A 2015 hair loss acupuncture research study concluded that acupuncture combined with the Chinese herbal formula Huo Xue Sheng Fa was safe and effective for resolving alopecia areata. This condition is a form of hair loss usually presenting as round bald patches. Plum blossom, 7-star needle technique was applied to the skin to promote hair growth.
In this hair loss acupuncture research, 62 patients with alopecia were randomly placed into a treatment and control group. The treatment group was treated with acupuncture and herbs. The control group received acupuncture combined with licorice tablets.
Study Participants
The 31 participants in the treatment group included 16 male and 15 female patients, 18 to 40 years old, with an average symptom duration of 7.5 months. The control group had 16 male and 15 female patients ranging from 18 to 37 years old, with an average symptom duration of 7 months.
All Participants Had The Following:
Sudden, rapid hair loss.
Hair loss areas primarily round or oval shaped.
Widespread alopecia patches.
Symptoms discovered inadvertently.
Affected areas had no obvious symptoms of organic disease.
Mental stress, persistent worrying, insomnia, forgetfulness.
Positive hair pull test result.
People Were Excluded From Study If They Had:
Hair loss due to infection.
Serious nerve or mental illness.
Tendency to bleed.
Blood clotting problems.
Treatment Methods
Both groups received 7-star (plum blossom) acupuncture twice a week at hair loss areas, moving from the outer edge of each alopecia patch towards the center, in a clockwise direction. Acupuncture was applied lightly, rapidly, and accurately until flushing appeared.
The treatment group patients took the Chinese herbal formula Huoxue Shengfa 3 times a day, 200 ml each time. The ingredients of the formula included:
Dang Gui 30g
Dan Shen 30g
Yu Jin 15g
Ling Xiao Hua 15g
Bai Shao 10g
Tian Ma 10g
He Shou Wu 15g
Wu Shao She 10g
Gan Cao 9g
The control group patients took licorice tablets (also known as Shuai Neng) after their meals 3 times a day, 75 mg each dosage. The treatment period lasted 4 weeks. Results were observed and recorded 12 weeks after 3 rounds of treatment were given to both groups.
Test Results
Researchers stated that the total recovery rate for the treatment group was 90.32% with a recurrence rate of 9.68%. The total recovery rate for the control group was 67.74% with a recurrence rate of 32.36%. Also, 1 case of an adverse reaction, mild dizziness, was observed in the treatment group.
A total of 5 minor adverse reactions occurred in the control group. Both groups obtained an adverse reaction rate of 3.23% and 19.35% respectively. All adverse symptoms were minor and disappeared after the patients were treated accordingly.
Acupuncture Background
Alopecia areata has been treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs since the ancient Warring States Period in China. Ancient medical scholars concluded that the best treatment for alopecia was to address blood stasis and promote qi and blood circulation. This prompts the body to supply essential nutrients to the hair. The Huoxue Shengfa decoction was originally prescribed by Cheng Ganlu, where Dang Gui and Dan Shen were used for their powerful blood circulating properties.
Modern researchers have found that Dang Gui helps strengthen the immune system and promote haemopoiesis, the production of blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow.. Dang Gui has also been shown to regulate blood platelet aggregation and benefits blood circulation. Dan Shen promotes blood circulation and repairs tissues. All other ingredients mentioned in the prescription are used to complement and assist one another to create the best treatment outcome.
Acupuncture Best Treatment For Alopecia
The researchers noted that acupuncture was one of the most important treatment methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine for alopecia areata. This hair loss acupuncture research conclusively demonstrated that acupuncture promotes blood circulation, especially to the skin.
When blood flow increases in the skin, nutrients in the skin are replenished, which encourages hair growth. Additional research demonstrates that acupuncture regulates the neuroendocrine system and benefits the immune system. The researchers concluded that acupuncture was safe and effective for the treatment of alopecia areata when it was combined with the Chinese herbal formula Huoxue Shengfa
Next Steps
If you have hair loss or have been diagnosed with alopecia, try acupuncture. It is safe, natural and is very effective for restoring hair growth.
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Hair Loss Acupuncture Research
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Reference
Cheng Ganlu, Clinical effects of acupuncture plus the Huoxue Shengfa decoction on alopecia areata, Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2015(13).
What our Clients are Saying
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture for another condition. While they were treating me I mentioned my struggle with hair loss. I had been losing hair ever since giving birth to my last child. I was amazed after they started treating me for hair loss that my hair starting growing back. It totally worked. The patches filled in and my hair got more full all over. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture. My hair thanks you!
