, and scanty periods. Common postpartum. Liver qi stagnation — chronic stress impairs liver function and blood circulation to the scalp. Associated with stress-related alopecia areata and diffuse thinning during emotionally demanding periods. Damp-heat — seborrhoea, dandruff, and greasy hair loss reflecting heat and dampness accumulating in the scalp.
Treatment
For kidney jing and blood deficiency, blood and jing-nourishing formulas incorporating He Shou Wu, Shu Di Huang, and Dang Gui are the foundation. For stress-related hair loss, liver-regulating formulas address the root cause. Acupuncture improves scalp circulation and addresses the underlying pattern. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss hair loss treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
