Chinese Medicine for Alopecia Areata
By Farah Khan
Alopecia areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the
body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, attack the hair
follicles, leading to hair loss, which can be on the scalp or elsewhere.
In most cases of alopecia, the hair falls out in small round patches about
the size of a quarter. Alopecia areata affects approximately four million
Americans of both sexes, and all ages and backgrounds. The effects of alopecia
are primarily socially and emotionally disturbing, because of its unpredictable
effects on a person’s appearance. It is not life threatening or painful.
There are a number of Chinese herbs that can be beneficial for this
condition. Chinese medicine treats the root imbalances in the body that result
in alopecia. When the body is brought into balance, symptoms resolve themselves
and slowly disappear. There are two patterns in Chinese Medicine that can
result in the hair loss symptomatic of alopecia areata. The first is a pattern
of Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency. This means that the energy of the body that
normally nourishes the hair follicles is deficient. When herbs are used that
nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, hair can start to grow back. The second pattern
is that of Toxic Heat in the body. This means that there is an inflammatory
condition in the body that is a result of excess acidity from a poor diet,
exposure to pollution or other toxins, or an infection. In most people with
alopecia areata, these two conditions exist in combination with each other.
It is necessary to reduce inflammation and acidity in the body while
nourishing the cooling yin energy of the body that nourishes hair growth.
He Shou Wu, polygonum or Fo-ti, is one herb that can be beneficial for
people with alopecia areata. This herb has been used traditionally in
graying hair and premature hair loss. It is a general tonic for the brain and
the body, and can improve the quality of hair growth on the head. It can take
three to six months of use to see the full benefits of Fo-ti. The Chinese have
also traditionally used this herb as a longevity tonic.
Ligustrum and eclipta are also two Chinese herbs used to nourish hair growth
by strengthening the Liver and Kidney Yin energy of the body. Research done in
have shown that these herbs can promote hair growth in people with alopecia
areata.
Chinese wolfberries are also a general body tonic that improve blood
circulation to hair follicles of the head. This herb can work well in
combination with the herbs listed above.
In order to clear the inflammation and acidity that can trigger alopecia,
mint, dandelion, and honeysuckle herbs can be used in combination.
Some supplements that may be of benefit in combination with Chinese herbs
include vitamin C, flaxseed oil, and nettle tea. All of these are
anti-inflammatory and detoxifying to the body. Eating black beans and black
sesame seeds can also be helpful when taken alongside Chinese herbs.
Chinese herbs are a safe, natural, effective, health-promoting way to treat
alopecia areata and increase hair growth.
Dr. Khan is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in
She has her own line of herbal supplements, including one for alopecia, at http://www.yinessence.com.
You can reach her at farah@yinessence.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Farah_Khan
