Male Hair Loss & Acupuncture

Male hair loss is common and can occur for a number of reasons. The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss, which is influenced by genetics and sensitivity of the hair follicles to hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Hair shedding or thinning can also be influenced by factors such as stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, medications and other underlying health conditions.

Acupuncture for Male Hair Loss

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach for men experiencing hair thinning or hair loss.

Treatment can include acupuncture throughout the body as well as localised scalp acupuncture, with treatment tailored according to the individual’s presentation and possible contributing factors.

Male pattern hair loss is strongly influenced by genetics, and sometimes we simply cannot beat genetics. However, acupuncture may help support scalp and hair health and potentially slow the progression of thinning. It can also work supportively alongside other hair loss treatments, allowing us to take a broader and more individualised approach to maintaining your hair health.

Unlike some commonly used treatments for male pattern hair loss that work by altering androgen or DHT activity and may be associated with unwanted side effects, acupuncture is natural as does not carry that risk. This can make it a useful non-hormonal option to incorporate alongside other approaches to hair and scalp health.

Hair Loss Through a Chinese Medicine Lens

Chinese medicine considers hair loss within the context of the person’s overall health and individual pattern.

Treatment may take into account factors such as the pattern and speed of hair loss, stress, sleep, energy, digestion, diet and other accompanying symptoms. Two men experiencing similar hair thinning may therefore receive quite different treatments.

Where appropriate, treatment may combine acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese medicine dietary advice as part of an individualised approach.

If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss and would like to explore whether acupuncture or Chinese medicine may be a useful addition to your approach, please GET IN TOUCH.