What Causes Hair Loss?

The hair industry is a huge money making enterprise with products and services available catering to every aspect from colour and shine to hair loss. Whilst these products are designed to change the state of the hair from external application to the hair or scalp directly, Chinese medicine offers a very different approach, seeing the quality of the hair as a reflection of the internal state of the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the state of the hair - its growth, colour and thickness depends mostly upon the condition of the Qi and blood. If these are in optimum condition the hair will grow well, be thick, glossy and of a good colour.

The internal organs, mainly Kidneys, Liver and Spleen, also support the growth of hair. If the Qi, blood or any of the organs are unhealthy it will affect the quality of the hair.

For example:

Kidney deficiency - hair will become grey early.
Spleen deficiency - hair will become fine and thin and growth will be slow.
Liver Yin/Kidney Yin deficiency - hair will become dry and break easily.

The Kidneys store the essence of all the organs. The Essence, along with the blood, provides nourishment to the head and therefore allows the hair to grow and appear healthy and glossy. When the Essence is weak the hair can begin to turn grey, become withered and possibly fall out.

Any injuries to the neck or shoulders can affect the circulation of Qi and blood to the head, resulting in poor nourishment for the hair.

Don't hesitate to ask one of our practitioners for advice if you are concerned about the quality of your hair.