WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS?

Hair loss is caused due to an autoimmune condition that develops when the system mistakes healthy cells for foreign substances. Normally, the immune system defends your body against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. However if you've got alopecia, your system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles. Hair follicles are the structures from which the hair growth takes place. The follicles become smaller and stop producing hair, resulting in hair loss. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of this condition:

• Though, it most frequently occurs in people that have a case history of other autoimmune conditions, like type 1 diabetes or atrophic arthritis
• Some scientists suspect that genetics may contribute to the event of alopecia
• They also believe that certain factors within the environment are needed to trigger alopecia in people

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH HAIR LOSS?

The main symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss. Hair usually falls out in small patches on the scalp. These patches often occur in several centimeters or less.

• Hair loss might also occur on other parts of the face, like the eyebrows, eyelashes and beard, as well as other parts of the body. You may first notice clumps of hair on your pillow or within the shower. If the spots are on the back of your head, someone may bring it to your attention
• However, other health conditions could also cause hair to fall out in a similar pattern In some cases more extensive hair loss occurs. This is usually an indication of another type of alopecia, such as:
• Alopecia totalis, which is the loss of all hair on the scalp
• Alopecia universalis, which is the loss of all hair on the entire body

Doctors might avoid using the terms “totalis” and “universalis” because some people may experience something between the two. It’s possible to lose all hair on the arms, legs and scalp. The hair loss associated with alopecia areata is unpredictable, as far as doctors and researchers can tell, it appears to be spontaneous. The hair may grow back at any time and then may fall out again. The extent of hair loss and regrowth varies greatly from person to person.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE HAIR LOSS OR ALOPECIA:

A doctor may be able to diagnose the type alopecia simply by looking at the extent of your hair loss and by examining a few hair samples under a microscope.

• Your doctor might also perform a scalp biopsy to rule out other conditions that cause hair loss, including fungal infections like tinea capitis. During a scalp biopsy, your doctor will remove a small piece of skin on your scalp for analysis
• Blood tests might be done if other autoimmune conditions are suspected. The specific blood test performed depends on the particular disorder the doctor suspects. However, a doctor will likely test for the presence of one or more abnormal antibodies. If these antibodies are found in your blood, it usually means that you have an autoimmune disorder.
• Other blood tests that can help rule out other conditions include the following:
• C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Iron levels
• Antinuclear antibody test
• Thyroid hormones
• Free and total testosterone
• Follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone

WHAT ARE THE CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS FOR HAIR LOSS?

There’s no known cure for all kinds alopecia, but there are treatments that you can try that might be able to slow down future hair loss or help hair grow back more quickly. The condition is difficult to predict, which means it may require a large amount of trial and error until you find something that works for you. For some people, hair loss may still get worse, even with treatment.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

• Topical agents : You can rub medication gels or ointments into your scalp that help stimulate hair growth.Corticosteroid creams such as clobetasol (Impoyz), foams, lotions, and ointments are thought to work by decreasing inflammation in the hair follicle
• A number of medications are available, both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription: Minoxidil (Rogaine) is available OTC and applied twice daily to the scalp, eyebrows and beard. It’s relatively safe, but it can take a year to see results. There is only evidence that it’s useful for people with limited alopecia areata. Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) is a drug that irritates the skin in order to spur hair regrowth
• Topical immunotherapy is a technique in which a chemical like diphencyprone is applied to the skin to spark an allergic rash. The rash, which resembles poison oak, may induce new hair growth within six months, but you’ll have to continue the treatment to maintain the regrowth.
• Injections : Steroid injections are a common option for mild, patchy alopecia to help hair grow back on bald spots. Tiny needles inject the steroid into the bare skin of the affected areas. The treatment has to be repeated every one to two months to regrow hair. It doesn’t prevent new hair loss from occurring.
• Light therapy : Light therapy is also called photochemotherapy or phototherapy. It’s a type of radiation treatment that uses a combination of an oral medication called psoralens and UV light

ORAL TREATMENTS:

• Tablets : Cortisone tablets are sometimes used for extensive alopecia, but due to the possibility of side effects, you should discuss this option with a doctor
• Oral immunosuppressants, like methotrexate and cyclosporine, are other options you could try. They work by blocking the immune system’s response, but they can’t be used for a long period of time due to the risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure, liver and kidney damage and an increased risk of serious infections and a type of cancer called lymphoma

