About hair growth acupuncture

About the hair growth cycle

For men, the hair growth cycle is typically completed in 2 to 5 years, while for women, it takes 4 to 6 years, after which hair loss progresses. Abnormalities in this hair growth cycle can lead to hair loss, such as anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Normally, losing 70 to 80 hairs a day is considered normal, but anything more than that is considered alopecia. In traditional Chinese medicine, hair is called "ketsuyo," and it is believed that excess blood is converted into hair. Mental stress is thought to consume blood and cause hair loss.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy Techniques Guide II, p. 415

About thinning hair

Studies have revealed that scalps with thinning hair have reduced blood flow compared to normal scalps. Blood flow has been found to be approximately 2.6 times lower than in normal scalps. In addition, scalps with thinning hair have been found to be thinner and harder than normal scalps. A study published in 2021 by a Japanese research team showed that in various cases, the areas of scalp tension and the areas of hair loss progression coincided in AGA (androgenetic alopecia).

In AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia), testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5α-reductase, and DHT acts on hair follicles to cause hair loss. However, when the scalp is compressed due to tension, it is recognized as inflammation, and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) is sent to reduce the inflammation. DHEAS sends a signal to the tissue to release a protein called TGF-β1, and this protein is known to cause fibrosis. As a result, scar tissue forms in various places, blood flow is reduced, and the compression by the scar tissue hinders hair growth and development, causing hair follicles to degenerate.

Research is also being conducted to see if the vicious cycle can be broken by reducing muscle tension. In an experiment in which muscle relaxants were injected into the scalp muscles, hair growth was confirmed. The scientists who conducted this experiment concluded that the relaxation of the muscles in the head that pull the scalp like a drumhead promoted blood flow and thus promoted hair growth. Scalp stiffness and poor blood flow are considered to be major causes of hair loss.

The most likely mechanism by which hair loss occurs

About hair restoration treatments

Minoxidil lowers blood pressure by increasing blood flow. Studies have shown that applying minoxidil to the scalp doubles blood flow within one hour of application. (This is involved in the process described in step ⑦ above.)

Red light therapy: Red light therapy uses light of a specific wavelength to activate mitochondria in cells, increasing blood flow and boosting oxygen supply to cells. (Involved in process ⑦ above)

Microneedling prevents scalp fibrosis by normalizing scar tissue (contributing to ⑤).

PRP therapy is a treatment method that utilizes the tissue's repair capabilities (growth factors) by concentrating plasma components, including platelets, from blood and injecting them. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in 2024, an average of 27 hairs per square centimeter were observed to grow. However, while highly effective, the treatment cost is around 150,000 yen per session, and dozens of sessions are required, so the total cost could exceed 1 million yen. (Involved in processes ⑤ and ⑦ above)

Finasteride and dutasteride prevent scarring by reducing DHT (related to point ③ above).

About hair transplantation

While it was previously thought that transplanted hair would be immune to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, studies show that only 9% of transplanted hairs retain their original volume four years after transplantation. This suggests that if finasteride is not taken continuously after transplantation, male pattern baldness may progress.

About alopecia areata

While various factors such as stress and genetics are thought to be involved in the development of alopecia areata, the destruction of hair follicles by an autoimmune mechanism has been attracting attention in recent years. Genetic factors are involved in this autoimmune mechanism, and in 2020, a gene associated with alopecia areata (CCHCRI gene) was identified. Genetic factors are estimated to account for 30% to 40% of cases of alopecia areata.

To stop hair loss and promote hair growth

1) Relieve chronic tension in the muscles that support the scalp.

2) Improve scalp fibrosis (reconstruction of the scalp)

These steps take at least six months to show results, but by breaking the cycle of hair loss, it can lead to an improvement in hair loss.

It will flow.

3) Block DHT (not necessary in mild cases).

The treatment methods currently being used are not a fundamental cure for the chain reaction of hair loss, but they are considered to be very effective.

The fundamental treatment is said to be to alleviate muscle tension in the scalp (1 and 2), improve blood flow, and reduce fibrosis, but ideally drug therapy

By using acupuncture and moxibustion in conjunction with other therapies, you can achieve the maximum possible results.

At our acupuncture clinic, we address the root cause of hair loss, whether you are currently receiving drug treatment or not.

We offer scalp acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and red light therapy, which address the root cause of your condition. Acupuncture also has positive effects on both physical and mental health.

This can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, and we believe that the relaxing effect is also a very important factor in hair growth.

This can help bring your scalp closer to a normal state.

However, since hair loss progresses over many years, recovery also takes time. Whether it's massage or minoxidil...

Well, whether it's acupuncture or anything else, it's said that it takes at least six months for the effects to become apparent. Hair loss treatment requires patience, but unfortunately...

Most people give up halfway through. Let's work together, including self-care, until your hair grows back.

Recommended self-care in conjunction with acupuncture and moxibustion

1) Minimize sugar intake, as it puts a strain on the scalp.

2) Take zinc and vitamin D.

3) Natural sawtooth palmetto, pumpkin seeds, peppermint oil, rosemary oil,

Use ingredients such as bacon and purple onion.

4) Daily massage and microneedling once every two weeks

5) Daily scalp massage

At our clinic, we provide information on self-care tailored to each individual patient.

About light showers

Numerous studies have shown that light of specific wavelengths activates mitochondria in skin cells, generating energy, which is highly effective for improving skin condition and promoting hair growth. In recent years, this light therapy has also been used in ophthalmology as a treatment for improving eyesight.
you can check the before and after results pics here https://www.celluma.com/pages/led-red-light-therapy-before-and-after-results?srsltid=AfmBOoqFDiIXKkY32hkZGnNUe9SFcwdlr-TM2y3qNRiEHOKSbX2a2RZU

Efficacy of Minoxidil Combined With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia. A Double-Blind Half-Head Controlled Trial ・The efficacy of light-guiding microneedle patch for stimulating hair growth in androgenetic alopecia ・Image: from cellumaled-red-light-therapy-before-and-after-result