Does Alternative Medicine Help Against Hair Loss?

Anyone who suffers from hair loss has certainly already looked into various treatment options.

In Western medicine, drugs such as Minoxidil are praised for increasing hair growth or hair regrowth, but these are only suitable for genetic hair loss and only work for as long as they are taken. As soon as they are discontinued, hair loss resumes.

In contrast to conventional medicine, alternative medicine attempts to treat alopecia holistically, with the aim of eliminating the causes of hair loss and not just suppressing the symptoms.

In the following article, you will learn all about traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy against hair loss – and another natural method against hair loss that is a real ace up your sleeve.

TCM – what exactly is it?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to healthcare that has been practised in China for centuries. It is based on the belief that the body is a complex, interconnected system and that the balance of yin and yang and the flow of qi (also known as chi or vital energy) in the body is essential for good health.

In TCM, hair loss is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body and treatment focuses on eliminating the cause of the imbalance rather than just treating the symptoms.

One of the main causes of hair loss in TCM is a blood and qi deficiency. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as poor nutrition or malnutrition (especially iron deficiency), stress or chronic illness.

TCM practitioners may recommend dietary changes and the use of herbs and supplements to nourish the blood and improve circulation to correct this deficiency. For example, protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs and soya beans are considered to be particularly beneficial for hair health.

In addition to dietary changes, TCM practitioners may also recommend topical treatments such as herbal oils and creams to nourish the scalp and enhance hair growth or regrowth.

These formulations often consist of a mixture of herbs that are believed to have a positive effect on hair health, such as ginseng, ginger and fenugreek. This type of herbal medicine is the study of using medicinal plants as herbal medicines, also known as phytotherapy.

One TCM treatment option: acupuncture

TCM practitioners can also recommend the use of acupuncture to stimulate the scalp and improve circulation.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy in which thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body (acupuncture points on the so-called meridian, i.e. the energy pathway) to stimulate the energy flow in the body (qi flow) and stimulate healing.

Research has shown that acupuncture can improve hair growth and reduce hair loss, although more research is needed to fully understand how it works.

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture can improve hair growth is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which may help to nourish the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

The healing method can also help to reduce stress and improve overall health, which can contribute to healthy hair growth.

It is important to note that acupuncture is a holistic approach to healthcare and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as dietary changes and the use of topical products, to achieve the best results against hair loss.

It is always advisable to consult a qualified TCM practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs and concerns.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine based on the principle of "similar things are cured by similar things".

This means that a substance that causes certain symptoms in a healthy person can also be used to treat the same symptoms in a sick person.

Homeopathy is based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself, and the use of small doses of a substance that stimulates the body's natural healing processes helps to restore balance and improve health.

As in TCM, hair loss in homeopathy is often seen as a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body.

Homeopathic remedies are selected based on the individual's specific symptoms and general state of health and are intended to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and restore balance.

There are a number of homeopathic remedies that are thought to be effective in treating hair loss, including

• Sepia: this remedy is often recommended for hair loss that is accompanied by feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. It can also be helpful for hair loss associated with hormonal changes such as the menopause, pill discontinuation or pregnancy.

• Phosphorus: according to homeopathy, this remedy can be helpful for hair loss when it is accompanied by feelings of anxiety and insecurity. It can also be useful for hair loss associated with stress or overexertion.

• Thuja: this remedy is said to be helpful for hair loss that is accompanied by a feeling of hopelessness and despair. It can also be beneficial for hair loss associated with the use of certain medications or other chemical substances.

• Natrum muriaticum: this remedy can be supportive for hair loss that is accompanied by a feeling of sadness and grief. In addition, Natrum muriaticum acts as a remedy for hair loss caused by a lack of iron or other nutrients.

   

Again, it is advisable to note that homeopathy medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as dietary changes and the use of topical products, to achieve the best results.

A qualified homeopath should always be consulted to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs and concerns.

Autologous blood treatment

For those who have already tried traditional Chinese medicine or homeopathy treatment without success or are not interested in these treatment options, there is another option: Autologous blood treatment at HAIR & SKIN.

Autologous blood treatment, also known as autohaemotherapy, is a medical treatment in which a centrifuged solution of the patient's own blood is used. It treats a variety of conditions, including hair loss.

In autohaemotherapy for hair loss, a small amount of the patient's own blood is taken and centrifuged before the concentrated solution is injected into the scalp.

The blood contains growth factors that stimulate the hair follicles and thus the hair roots and favour hair growth. The treatment is usually carried out in a series of at least four sessions at intervals of around four to six weeks.

A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that autologous blood therapy effectively improves the growth of scalp hair in patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Another study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that autologous blood therapy improved hair density and thickness in patients with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata (circular hair loss) and diffuse hair loss.

Autohaemotherapy is generally recognised as a safe and effective treatment for hair loss with few side effects.

However, it should be noted that the long-term effectiveness of autologous blood therapy for hair loss has not yet been fully researched and that further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of treatment.

Would you like to find out whether autohaemotherapy is right for you? Let HAIR & SKIN advise you during a free, no-obligation consultation.