Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden hair loss, often in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. While not physically painful, the emotional impact of losing hair can be significant, affecting confidence and self-esteem. In our acupuncture and TCM practice, we see many patients seeking natural solutions to manage alopecia areata and restore not just their hair but also their sense of balance and vitality.
I take a personalized approach with every patient, addressing the root causes of hair loss, such as stress, stagnation, or deficiencies, while supporting overall health and well-being.
In this article, I’ll share how I use acupuncture and herbal medicine to help patients with alopecia areata. By integrating ancient TCM principles with modern science, my goal is to provide a comprehensive and natural path toward healthier hair and a healthier you.
Understanding Alopecia Areata in TCM
TCM views your health not as an isolated issue but a reflection of underlying disharmonies within the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the health of the hair is related to the Kidnies, Liver, and blood. When these systems are disrupted, hair health can suffer, potentially leading to conditions like alopecia areata.
The Role of Qi and Blood in Hair Health
Hair relies on a steady supply of Qi, our energy, and blood for nourishment. The Liver is responsible for storing blood and ensuring its smooth flow throughout the body, including to the scalp and hair follicles. The Kidney, the root of vitality, govern the essence (Jing), which plays a critical role in hair growth and strength.
Common TCM Patterns Associated with Alopecia Areata
TCM practitioners identify patterns of imbalance that may contribute to alopecia areata. Some of the most common include:
Blood Deficiency:
Pale complexion, dry hair, dizziness, and fatigue. Without sufficient blood to nourish the scalp, hair follicles may weaken, leading to hair loss.
Liver Qi Stagnation:
Signs: Emotional stress, irritability, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. Stress or unresolved emotions can disrupt the flow of Liver Qi, impairing blood circulation to the scalp and triggering hair loss.
Kidney Essence Deficiency:
Signs: Premature graying, hair thinning, lower back weakness, and fatigue. A deficiency in Kidney essence can weaken hair roots and slow regrowth.
The Holistic View of Alopecia Areata
From the TCM perspective, alopecia areata is not merely a localized issue but a systemic imbalance that manifests in the scalp. This holistic understanding provides the foundation for the therapeutic strategies used in TCM, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications, to treat alopecia areata comprehensively and effectively.
Acupuncture for Alopecia Areata
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. Acupuncture works in many ways to improve hair growth.
Improves Blood Flow to the Scalp:
Acupuncture enhances microcirculation in the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need for regrowth. Local acupuncture on the scalp may not be done until you are in the growth stage of treatment rather than initial clearing toxicity stages.
Regulates the Immune System:
Acupuncture helps to modulate immune responses, reducing inflammation and minimizing the body’s attack on hair follicles.
Reduces Stress and Emotional Strain:
Emotional stress is a common trigger for alopecia areata. Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, alleviating stress and restoring the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
Balances Internal Energy (Qi) and Nourishes Blood:
By addressing deficiencies in Qi and blood, acupuncture helps ensure that the body’s systems are functioning optimally to support healthy hair growth.
Common Acupuncture Points for Alopecia Areata
Acupuncture treatments for alopecia areata are individualized, addressing the underlying imbalances contributing to hair loss. The treatment course typically progresses through two key phases: first, removing blockages and restoring balance, and then strengthening the body and optimizing blood flow to support sustained hair regrowth.
In the initial phase, acupuncture targets systemic imbalances such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, or excessive heat that may contribute to inflammation and hair follicle disruption. As these imbalances resolve, treatment shifts toward strengthening the body’s vital energy, nourishing the Blood, and enhancing circulation to the scalp to promote long-term follicle health.
Several acupuncture points commonly used throughout the treatment course include:
DU20 (Baihui): Located at the crown of the head, this point stimulates circulation to the scalp and revitalizes hair follicles, promoting new growth.
UB7 (Tongtian): Positioned on the head, it enhances local blood flow to nourish and support follicular activity.
ST36 (Zusanli): A foundational point for strengthening digestion, increasing energy, and enriching Blood—key for nourishing the scalp and hair roots.
LV3 (Taichong): Regulates Liver Qi, reducing stress-related tension that may contribute to hair shedding.
KD3 (Taixi): Strengthens Kidney essence, which plays a vital role in hair growth and longevity.
In the later stages of treatment we may employ scalp acupuncture or plum blossom needling to stimulate hair growth.
Herbal Medicine for Alopecia Areata
Herbal medicine addresses the root causes of hair loss, nourishing the body from within. Herbal formulas are tailored to the individual’s specific TCM diagnosis.
