What is alopecia areata

Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness, is an autoimmune disease in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp due to the body’s failure to recognize its own body cells and subsequent destruction of its own tissue. Often it results in bald spots on the scalp, especially in the first stages. In 1–2% of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or to the entire skin (alopecia universalis).

  

What are the causes and symptoms of hair loss (alopecia)?

• The exact cause of alopecia is unknown.
• A variety of genetic, environmental and hormonal (androgenic) causes involved.
• Pattern hair loss is partially related to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

How does acupuncture treat hair loss (alopecia)?

• In Chinese medicine, the hair is related to vital substances, like the Blood, and the health of the internal organs. By strengthening these parts of the body, hair re-growth is encouraged. I use acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to do exactly this. I use both internal herbal formulations and topical ones, like scalp rinses and shampoos.

• Another technique I use is called Seven-Star Needle. This helps to encourage new hair growth by improving blood circulation and nutrients to reach the scalp.

• Treatments last between 6 and 9 months if hair loss has begun recently, longer for a longer standing problem.