A growing segment of the modern Hong Kong population, including individuals in their early twenties, is grappling with significant hair thinning, escalating into common concerns like a receding hairline, ‘M-shaped’ balding, or the ‘Mediterranean’ pattern. To address this widespread issue, Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner (CMP) Pang Tsz Sum offers an in-depth analysis of the root causes of hair loss and premature greying from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, providing actionable dietary and lifestyle adjustments aimed at restoring robust hair health.
Diagnosing Hair Loss: Quantity and Type
It is a natural process for humans to shed hair daily as part of the normal growth cycle. The common benchmark for normal hair loss is fewer than 100 strands per day. However, monitoring daily volume is more practical: if over 40 to 50 strands are noticeably lost during a single wash or blow-dry session, this may signal a transition into more concerning hair loss requiring professional attention. Early detection and intervention, often through herbal remedies and dietary therapy, can yield visible improvements within one to two treatment cycles, although severe cases may require several months of consistent treatment.
CMP Pang categorizes hair loss into two primary TCM types, each demanding a distinct therapeutic approach:
1. Deficiency-Related Hair Loss (Xu Sun Xing Tuo Fa): This is the most prevalent form, deeply rooted in the state of the body’s qi (vital energy), blood, and kidney essence. TCM posits that “Hair is the surplus of blood,” meaning insufficient blood weakens hair growth, leading to sparsity. Crucially, “The brilliance of the kidneys is reflected in the hair,” making robust kidney function essential for thick, dark hair. Deficiency in kidney qi often manifests as hair loss and premature greying.
2. Dermatological Hair Loss (Pi Fu Xing Tuo Fa): This type is localized to scalp health. Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by excessive oil production, can lead to clogged follicles, inflammation, and accompanying issues like scalp acne, which collectively hinder healthy hair maturation and lead to shedding.
Key Contributors to Hair Thinning and Greying
Premature greying, often starting before the 30s or 40s, is primarily attributed to Kidney Qi or essence insufficiency, reflecting the organ’s role in hair nourishment and pigmentation.
CMP Pang identifies six critical factors frequently exacerbating or causing hair loss in contemporary life:
- Genetic Predisposition: A congenital weakness in kidney essence can predispose individuals to earlier onset hair loss.
- Excessive Stress and Fatigue: Chronic overwork, mental strain, and late-night routines deplete the body’s reserves, aggravating loss.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Frequent or heavy drinking is understood in TCM to damage the liver and kidneys, heightening hair loss risk.
- Poor Diet: Consuming excessive spicy or fried foods increases oil secretion and inflammation, contributing to dermatological hair loss issues.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or severe menstrual irregularities frequently trigger significant hair shedding in women.
- Drastic Weight Loss/Fasting: Rapid weight reduction and subsequent nutritional deficiencies can shock the body and introduce temporary but severe hair loss (telogen effluvium).
It is also observed that the pattern of hair loss differs between genders: women typically experience central scalp thinning, often related to long-term tight hairstyles, while men commonly display ‘M-shaped’ frontal recession or vertex baldness.
Practical TCM Strategies for Prevention and Diet
Prevention hinges on targeted lifestyle adjustments and nutritional support. CMP Pang recommends the following four steps:
1. Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Individuals with oily scalps should select less rich and stimulating shampoos and conditioners to avoid excessive sebum production.
2. Focus on Dietary Therapy: Incorporate foods known to nourish the liver, kidneys, qi, and blood.
3. Limit Inflammatory Foods: Reduce intake of spicy and deep-fried items to minimize scalp inflammation and oiliness.
4. Regular Scalp Massage: Gently tapping the scalp with fingertips stimulates local blood circulation without causing hair damage from pulling or aggressive rubbing.
For dietary intervention, several foods are championed for their qi-boosting and kidney-nourishing properties:
- Goji Berries (Red or Black): Support kidney and liver function, aiding hair growth.
- Mulberries: Potent blood tonics, vital for hair strength and color.
- Red Dates (Hong Zao): Replenish qi and blood, addressing deficiency.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Highly regarded for strengthening hair roots and restoring dark color (Ufa action).
CMP Pang also recommends a strengthening herbal soup: He Shou Wu, Black Bean, and Black Chicken Soup. This recipe, which combines materials like prepared Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu), black beans, and goji berries with black chicken, is specifically tailored for those experiencing hair loss due to deficiency in the liver and kidneys.
In conclusion, addressing hair loss requires understanding both external factors and internal physiological balance, as highlighted by TCM principles. Individuals noticing an accelerating rate of shedding should seek professional consultation promptly, as timely treatment can significantly accelerate the recovery of a thicker, healthier head of hair.