Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss condition that occurs suddenly in small, round patches. The affected areas of the scalp are normal, without inflammation or symptoms. Alopecia areata falls under the categories of "alopecia areata" and "oil wind" in traditional Chinese medicine. This condition is related to deficiencies in both qi and blood, as well as insufficiency of the liver and kidneys, and blood stasis in the hair follicles. Hair is considered the surplus of blood; when qi is deficient, it is difficult for blood to be generated, and the hair roots do not receive nourishment, leading to hair falling out in patches. The liver stores blood, and the kidneys store essence; when there is a deficiency of essence and blood, there is no source for hair growth. When blood pathways are blocked, new blood cannot nourish the hair, which is why the hair falls out.
Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency Type: Patients are mostly over 40 years old, with dry and yellow or white hair, and hair falls out in patches during the onset of the disease. In severe cases, it can lead to total hair loss. It is also accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, five-center heat (a sensation of heat in the chest, palms, and soles), insomnia with frequent dreams, sore and weak waist and knees, night sweats, and increased vaginal discharge in women; the tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is thin and rapid.
Qi and Blood Deficiency Type: This condition often occurs after a serious illness, a long-term illness, or after childbirth. The area of hair loss tends to start small and gradually enlarges, with uneven residual hair in the balding area that can easily fall out with slight touch. The scalp is soft and shiny. Additionally, there may be symptoms such as a pale complexion, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, and a general lack of energy and speech; the tongue is pale with a thin white coating, and the pulse is faint and weak.
Stagnation and Blockage Type: Hair falls out suddenly, or it may break off halfway, often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, migraine, or stabbing pain in the scalp. There may also be chest tightness and rib pain, frequent nightmares at night, or difficulty sleeping due to restlessness and heat. In women, there may be irregular menstruation; the tongue appears dark purple or has ecchymosis, and the pulse is string-like, astringent, or thin and astringent.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Regularly massage the scalp, which can help reduce hair loss. 2. Develop good living and eating habits, eat more fruits and vegetables, and try to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Maintaining a pleasant mood is conducive to treating alopecia areata and slowing down its progression.