Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 12/23/2010

Question
Hello.

A good friend of mine has told me that acupuncture can regrow thinning hair. Is this true? If so, how? How do I go about finding a certified acupuncturist? What qualifications must I look for?

Best regards,

Julian

Answer
Hey Julian,

In Chinese medicine, allopecia is known as,"you feng" or glossy wind. The wind represents the suddenness of the condition and glossy describes the skin that is left after the hair is gone.

Hair loss can be caused by deficiency of qi and blood failing to nourish the scalp.
Hair is seen as a surplus of blood, so deficient blood = no hair.

Deficiency of yin and blood, in particular kidney yin and blood.

Internal wind caused by blood heat.

Stagnation of blood.

These are the basic causes, with variation on these themes according to the patient.

Treatment can include herbal medicine used internally and as a wash, scalp acupuncture with single needle or 7-star needle, qi gong and or massage.

The best way to find a good one is by referral.
You can always check the NCCAOM web site and look for one in your area.
Best to stay away form medical or chiropractic acupuncturists as their training is often times a tenth as much as a fully schooled acupunctutist, although some do go for the full schooling.

Hope this helped,

R. Scott Malone L.Ac.