The exact reason for pattern baldness, or alopecia, in medical terms, is not known. Researchers in Japan may have found the gene that is responsible for hair loss, but so far, no one has been able to find a cure. The Washington Post reports that each year, Americans spend around $3.6 billion trying to overcome hair loss and so far a few of those hair loss products work albeit only to a certain extent. So, what are the available alternatives?
Well, it’s probably time to consider Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. These two extremely useful therapies have been helping to treat several kinds of conditions including hair loss since the dawn of civilization, with great success. For optimal results, treatment should begin as soon as you notice the hair in your head gradually decreasing or your hairline slowly receding
Pattern Alopecia
In order to harmonize/balance the body, West Orange’s acupuncture treatments should be done systemically. Acupuncturists insert needles on the scalp to spur the growth of new hair and to boost circulation. The scalp can also be applied with topical herbal remedies to improve the results. Other herbal remedies designed to be taken internally to boost hair growth are also used. In a lot of instances, scalp stimulation is added to acupuncture treatments.
What Brings About The Signs and Symptoms of Alopecia?
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, there is no known cause for alopecia. Scientists explain that there are a number of androgenic (hormonal), environmental, and genetic factors involved. The hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is partly related to pattern hair loss is. DHT tends to shrink follicles shortening their lifespan and making it really hard for the body to develop hair. New research shows that prostaglandins may play a huge role in this balding process.
Some individuals refer to androgenic and pattern types of alopecia as “male pattern baldness;” but alopecia does affect women as well as men. Male pattern in baldness in both men and women is marked by hair loss that is well-defined. Loss of hair appears first above hairlines and the temples. Hair loss and thinning hair can be also evident on the crown of the head. Pattern baldness does not exist in women but there is general thinning of the hair on the head although there is no receding hairline. This type of hair loss pattern can also happen in men.
How Effective is Acupuncture for Alopecia?
According to Oriental medicine, the hair is related to Blood, the health of the internal organs and other vital substances. Hair regeneration is stimulated when the organs involved and the vital substances are tonified. This is exactly the treatment approach used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. They also use both topical and internal herbal remedies, like scalp shampoos and rinses.
Along with acupuncture, some practitioners use a technique known as micro-current stimulation of the scalp. This activates hair regeneration by boosting the circulation of the health of the internal organs nutrients and blood to the scalp.