Part 2 – Prevention and Treatment of Female Hair Loss with Alternative Medicine
Chinese medicine classifies hair as a “blood clot”. This phrase is a translation from an ancient text (Simple Questions, Nei Jing). In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys play an important role in the formation of blood in the body. It is interesting to note that modern biomedical facts support this ancient knowledge with the discovery of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is an essential hormone, which is needed for the formation of blood in the bone marrow. In Eastern medicine, the kidney is given a far greater importance than the urinary function assigned to it in the West. Oriental medicine defines the kidney as the source of all base energy of the body, the root of all yin/yang, and the repository of the “prenatal essence” (genetic code) as well as controlling reproductive functions. The “Ming Men Agni”, believed to be the “gateway of life force” existing between the two kidneys, is said to be “the abode of yin and yang, the sea of essence, and it determines life and death.” The kidney is of prime importance in Chinese. medicine, equal in importance to the heart in Western medicine.
Now that we have a little background on the Chinese medicine perspective: How does it help with the problem? Very simply, by supplementing the kidneys (and often with blood loss) with herbs, acupuncture and diet/supplements, we can make a difference. It is important for the patient to understand that this is not a “quick fix”, but a means to correct the root cause of the problem. Anemia can also be the cause of alopecia. The definition of blood deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine may overlap with anemia, but is not necessarily defined in the same way.
Now from a western biomedical perspective, the two major causes of hair loss (alopecia) are thyroid imbalance (usually hypothyroid) and hormonal imbalance (usually PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome). The thyroid is an extremely complex endocrine gland with approximately 12 distinct patterns that can be attributed to its dysfunction from functional endocrinology interpretation. The challenge is in determining whether the dysfunction is within the thyroid, or part of a larger pathway that is an important part of healthy thyroid function (HPA axis). Complexity of the thyroid, with it’s issue of feedback loops with other glands. A possible autoimmune thyroid condition is often overlooked.
Hormonal imbalance is another major cause of hair loss from a western biomedical perspective. PCOS is a condition where there is an excess of testosterone. The Western biomedical community usually prescribes birth control pills, which rarely resolve the condition. The only way to bring about lasting change in health is to re-regulate the body. This can be successfully accomplished with a special, strict diet and a few other lifestyle modifications, including acupuncture.
Menopause can also cause an imbalance in testosterone levels. Many women reject HRT because of information presented at a 2002 symposium sponsored by the Office of Women’s Health Research at the National Institutes of Health. The International Position Paper on Women’s Health and Menopause has established new clinical guidelines for women going through menopause. This publication caused many MDs to discourage patients from considering hormone replacement therapy.
From a functional perspective, in some cases bio-identical hormones are the answer to dealing with the difficult times caused by menopausal symptoms. After menopause, in healthy women, the adrenals should be active and produce the required amount of hormones to keep the body running smoothly. Keeping the body strong and able to withstand stress is a good preventive measure to ensure a smooth transition period of menopause. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a long and distinguished history of accomplishing this goal. Acupuncture combined with functional endocrinology, Chinese herbal medicine can restore balance to hormones and help maintain a strong and healthy body.
A review of recent blood tests can be an extremely helpful tool in understanding the disease process in these types of presentations. It is important to note that blood work is reviewed from a “functional” perspective. The assessment is based on various categories based on which most laboratories identify criteria.
Guidelines for Finding the Right Doctor
Here are some guidelines to help you find the right practitioner trained in alternative and holistic therapies.
1. If you are seeking MD degree from ACAM (American College for Advancement in Medicine) or ICIM (International College of Integrative Medicine). These are two organizations that provide training and seminars to medical doctors. It’s also important to check out the different subspecialties of any therapists listed to see if they might match your needs. There are many subdivisions of alternative medicine. I would only consider a specialist with extensive experience in nutrition, supplements and functional endocrinology to address hair loss. Please be aware that many MDs who claim to practice acupuncture are “certified” with only minimal training (250 hours of video courses) and do not have the background, clinical experience, training, and knowledge gained by a licensed acupuncturist It happens. If an MD says they do acupuncture, ask if they are licensed (some are).
2. In qualifying to be a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.A.C.), or Practitioner of Oriental Medicine, I will consider their training in herbal medicine. New York State does not require board certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine to be a licensed acupuncturist. Licensed Acupuncturists who are Board Certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine (Diploma OM from NCCAOM) are optimally qualified in all areas of Oriental Medicine. In China, extensive knowledge of herbal medicine is considered necessary to be a qualified practitioner. The most effective practitioners will incorporate current biomedical breakthroughs and knowledge into their practice. This includes ongoing training and experience in nutrition, diet and supplementation. The more knowledgeable the therapist, the more able he or she is to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.
Second, it’s important to remember that healing is a process. There are no magic pills, no quick fixes that will last. Work with your doctor as a partner, and the rewards will be improved health, revitalization, and rejuvenation as the process progresses.
footnote
4. Foundations of Chinese Medicine – Macioscia, Giovanni, Churchill Livingstone, 1989- p.99
5. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis
Source by Elyse Josephs
