From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine’s theory of preventive care, the maintenance and improvement of the scalp and hair can be an excellent spa project.
By TCM Doctor Dai Jiongjie explains
Recently, there has been talk about the increasing trend of hair loss at a younger age in China, and people have asked me for my opinion. In fact, the trend of hair loss becoming more prevalent at a younger age in China can be summarized in just a few words: “unexpected yet within reason.”
“Unexpected” because, genetically and nutritionally, the hair quality and quantity of the Han Chinese, an Asian ethnic group, are far superior to other ethnicities. In the age group of 20 to 39, only 5% of Asians experience hair loss, while the proportion for Europeans is 26%. In the 40 to 59 age group, 21% of Asians experience hair loss, compared to 50% for Europeans. In the age group of 60 and above, only 43% of Asians experience hair loss, while the proportion for Europeans rises to 68%.
“Within reason” refers to the noticeable changes in the lifestyle and diet of Chinese youth. Factors such as staying up late, alcohol consumption, hair dyeing, medication, and overwork, as well as external factors like spending too much time on smartphones, contribute to this trend. According to the 2019 survey by the National Health Commission of China, over 250 million people in China suffer from hair loss, with an average of one in six individuals experiencing hair loss, including approximately 163 million men and 88 million women. Data from the Chinese Medical Association shows that nearly 60% of people start experiencing hair loss before the age of 25, and nearly 84% before the age of 30, indicating an increasing trend toward a younger age of onset. As we enter 2024, the situation is likely to continue deteriorating.
From the perspective of modern medical theory, hair loss is closely related to genetics, dietary preferences, and changes in hormonal environments. Applying one of the core principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the “holistic view,” the health of the scalp and hair reflects issues with the overall health of the body.
The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon states, “Hair is the surplus of blood, and the essence of the kidneys resides in the hair.” In modern times, many young people engage in high-stress work during the day and relieve stress at night through late-night snacks and alcohol consumption. Their diet mainly consists of takeout, often rich in oils, salts, and artificial additives. This disrupts the balance of the spleen and stomach, leading to dampness and phlegm accumulation, affecting the spleen’s ability to regulate blood. Consequently, hair loses its nourishment, becoming dry and brittle, and the scalp experiences an imbalance of oil and water, leading to clogged hair follicles.
Excessive hair styling, improper use of hair products, chemical carcinogens penetrating the scalp, prolonged use of electronic devices leading to addiction and excessive ionizing radiation, all contribute to disruptions in the hormonal environment regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the head, being the meeting point of all yang channels, suffers from insufficient yang qi, leading to decreased nourishment of the essence and the scalp. This results in sparse hair growth, weak hair, and increased susceptibility to shedding, even causing allergic itching.
So, how does traditional Chinese medicine diagnose and treat common scalp and hair problems?
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach in maintaining hair health. The spleen and stomach are considered the source of Qi and blood production, influencing the luster, growth, and shedding of hair. The kidneys are the root of vitality, responsible for nourishing the brain and bones. The liver governs blood storage and hair growth.
In summary, the condition of the hair is closely related to the functions of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach. The state of hair growth reflects the strength or weakness of these four organs. Therefore, by observing a person’s hair, traditional Chinese medicine can provide insights into their overall health.
Another core concept in traditional Chinese medicine is “pattern differentiation and treatment.” Therefore, issues such as hair loss or scalp problems cannot be viewed as localized ailments but should be approached with a holistic mindset. Analyzing the location of hair loss or graying on the scalp, using the six-channel differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine, helps identify the root cause and guides treatment.
Here’s a small tip for everyone: the forehead corresponds to the Yangming stomach and large intestine; the sides of the head correspond to the Taiyin heart and spleen; the occipital region corresponds to the Taiyang bladder; the crown of the head is associated with the Jueyin liver, and the entire head corresponds to the Shaoyin kidney. By examining the channels associated with different parts of the head, we can easily understand which internal organs are weakening.
When spas and wellness centers take care of the scalp and hair, they can apply the above theory to propose corresponding therapeutic plans. It is recommended to use specific herbs in tea and food as complementary dietary therapy. The following commonly used herbs can be considered:
- Danggui (Chinese Angelica): Sweet and warm in nature, nourishes blood and promotes blood circulation. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to assist in treating dizziness, premature graying, and hair loss caused by blood deficiency.
- Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia): Has the function of nourishing Yin and blood. It can improve lumbago and knee weakness caused by liver and kidney Yin deficiency, making it effective in assisting the treatment of hair loss and premature graying.
- Heshouwu (Polygonum Multiflorum): Benefits essence and blood, improves blood deficiency, and is commonly used to assist in treating hair loss caused by deficiency of essence and blood. It needs consistent use for effectiveness.
