Hair Care from TCM Perspective

In TCM, the condition of our hair is a direct reflection of the condition of our Blood, Liver and Kidneys. Hair is thick, dark, healthy and glossy when there is an abundant flow of Kidney essence (Jing) and Liver Blood. If there is a deficiency, our hair may turn dull, lifeless and brittle. The deficiency may even lead to premature hair greying and thinning.

According to Huang Di Nei Jing (The Emperor's Inner Canon), hair greying and thinning should start only from the late 30s to 40s for both men and women, in the natural aging process. Premature hair greying and thinning may be attributed to factors such as deficiencies in the Kidneys, Liver, Blood, Spleen and Stomach, Liver-Qi depression, or heat and dampness stagnation.

Both the external application and internal consumption of Chinese medicine, as well as acupuncture treatment, can help to improve hair problems by dispelling the pathogenic factors (Blood heat, wind and dampness), and enhancing the functions of the Liver and Kidneys.

Tips for Healthy, Glossy Hair

In TCM, beautiful hair starts from the inside. Generally, the Liver regulates the quantity of Blood and the Kidneys store the essence (Jing) of life. These two organs are interrelated and both are responsible for major aging signs, which include hair greying or hair loss.

Foods and herbs that are thought to be best at restoring healthy hair are: