In part one of the article, 'Hair Loss - The Causes', I discussed how a deficiency of mineral and vitamins can cause hair loss. In Part Two, I discuss other factors behind hair loss.
Other causes of hair loss could be exposure to toxins and heavy metals. Hair dressers working with chemicals, technicians developing film etc., are all at risk if they do not wear gloves when handling chemicals.
Another source of toxins is in drugs, both medical and recreational. I once met someone whose hair fell out after she took the drug ecstacy. Hair often falls out several months after surgery. One reason for this could be the huge amounts of medical drugs that the body is exposed to in the hospital (including the anesthetic).
Sea vegetables, especially the kelp family can be instrumental in helping eliminate chemical poisons and heavy metals. Sea vegetables bind with these toxins and eliminate them from the body.
Stress and fear are very detrimental to hair growth. Stress causes the production of adrenaline in our bodies. Adrenaline helps us run faster to escape something that is going to eat us. However, more than likely, we remain seated and the adrenaline is not dissipated. Instead, it stays in our bodies and because it is a toxic chemical, it damages vital organs, principally the kidneys. The end result is that your hair will suffer.
Healthy hair is a direct function of good circulation and good health in the vital organs of your body.
Many of my acupuncture patients have told me that their hair has fallen out several months after they have had a shock. One of my patients reported that her hair fell out exactly six months after her daughter suffered a serious accident. Unfortunately, the stress which then results from the hair loss just tends to generate more hair loss. Hence, control of the emotions is essential if you want to stop the cycle. This of course, is easier said than done. However, meditation and acupuncture can certainly help in this area.
It is not unusual for hair to fall out after the birth of a baby. This is due to a weakening of the kidneys caused by childbirth. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are excellent for re-energizing the kidneys. You should also support your therapy with foods that your kidneys love. Your kidneys resonate to the color black, and hence any food that is a natural black color will bring quick results. A suggestion is Chinese red and black dates, blackberries, black beans, black sesame seeds, squid ink (e.g. in pasta). All beans both dried and green are great for the kidneys. Kidney meat is also beneficial for the kidneys. Avoid iced or very cold foods and drinks, sugary foods and drinks, colas, coffee, caffeine, fatty foods, citrus foods, and excessive dairy products.
Unfortunately we cannot change our genetic heritage.
In Chinese Medicine, this is called pre natal Qi. Pre natal Qi resides in the kidneys, and therefore, if your genetic heritage is poor, it is of the utmost importance to nurture your kidneys. This will support hair growth, but more importantly, it will ensure your overall health for the longest possible time.
You can support your hair re-growth treatment by stimulating the circulation in the scalp by massaging in oil. No matter what the cause of the hair loss, massage can, in coordination with other treatments, act on the central nervous system, improve nervous dysfunction, promote the blood circulation and strengthen the nutrition intake of the hair. Hair follicles thrive from the added nutrients obtained with the increased blood flow. Jojoba oil is a first class oil for hair conditioning because its chemical composition is close to the skin's own oil, sebum, so that it sinks into the hair and scalp without leaving an oily residue. Certain essential oils such as rosemary, also loosen dead cells and remove sebaceous oils that clog your pores so that new hair can grow thick and healthy.
However, if you are truly desirous to achieving hair regrowth and follow an alternative treatment plan, please do not expect your hair to grow back overnight. This just does not happen. Acupuncture and other alternative treatments can take up to 3 months to achieve the desired outcome.
Hair LossRoslyn J. Motter is a Sydney, Australia registered acupuncturist with her own clinic. She is also a childrenÂ’s author and has recently published three childrenÂ’s books - The Doofuzz Dudes Rescue Moondar; The Doofuzz Dudes and the Princess Detector; and the Doofuzz Dudes and the Babbling Bottles. The series are fantasy adventure stories and are most suitable for children aged 7 - 12 years. Woven into the adventures is a subtle theme of caring for the environment. Excerpts and illustrations from the books are available for viewing on http://www.childrens-books.com.au and children can play games and win prizes on http://www.doofuzzdudesclub.com Her acupuncture website is http://www.acupunctureworks.com.au