Hair Lossaccording to TCM
*redirected from Alopecia
Symptom families: Hair Conditions, Premature Aging Conditions
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, encompasses various conditions resulting in the partial or complete loss of hair. It is also referred to as baldness, excessive hair shedding, alopecia areata, receding hairline, telogen effluvium, or traction alopecia. This condition affects individuals of all genders and can have different causes and manifestations.
How Does TCM View Hair Loss?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on hair loss compared to Western medicine. While Western medicine often attributes hair loss to genetic factors or external influences, TCM delves deeper, focusing on patterns of disharmony within the body.
TCM recognizes that hair loss can be a symptom of underlying imbalances and emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony before initiating treatment.
Root Causes of Hair Loss in TCM
In TCM, hair loss can be attributed to various patterns of disharmony within the body. Two common patterns linked to hair loss are Blood Deficiency with External Wind or Blood and Qi Deficiency. Blood Deficiency with External Wind is characterized by symptoms such as hair loss, eczema, red skin eruptions, urticaria, and neurodermatitis.
Another prevalent pattern is Blood and Qi Deficiency, presenting with hair loss, lower abdominal pain, pale face, palpitations, and anemia.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hair loss according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Essence Deficiency
- Qi Deficiency
- Wind
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Kidney
- Liver
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
Common Symptoms: Skin Dryness Eczema Red Skin Eruptions Urticaria Neurodermatitis Ichthyosis Psoriasis Measles
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Alopecia, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Hair loss, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Si Wu Tang | Tong Ru Dan |
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
Common Symptoms: Insomnia Sore Knees Lower Back Pain Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dry Tongue Dizziness Blurry Vision
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair loss, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
| Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency | Hair loss, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Essence Deficiency
In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more
Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Hair loss, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Qi Deficiency
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Hair loss, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Si Wu Tang | Tong Ru Dan |
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Alopecia, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency | Hair loss, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Dizziness Blurry Vision Hair Graying Sore Knees Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dry Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Hair loss, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair loss, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Loss
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair loss, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hair Loss
TCM offers a personalized approach to combat hair loss using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony. These formulations aim to address the root causes of hair loss while enhancing overall health and vitality.
For instance, Dang Gui Yin Zi is recommended for Blood Deficiency with External Wind. This formula, categorized under Formulas that disperse External Wind, contains Japanese catnip (Jing Jie), known for its warming and Exterior-releasing properties.
In cases of Blood and Qi Deficiency, Si Wu Tang is commonly used. Belonging to the Formulas that tonify Blood category, it includes Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) to nourish Blood. Er Zhi Wan is prescribed for Yin Deficiency, categorized under Formulas that nourish Yin. It contains Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) to support Yin nourishment.
These TCM formulas and herbs are selected based on the patient's pattern, providing targeted and effective hair loss treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hair loss, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Essence Deficiency
- Qi Deficiency
- Wind
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hair Loss Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Yin Zi | Blood Deficiency with External Wind |
| Si Wu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Tong Ru Dan | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Er Zhi Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hair Loss Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hair Loss Caused by Essence Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Si Wu Tang
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hair Loss Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Si Wu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Tong Ru Dan | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn more
Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause hair loss, such as Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin.
One such formula is Er Zhi Wan, with glossy privet fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hair loss
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for hair loss
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with External Wind.
One such formula is Dang Gui Yin Zi, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Tong Ru Dan, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some hair loss-causing patterns like Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
Hair loss can be treated by these formulas if it originates from a wind-heat invasion.
One such formula is Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hair Loss
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hair loss, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Drynaria Rhizomes (Gu Sui Bu) | Not applicable |
| Psoralea Fruits (Bu Gu Zhi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan | Si Wu Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Si Wu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Er Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia) | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Yam (Shan Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Tu Si Zi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Tong Ru Dan |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Tong Ru Dan |
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma), which is directly recommended for hair loss.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Laxative herbs that drain downward" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) | Not applicable |
| Flax Seeds (Ya Ma Zi) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Dang Gui Yin Zi.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for hair loss
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Dang Gui Yin Zi | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
Herbs that stop bleeding
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Biota Twigs And Leaves (Ce Bo Ye), which is directly recommended for hair loss.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Hair loss can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair loss, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.