Hair Loss
脫髮 / 脱发
Thinning or progressive loss of hair, traditionally related to Kidney essence depletion or Blood deficiency.
Quick Facts
| Health Topic | Healthy Aging |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Hair thinning, Shedding hair, Alopecia-like loss, Losing hair, Hair fall |
| Common Symptoms | Increased hair shedding or progressive thinning of scalp hair. The pillow or shower may show more hair than usual, and the hairline or crown may look less dense. Scalp may feel normal or slightly dry or itchy. |
| Related TCM Patterns | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Related Classical Formulas | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Hair Loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hair loss is traditionally linked to Kidney essence and Blood, though formula coverage in the current set is still limited. Differentiation would consider lumbar strength, sleep, and whether Blood deficiency or heat signs are present. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another. This page outlines how the tradition has organised such presentations for educational reference.
TCM Patterns Associated With Hair Loss
The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.
| Pattern | Common Features | Related Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency腎陰虛證Deficiency Patterns | Soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, tinnitus or dizziness, night sweats, warm palms and soles, and dry mouth or throat that is worse at night. Sleep may be light, and the person often prefers cool drinks. The frame may be thinner. Tongue red with little coating; pulse thin and rapid. |
Classical Formulas Traditionally Associated
Associated with 1 classical formula
Listed for study. Which formula fits, if any, depends on the pattern rather than the symptom.
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This library is educational. It describes how Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditionally understood these presentations. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a treatment recommendation.
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