Everything you ever wanted to know about hair loss from a TCM perspective (Part 1)

The condition of our hair is a common issue presented in the clinic.  To improve the health and condition of our hair is not only for beauty and looking good, but also for the overall health of our body. Many hair related issues are due to an internal organ disorder. Therefore, if you want to improve the condition of your hair, it is important to understand the relationship between the hair and the internal organs.

1. What is Unhealthy Hair?

Unhealthy hair is indicated when it is dry, brittle and easily broken, general hair loss, patchy hair loss, early greying of the hair (in general or in patches), oily hair or very slow hair growth.

2. How is the Hair Associated with our Internal Health?

i) Blood Nourishes the Hair for Healthy Growth
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers that the Blood is one aspect of the body that supports the hair to grow in a healthy condition. Any reason causing a lack of Blood or iron deficiency will also lead to a lack of growth in the hair.

The following causes may contribute to the condition of the hair: post-labor, after a big operation, long-term illness, iron deficiency, injury to the neck or shoulders (affects circulation to the head reducing blood supply) or lowered blood pressure.

These people commonly present with the following symptoms: lack of energy, pale face, shortness of breath, pale nails, scanty period, as well as unhealthy hair.

ii) Spleen Supplies Qi & Blood to the Hair
The Spleen is a major organ which dominates food digestion, transportation, and absorption and produces Blood & Qi. If your Spleen is weak, this will affect the quality and amount of your blood, and cause unhealthy hair, such as thin, slow-growing and easily broken and hair loss. These people will also experience the following symptoms: lack of energy, stomach bloating or fullness especially after eating, sluggish bowel movement, cold hands and feet and puffiness in the arms and legs.

iii) Liver Circulates Blood to the Head & Neck
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers that the Liver stores Blood and circulates Blood to the body as well as the sides and top of the head. Any stress or pressure will affect the Liver function and consequently affect the hair condition. People with this condition may experience hair loss in patches or at the sides or top of the head. They may also experience the following symptoms: insomnia, many dreams or nightmares, migraine headaches, stiff neck and shoulders or pain and bloating at the sides of the abdomen. These people may also have the following conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, depression, irritable bowel syndrome or thyroid disorder.

iv) Kidney Contains the Vital Essence
The Kidneys dominate the growth and development of the body, including the hair.  If someone has a strong Kidney Essence (Kidney Qi or energy), the hair is shiny, thick, strong and healthy and they will have fewer grey hairs when they are old.  Thick hair at birth is an indication of strong Kidney Essence or Qi.  If you have decreased Kidney function, this affects hair growth and color and is associated with the following additional symptoms: tiredness, poor memory, frequent urination during the night, irregular periods, lower libido, impotence, early menopause, lower back pain, knee or heel pain.

v) Poor Circulation to Neck & Shoulders
In the clinic, we find that many people who are suffering from neck and shoulder pain due to lack of circulation also have issues with the health and condition of their hair. This is because the Blood is unable to flow freely to the head and nourish the hair. These people may also experience the following symptoms: headache, neck and shoulder pain, tension or stiffness.

vi) Other
Further contributing factors to unhealthy hair may include the following: unsuitable shampoo or condition, traveling or changing the location of residence (ie. moving from one city to another), environmental factors, irregular lifestyle, chemicals, certain medications or poor nutrition and diet.

All of the issues mentioned above will affect the quality and growth of the hair.

Next week, we will talk about various things you can do to improve the functioning of your internal organs from a TCM perspective.

Source: can be found at the end of Part 2 of this article.