Hair Loss and Acupuncture: Myth or Medicine?
The answer, like many alternative treatments, is both yes and no.
From a scientific point of view, researchers have found limited strong evidence for acupuncture. Modern medicine depends on clear studies and measurable results. Although many people say acupuncture helps them, researchers have not consistently produced large studies that meet strict medical standards.
However, people have practised acupuncture for over 6,000 years. Treatments that offer no benefit rarely last that long. Because of its long history, many believe it provides real improvements, even if scientists have not yet fully explained how it works.
Skeptics would say that “medical success” is all in the mind. Any successes patients report back are due to a psychological effect. In other words, because they expect it to work, want it to work, or because they have spent a lot of money on it, they see healing which should not be attributed to acupuncture itself in reality. Most commonly known as the placebo effect.
Acupuncture For Hair Loss
Acupuncture plays a key role in Chinese medicine, along with diet, herbal therapy, medication and massage. Many people who have regular acupuncture sessions say it helps relieve back pain, reduce migraines, ease arthritis pain and lower stress levels.
When it comes to hair loss, practitioners say acupuncture helps improve the flow of qi and increase blood circulation to the scalp. They believe that better blood flow allows hair follicles to receive more nutrients through the bloodstream. As a result, this may support healthier hair growth.
In addition, Chinese medicine does not rely on acupuncture alone. Practitioners also recommend improving your diet at the same time. By combining scalp treatments with better nutrition, they aim to achieve the best possible results.
Scalp Massages
Another way to stimulate the scalp and increase blood flow to the hair follicles is scalp massages. Scalp massages are easy to do yourself. Alternatively, or you can book a head massage by a professional at a spa or treatment centre. Combining a scalp massage with the use of essential oils such as sandalwood, rosemary, cedarwood or peppermint is advised. The essential oil adds benefits to the skin on the scalp as well as promotes relaxation from the scents.
Getting To The Root Of The Problem
Knowing the cause of hair loss could help you to find the right solution. It is worth noting there are many cases when hair loss is a side effect of another problem in the body. On the British acupuncture site, a study found that acupuncture for hair loss as a direct cure unlikely. However, it mentions the conditions which found to be improved by acupuncture.
However, hair loss can sometimes link to other health conditions. For example, women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) may notice thinning hair. In addition, both men and women with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can experience hair loss.
If an underlying condition causes the hair loss, both conventional medicine and Chinese medicine offer treatment options that may help.
In Chinese medicine, practitioners do not look at hair loss on its own. Instead, they look at it alongside other symptoms you may have. They also view the body as a connected system of energy, known as “qi”. When the flow, balance or rhythm of this energy becomes disturbed, symptoms can appear. So, treatment focuses on restoring balance in the whole body, not just the hair.
Broadly speaking what this piece insinuates acupuncture can help with overall health and vitality of the hair which in turn in many cases will lead to a reduction in hair loss.
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