BEST TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS:

In order to find out the best treatment for hair loss, some recent research was done and has shown that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of hair loss. This suggests that acupuncture could be an alternative treatment for hair loss. Another study compared standard Western medications for PCOS with TCM acupuncture treatments. This study found that the difference in symptoms after 4 and 12 weeks was almost the same between these two groups, showing that acupuncture can be just as effective in the treatment of hair loss as the standard prescribed medications and could be an alternative treatment for hair loss. Compared with a control group, patients receiving traditional acupuncture experienced significant improvement on a visual analogue scale after treatments. It also implies that acupuncture could be the best therapy for hair loss.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

People use acupuncture since it is one of the best remedies that help to treat a variety of hair fall problems. Acupuncture is said to have some advantages over anydrugs and helps in providing treatments without hair transplantation as well. The benefits of Acupuncture are immediate relief from symptoms, reduced chances of recurrence.

• During an acupuncture session, a practitioner stimulates specific points on your body with very fine needles. These spots correspond to the symptoms you’re trying to treat. This includes the skin, tissues and glands.
• The concept behind this practice is that placing the needles in specific areas that will restore the body’s flow of energy (Qi). When Qi becomes stagnant, it leaves the individual vulnerable to disease and illness, which is why it’s important to keep it moving throughout the body
• People who tout the benefits of acupuncture treatment for hair loss cite the actual fact that acupuncture stimulates endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that trigger positive feelings in your body and block feelings of pain
• It enhances natural killer cell activities and modulates the number and ratio of immune cell types
• It increases the local microcirculation, which aids in dispersal of swelling and provides relief from hair loss

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP TO TREAT HAIR LOSS?

It is considered as one of the effective and best treatments for hair loss. Scientists who are currently researching the benefits of acupuncture for hair loss prove that:

• The needles can also improve blood circulation. For hair growth, the needles may also stimulate hair follicles, which could encourage hair growth
• It may be related to increased blood flow and improved circulation in the skin, a common benefit of acupuncture. That could help stimulate hair follicles, nerves, and blood vessels so the hair loss will stop, hence it is said to be one of the best remedies for hair loss
• The tiny needles may help stimulate the scalp and improve the chances of hair returning without hair transplantation as well

WHAT IS THE MECHANISM OF ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that supports the thought of energetics within the body and it is considered to be the permanent treatment to cure hair loss, sometimes it could help by avoiding surgeries as well.

• Treatment consists of inserting needles at various pressure points on the body and through the skin. Needles aren't meant to cause pain, harm or discomfort
• A professional acupuncturist would target energy (or “qi” in Chinese medicine) or acupuncture points for treatment. These also are termed as meridians, with some being of special benefit to painful nerves and muscles within the body, by providing the best remedy for hair loss
• By stimulating these points, parts of the systema nervosum also are stimulated to alleviate pain. Acupuncture also can provide the best pain relief from other similar dermatological issues that there might not be too many pain remedy options

There are acupuncture points for hair loss, which is the point that is located on the top of the head. This simple scalp acupuncture exercise is proven responsible for blood circulation to the head and helps in hair growth. This is the place where the nose extension meets the extension of the ear. This helps to restore focus and calms your mind. There are other acupuncture points that respond well to self-massage, according to the philosophy of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. To help relieve pressure from PCOS, try gently but firmly pressing the point which is exactly one millimeter to the corner of the nail of the index finger (to the side of the thumb).

This has been proved to be effective for most people and is attested for better hair growth.

This point is called Yintang and is revered by many acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners for its ability to induce calmness and send energy or Qi in a downward direction; therefore, massaging Yintang is particularly helpful to provide relief from hair fall, that potentially give rise to symptoms of hair loss.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR HAIR LOSS:

Before acupuncture is used as a relief for hair loss, it is essential to understand the severity of symptoms. This would help the practitioner to know how acupuncture for hair loss would work out for you and determine the best method of treatment. In general, acupuncture is believed to provide treatment for hair loss by stimulating the nervous system and causes the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. It provides remedy using the biochemical changes that tend to influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, hence promoting physical and emotional well-being. The best treatment to provide relief from hair loss is by stimulating certain acupuncture points that affect areas of the brain and reduce sensitivity to pain. It is considered as the best hair transplantation alternative to cure hair loss.

