There are several types of hair loss and it can happen to anyone at any point of time. The causes of hair loss are different due to gender, age, genetics, diet (malnutrition, anorexia), environmental factors (stress, pollutants, chemicals, etc.) and health conditions (thyroid disorders, autoimmunity, anaemia, etc.).
There are also several types of treatments available, from western medication, hair transplant, homeopathy to even hypnosis. Countless clinical trials and researches had been done in search of finding the cure for hair loss and, of which, acupuncture has shown high efficacy in restoring hair health. One study even mentioned that the combination of acupuncture and plum blossom hammer outperformed the combination of Minoxidil and multivitamins in treating alopecia. Similar to western treatment, it would take a few months of TCM treatments to see significant and long lasting results, though without the side effects.
Acupuncture can help in different types of hair loss. For example, in alopecia areata, acupuncture may help reduce the immune reactions that are causing the bald patch; while in male pattern baldness, it reduces the DHT level locally. In more common conditions where the hair follicles are damaged by physical/chemical factors, acupuncture stimulates the nerve endings and increases blood circulation to accelerate the healing process, thus expediting hair growth.
TCM treatments are administered with respect to the different diagnostic pattern(s) the patient has. The more common presentations are blood-heat, ‘Qi’ and blood stasis, ‘Qi’ and blood deficiency, as well as liver and kidney deficiency. Chinese herbs can also be used in tandem with acupuncture to bring the system back in balance. Common herbs used include Platycladus orientalis (侧柏叶), Paeonia suffruticosa (牡丹皮), Eclipta prostrata (墨旱莲) to remove blood-heat; Angelica sinensis (当归), Astragalus (黄芪), Fructus Mori (桑椹) to build up the body’s ‘Qi’ and blood; Saffron flower (红花), Salvia miltiorrhiza (丹参), Ligusticum striatum (川芎) to improve ‘Qi’ and blood circulation; and Chinese knotweed (何首乌), Rehmannia glutinosa (熟地), White peony root (白芍), Cuscuta (菟丝子) to nourish the kidney and liver.
Start your treatment early to minimise the loss!
Any other questions about Acupuncture for Hair Loss? Let us know in the comment below!
Article by Physician Joyce Chee
Hi there
Is the pain tolerable? Scale of 1-10
Hi Cheryl, typically there is little/no pain, you may experience an ant bite or tingling sensation for a few seconds. It does differ from patient to patient!
Hi, acupuncture treatment meaning you will use needle on scalp yes?
Hello Laila,
Yes! For hair loss acupuncture, we may also insert the needles at other areas of the body – depending on your body constitution and condition.
How much is each acupuncture session for hair loss and how many sessions are needed?
Hello Desmond,
The first trial for this treatment is priced $68. The number of sessions varies for each individual. However, we do recommend most patients to go for at least 10 sessions. Hope this helps!
To book an appointment: http://www.pulsetcm.sg/book-an-appointment/