How Chinese Herbs Support Hair Regrowth
Chinese herbal medicine works holistically to restore balance in the body, addressing the systemic imbalances that contribute to alopecia areata. Its effects include nourishing the three treasures-blood, qi and essence- and
regulating Qi to relieve stress.
Commonly Used Herbs and Formulas for Alopecia Areata
Chinese herbal prescriptions are customized for each individual, but there are some commonly used herbs and formulas for hair loss:
- Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis):
A blood-tonifying herb that enhances circulation and nourishes hair follicles. - Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry):
Supports Liver and Kidney health, enhances blood quality, and promotes scalp nourishment. - Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root):
A cooling herb that clears Heat, enriches Yin, and supports the Kidneys. - Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer):
This is an amazing formula that is extremely adaptable to many conditions, including alopecia, if the trigger is caused by stress. This formula regulates the Liver Qi and boost the digestive energy of the spleen. It must be customized to your specific imbalance for it to be effective.
Personalized Herbal Prescriptions
Herbal formulas are customized based upon your specific underlying imbalance. This is determined by evaluating your unique presentation, including your tongue, pulse, and overall symptoms.
The treatment course has different phases depending on your symptoms. In the beginning, we address the acute imbalances, such as excess stagnation, heat, or dampness, and then progress to strengthening and tonifying to promote long-term hair regrowth and vitality.
Maintenance and Prevention
After achieving visible improvements, the focus shifts to maintaining the results and preventing recurrence. Some patients are fine on their own without any need for treatment. Others will require periodic treatments to support the body’s natural balance and address any minor imbalances that may arise.
TCM Practices to Restore Balance in Alopecia Areata
While acupuncture and herbal medicine form the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for alopecia areata, dietary recommendations, stress management techniques, and scalp care, you can further encourage hair regrowth and sustain long-term balance.
Diet for Hair Health in TCM
Food choices are considered essential for nourishing blood, supporting Qi, and promoting overall vitality. Specific foods and dietary habits are recommended to address imbalances and improve hair health.
Foods to Nourish Blood:
Incorporate iron-rich, deeply pigmented foods such as dark leafy greens, black sesame seeds, goji berries, beets, and red dates to support blood production and circulation.
Foods to Support Kidney and Liver Health:
Eat foods that strengthen the Kidney and Liver, such as walnuts, black beans, seaweed, eggs, and bone broth.
Avoid Dampness- and Heat-Inducing Foods:
Minimize consumption of dairy, fried foods, processed sugars, and alcohol, as these can create dampness and heat in the body, disrupting the scalp’s balance.
Scalp Massage and Acupressure Techniques:
Regular scalp care can enhance blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulate hair regrowth. Incorporating TCM principles into scalp care routines further amplifies the benefits.
Use Herbal Scalp Oils:
Essential oils can be very helpful for alopecia areata. I like to combine a combination formula that has been shown to help alopecia along with a few essential oils from Chinese herbs. The blend I use is thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils mixed with jojoba and grapeseed oils, along with the TCM herbs such as ginseng and ce bai ye to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair roots. These help to stimulate hair follicles as well as improving Blood and Qi circulation to nourish hair growth.
Sleep and Rest:
Adequate rest is vital for Kidney and Liver function, which are central to hair health in TCM. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to support the body’s natural repair and rejuvenation processes.
Light Therapy and Microneedling:
Incorporate modern techniques such as red light therapy or microneedling, can help stimulate hair growth once the initial imbalances have been removed.
Get Acupuncture, Feel Better
Alopecia areata can be a challenging condition, both physically and emotionally. In my acupuncture practice, we take a holistic and personalized approach to support recovery and promote healthy hair regrowth.
Using the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we address the root causes of hair loss—such as Qi stagnation, blood deficiency, or Kidney and Liver imbalances—rather than simply treating the symptoms. By restoring internal harmony, TCM creates an optimal environment for healthy hair growth and overall vitality.
I work with each patient to create a tailored treatment plan that often combines acupuncture, customized herbal prescriptions, dietary guidance, and stress management techniques. We follow a phased approach, beginning with clearing excess imbalances, like stagnation or dampness, and progressing to strengthening and tonifying the body for sustainable results. Along the way, we also focus on enhancing your overall well-being to help you feel your best inside and out.
If you’re experiencing alopecia areata or hair loss and are curious about how acupuncture and TCM can help, I’d love to support you. Together, we can create a personalized plan to restore your hair health and enhance your overall wellness.