- Gouqizi (Goji Berry): Tonifies the kidney and nourishes essence, and also benefits the liver and improves vision. Therefore, it can be used to assist in treating hair loss caused by kidney deficiency. It can be consumed as a tea or added to soups.
- Ziheche (Purple River Car): Has the effects of tonifying essence, nourishing blood, and benefiting Qi. It is helpful in improving hair loss caused by kidney deficiency or insufficient Qi and blood.
Modern medical techniques have made traditional Chinese medicine more and more targeted, enhancing their effectiveness. For example, applying the experience of external kidney-nourishing hair growth formulas in traditional Chinese medicine, a hair growth tincture can be prepared using Western pharmaceutical techniques. This type of medicine typically includes ingredients like ginseng, Chinese Angelica, Cordyceps, Eucommia bark, Salvia, safflower, Chinese Cypress leaves, cloves, and Polygonum Multiflorum. It aids in hair growth and alleviates hair loss. In cases of conditions like seborrheic alopecia, alopecia areata, and common baldness, external application of the tincture can be recommended under medical advice.
Furthermore, the emphasis in traditional Chinese medicine on the spleen and stomach as the foundation of hair growth aligns with the concept of chronic food intolerance in Western functional medicine. For some non-genetic scalp and hair disorders, controlling and adjusting the diet based on blood tests for food intolerance for six months can resolve issues related to hair volume.
Experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioners adopt a personalized approach for treating scalp conditions and hair loss, considering each individual’s body characteristics and the internal organ manifestations of hair or scalp issues. Combining internal and external treatments, and even using ultrasound materialization from Western medicine, allows for better absorption of traditional Chinese medicine formulas by the scalp and hair.
A more proactive and positive approach involves applying the concept of preventive care in traditional Chinese medicine. Understanding the patient and their external environment is crucial to better cut off the harm of environmental hormones to the body. Reducing the intake of synthetic substances in the body and timely correcting dietary structure and lifestyle habits are essential.
The practice of preventive care is well-suited for spas and wellness centers. They can develop therapeutic plans based on the meridians and acupoints corresponding to the scalp and hair. As the head is the meeting point of all yang channels, practices such as using a horn comb for hair, along with massaging acupoints like Sishencong, Baihui, and Fengchi, can be considered. The following content can serve as a reference.
- Sanyinjiao Acupoint: Located on the inner side of the lower leg, three inches above the tip of the inner ankle, behind the inner border of the shinbone. Sanyinjiao acupoint has the function of nourishing the liver and kidneys, regulating Yin and Yang. It is mainly used in clinical practice to treat conditions such as nocturnal emission, impotence, premature ejaculation, irregular menstruation, and can also improve symptoms of hair loss.
- Fengchi Acupoint: Located in the back of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle. Fengchi acupoint has the functions of dispelling wind, clearing heat, awakening the mind, calming the liver, and extinguishing wind. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, and throat swelling, and can also improve symptoms of hair loss.
- Baihui Acupoint: Located on the head, directly above the center of the front hairline, 5 inches straight up, or at the midpoint of the line connecting both ear tips. Baihui acupoint has the functions of raising Yang, lifting sunken conditions, awakening the mind, and calming the spirit. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia, and can also improve symptoms of hair loss.
- Shenting Acupoint: Located on the head, directly above the center of the front hairline, 0.5 inches straight up, or at the midpoint of the line connecting both ear tips. Shenting acupoint has the functions of awakening the mind, opening the orifices, calming the mind, and calming the spirit. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, and can also improve symptoms of hair loss.
- Zusanli Acupoint: Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the Duyin acupoint, and one horizontal finger’s breadth from the anterior crest of the shinbone. Zusanli acupoint has the functions of tonifying the middle, benefiting Qi, invigorating the spleen and stomach, and regulating Qi and blood. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and can also improve symptoms of hair loss.
Of course, scalp and hair problems are not resolved overnight, and improvement may involve periodic cycles. Scalp-related care can be an excellent spa project, utilizing professional scalp massage techniques, herbal care products with no side effects, and a soothing environment that calms the mind. These are inherent advantages for professional spas or health management centers.
However, it’s important not to forget that professional diagnosis and judgment of scalp and hair problems are the core competencies. The intervention of traditional Chinese medicine will contribute to the growth of the health-related industries. It’s believed that in the future, more traditional Chinese medicine professionals will not only practice in high temples but will respond to market demand, making their expertise more accessible to the general public.
Dai Jiongjie
Dai Jiongjie is the Executive Dean of the Shanghai Precision Functional Medicine Institute. A Chief Physician and disciple of medical luminary Wang Ximing, he specializes in treating musculoskeletal diseases and rehabilitating sub-healthy populations with spinal and joint issues. Dai integrates traditional Chinese and Western medicine, practicing in the Netherlands. He provides unique insights and treatments for sub-health syndromes and aging prevention. A former visiting lecturer at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he is also a contributing writer for health columns.