5 TCM Acupressure Points for Stronger, Healthier Hair

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Ms. Mai Sogawa

Ms. Mai Sogawa is a senior therapist who graduated from Japan Medical School of Judo Acupuncture and Moxibustion International Education College.

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Effective Pressure Points for Hairfall: Boost Your Hair Health Naturally

Hairfall can be a distressing issue, affecting individuals of all ages. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers holistic solutions that can help manage hair loss naturally. One of these solutions is the use of acupressure points. By stimulating specific points on the body, you can promote blood circulation, balance internal organs, and enhance overall hair health. We consulted with Ms. Mai Sogawa, a renowned TCM Therapist from Japan, for her expert advice on this topic. You can learn more about Ms. Mai here.

In this article, we’ll explore five key acupressure points that can help combat hairfall. These points, when massaged regularly, can improve the health of your scalp and hair.

Hair as a Reflection of Inner Health

In TCM, hair is considered a reflection of one’s internal health. Healthy hair is believed to be a sign of balanced energy (Qi) and robust blood circulation. When there is an imbalance in the body’s vital energy or a deficiency in blood supply, it often manifests as hairfall or thinning hair. Therefore, maintaining the health of internal organs and ensuring proper blood flow are essential for healthy hair growth.

GV-20 (Baihui)

Acupoint: GV-20 (Other Names: The Governing Vessel-20/Bai Hui/Hundred Convergence)
Acupoint: GV-20 (Other Names: The Governing Vessel-20/Bai Hui/Hundred Convergence)

GV-20, also known as Baihui, is located at the top of your head. This point is renowned for its ability to uplift energy and improve blood circulation to the scalp.

Benefits of Stimulating GV-20:

  • Enhances blood flow to the scalp.
  • Promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can contribute to hairfall.
  • Improves overall energy balance in the body.

Ren-4 (Guanyuan)

Ren-4, or Guanyuan, is located on the lower abdomen, about four finger-widths below the navel. This point is essential for strengthening the body’s vital energy and nourishing the blood, both of which are crucial for healthy hair.

Benefits of Stimulating Ren-4:

  • Boosts the body’s vital energy (Qi).
  • Nourishes the blood, supporting hair growth.
  • Enhances the function of the kidneys and reproductive organs.

BL-7 (Tongtian)

BL-7, known as Tongtian, is found on the head. To locate this point, start at GV-20 (Baihui) at the crown of your head. From there, measure approximately 1.5 cun (a traditional Chinese unit of measurement) upwards. This point is effective in promoting healthy blood circulation and relieving scalp issues.

Benefits of Stimulating BL-7:

  • Improves blood circulation to the scalp.
  • Relieves tension and headaches, which can contribute to hair loss.
  • Supports overall scalp health.

SP-10 (Xuehai)

Acupoint: SP-10 (Other Names: Spleen-10/Xue Hai/Sea of Blood)

SP-10, or Xuehai, translates to “Sea of Blood” and is located on the inner thigh. To find this point, sit comfortably with your knee bent. Measure two finger-widths above the top of your knee cap on the inner thigh. This point is crucial for regulating and purifying the blood, which is believed to directly impact hair health.

Benefits of Stimulating SP-10:

  • Regulates and purifies blood, enhancing hair quality.
  • Supports the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
  • Helps in managing skin conditions that might affect the scalp.

BL-23 (Shenshu)

Acupoint: Bl-23 Or Ub-23(Other Names: Urinary Bladder-23/Shen Shu/Kidney Transporter)
Acupoint: Bl-23 Or Ub-23(Other Names: Urinary Bladder-23/Shen Shu/Kidney Transporter)

BL-23, or Shenshu, is located on the lower back. To find this point, measure approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). This point is significant in TCM for its connection to kidney health, which is closely linked to hair vitality.

Benefits of Stimulating BL-23:

  • Strengthens kidney function, supporting hair health.
  • Enhances energy (Qi) and blood circulation.
  • Promotes overall vitality and longevity.

Best Times for Pressing Acupoints

To maximize the benefits of acupressure, it’s important to know the optimal times for stimulating these points:

  • Morning: Starting your day with acupressure can invigorate your body and promote blood circulation. This is particularly beneficial for enhancing energy (Qi) flow throughout the day.
  • Evening: Applying acupressure in the evening can help relax your body, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, which are all factors that can positively affect hair health.
  • Before Washing Hair: Massaging acupressure points before washing your hair can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, making your scalp more receptive to the benefits of a hair wash.

Tips for Scalp Massage While Washing Your Hair

Incorporating scalp massage into your hair washing routine can further enhance the health of your hair and scalp:

  1. Use Gentle Pressure: Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. Avoid using your nails, as this can cause irritation.
  2. Start at the Hairline: Begin massaging at the front of your hairline and work your way back towards the nape of your neck.
  3. Focus on the Scalp: Concentrate on the scalp rather than the hair strands. This will help stimulate blood flow and relax the scalp muscles.
  4. Be Consistent: Make scalp massage a regular part of your hair washing routine to see the best results over time.
  5. Use Warm Water: Warm water can help relax the scalp and open up pores, making the massage more effective.

Incorporating these acupressure techniques and scalp massage tips into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to improve hair health and reduce hairfall. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Combining these practices with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can yield even better results.

Author: P. Sze

P. Sze P. Sze is the founder of TCM Tips and Dragon Acupuncture®. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a first-class honor in Civil Engineering. S he also holds a master’s degree in Engineering and is the brain behind the innovative TCM products of Dragon Acupuncture®. She is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Auricular Therapy: Application of Ear Seeds (ISBN 978-1520451398) and Facial Gua Sha - Fight the Signs of Aging Naturally and Inexpensively (ISBN 978-1980678922). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the complex theories behind oriental medicine and the seemingly dangerous techniques that involve needles and fire do not scare you from trying oriental medicine. This is why she writes endlessly about acupressure and its countless health and wellness benefits.

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