Acupuncture for Hair Growth: A Scientific Perspective
Acupuncture, an ancient traditional Chinese medicine practice, has been gaining popularity in modern medicine due to its potential benefits in various health conditions. One area of interest is hair growth, with claims suggesting that acupuncture may stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.
The mechanism by which acupuncture may influence hair growth is not fully understood but is believed to involve several factors. One theory proposes that acupuncture increases blood circulation to the scalp, thereby providing essential nutrients and oxygen required for hair follicle health (Kim et al., 2008). Another suggests that it may stimulate the secretion of various neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate hair growth, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (Xu et al., 2015).
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for hair growth, with varying results. A randomized controlled trial by Xu et al. (2015) found that electroacupuncture significantly improved hair density and thickness in patients with alopecia areata, a type of hair loss. However, another study by Kim et al. (2008) reported no significant difference in hair growth between acupuncture and a control group.
While the evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for hair growth is not conclusive, some studies suggest that it may have a positive effect. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal treatment protocols for various types of hair loss.
Kim, B. H., Lee, J. Y., Park, S. J., Cho, Y. J., & Choi, C. W. (2008). Effect of acupuncture on hair growth in women with telogen effluvium: A randomized controlled trial. Dermatology, 217(3), 235-240.
Xu, Z., Qiu, X., Chen, Y., Liang, W., & Liu, P. (2015). Electroacupuncture in the treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 94(36), e1560.
Zhu, S., Wang, Z., Wang, Y., Liu, B., & Huang, X. (2017). The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(4), 395-402.