The arrival of a newborn brings immense joy and happiness to a new mother’s life. However, amidst the joyous moments, many women also face a common postpartum phenomenon: hair loss.
Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia, is a common occurrence experienced by many women after giving birth. It is a temporary condition characterised by excessive hair shedding that typically begins around three to six months after delivery. While postpartum hair loss can be distressing for new mothers, it is generally considered a normal part of the postpartum period.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a significant decrease in the normal rate of hair shedding, leading to thicker, fuller hair. However, after childbirth, hormone levels shift dramatically, and the hair follicles that were in the resting phase during pregnancy enter the shedding phase simultaneously. This sudden increase in hair shedding can result in noticeable hair loss, often leading to feelings of self-consciousness and loss in confidence.
TCM Perspectives in Hair Loss
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hair is viewed as an extension of the blood, nourished by the essential substances produced by the organs.
发为血之余
1. Blood Deficiency:
TCM recognises that the blood plays a crucial role in hair health. Good blood circulation and quality are essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. After childbirth, women often experience blood deficiency due to the loss of blood during delivery. Blood deficiency can manifest as hair loss.
肾其华在发
2. Kidney Deficiency:
TCM perceives hair as being closely related to the Kidney system, particularly the Kidney Essence or Jing (精). Jing is considered a precious substance that is inherited from our parents and is responsible for growth, development, and reproduction. It plays a vital role in nourishing and maintaining the health of the hair. During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes. These changes can place a strain on the kidneys, leading to kidney deficiency.
When there is kidney deficiency, the hair follicles may not receive sufficient nourishment, leading to hair loss or thinning in the postpartum period. Other symptoms of kidney deficiency can include fatigue, weak lower back and knees, frequent urination, and feeling cold.
气为血之帅，血为气之母
3. Qi Stagnation:
The health of the hair is also associated with the Liver system in TCM. In TCM theory, Qi and blood are inseparable. The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Liver is in a state of harmony, it ensures adequate nourishment of the hair follicles and supports healthy hair growth. However, if there is an imbalance or stagnation of Liver Qi, it can negatively impact the hair, leading to issues such as hair loss or poor hair quality.
During the postpartum period, hormonal changes, physical stress, and emotional adjustments can contribute to qi stagnation. This stagnation can affect the circulation of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles, leading to hair loss or thinning.
Managing Hair Loss with TCM
A balanced and nourishing diet plays a crucial role in promoting hair health and addressing hair loss. Here are some TCM foods that are often recommended to support hair growth and alleviate the symptoms.
Blood deficiency: Red dates, Longan
Kidney Deficiency: Black beans, black sesame, black fungus
Qi stagnation: PULSE Stress Relief Tea
Incorporating regular physical activity and gentle exercises like tai chi or yoga can help promote the smooth flow of qi and reduce stagnation. Additionally, stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate rest can be beneficial.
Head Guasha
During a head guasha session, gentle scraping or massaging movements are applied to the scalp to promote blood circulation, release tension, and stimulate hair follicles. This therapeutic approach aims to nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair roots, and potentially promote hair growth. Incorporating head guasha into your hair care routine may contribute to healthier and fuller hair.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, may be used to restore the flow of Qi, stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms, and address specific postpartum concerns. This practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote overall well-being. Explore our specialised TCM hair loss programme at https://pulsetcm.sg/tcm-programmes/hair-loss-tcm-programme/
PULSE TCM’s postpartum hair tonic goes beyond addressing the symptoms and delves into the underlying causes of hair loss specifically for postpartum mothers. Unlike typical hair tonics, PULSE TCM’s formulation focuses on nourishing qi and blood, which targets the root cause of postpartum hair loss in mothers. By targeting these vital elements, the hair tonic goes beyond surface-level solutions and provides holistic nourishment to the body, promoting healthy hair growth from within.
Our formulation includes herbs such as 菟丝子 Semen Cuscutae, 当归 Radix Angelicae Sinensis and 川芎 Chuanxiong Ligustici Rhizome. These carefully selected herbs work synergistically to replenish the qi and blood, nourish the scalp, invigorate hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth.
With its proprietary formula developed by and tested on physicians, PULSE TCM’s Postpartum hair tonic offers postpartum mothers a natural and effective approach to regaining their healthy hair and reclaiming their confidence. Discover the secret to restoring your hair’s radiance and vitality at any PULSE TCM clinic or the PULSE TCM Shopee Store.