RELIEF FOR HAIR LOSS:

Around the world, people often use acupuncture to treat hair loss. It is considered as one of the effective and best treatments for hair loss. Scientists who are currently researching the benefits of acupuncture for hair loss prove that:

• The needles can also improve blood circulation. For hair growth, the needles may also stimulate hair follicles, which could encourage hair growth
• It may be related to increased blood flow and improved circulation in the skin, a common benefit of acupuncture. That could help stimulate hair follicles, nerves, and blood vessels so the hair loss will stop, hence it is said to be one of the best remedies for hair loss
• The tiny needles may help stimulate the scalp and improve the chances of hair returning

BEST CURE FOR HAIR LOSS:

Looking for a best remedy to treat hair loss in Chennai, here’s why you should reach out to the best Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath from Dr.Bharath’s Acu Heal. He is currently treating patients for a wide range of conditions. As a certified acupuncture practitioner with 15 years of experience, with vast knowledge on dermatology and having worked with several dermatologists, Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath has seen Acupuncture doing wonders on people suffering from hair loss. The effectiveness rate increases several times just with one course of Acupuncture and it can help alleviate the symptoms, reduce the risk of other complications and side effects. It helps patients get back to their normal routine at the earliest, by evaluating your condition and offering appropriate treatment. Most of the people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a ‘miracle’ to improving their quality of life, that focuses on various conditions of the endocrine system, which allows you to live a happy, hassle free life.

Dial: +91 9884746916 or Visit: drbharathsacuheal.com for more details on treating hair loss using Acupuncture, by contacting the top acupuncture clinic in Chennai.

HAIR LOSS TREATMENT WITHOUT hair transplantation:

It is surprising to know that hair loss treatment without hair transplantation is very much possible depending on the stage of the condition. Most people can treat the problem with home care and medicines but the better option for immediate results for non surgical treatment for hair loss is acupuncture.

Acupuncture helps the patients to have a permanent cure, preventing more infections caused due to hair transplantation. To be sure that hair transplantation is a good choice, you need to have a blood test or imaging tests in order to diagnose if there is any underlying condition instead of hair loss alone. This test will be done after you have followed what's called "maximum medical treatment" for 4 to 6 weeks. This means that you take medicines and follow home treatment to reduce pain, infection and swelling. That helps your doctor see what's causing this condition. Due to some of the below complications, people opt for treatment for hair loss without hair transplantation

• You may need more than one hair transplantation to fix your hair loss
• After hair transplantation, you still may need to take medicines, such as antibiotics and follow home treatment for a long time.

BEST ACUPUNCTURE DOCTOR NEAR ME

To choose the Best doctor for Acupuncture, it's important that the Acupuncturist should have a decade of experience and treated at least 1000 to 2000 patients.

You can also search for the Best Acupuncture Doctor near me or ask your primary care physician to refer an experienced Acupuncturist nearby. Once you find the Best Acupuncture Doctor in Chennai, you may go through their google reviews first and then fix an appointment with the doctor only when you are satisfied with the reviews.

The Best Acupuncture Doctor should address your concerns and help you feel more comfortable before your first session. Acupuncture usually takes numerous sessions or several weeks to get a complete cure in any ailment but within 3 or 4 sessions the patients will experience positive differences.

BEST ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC NEAR ME

Owing to the demand for the treatment, there are numerous clinics popping up and it is sometimes skeptical to choose the best or even the safe one. To address such concerns, you can look into the following points to choose the best acupuncture clinic for hair loss. Acupuncture is also offered in hospital pain clinics and by healthcare organizations but it is ideal to visit the best Acupuncture Clinic for hair loss. If you are not sure, it would be a good idea to contact your local doctor to see if they would be prepared to refer you to the best rated acupuncture clinics. For example in cases where a patient specifically requests acupuncture for hair loss, or where it is felt that acupuncture would complement conventional treatment. In some cases acupuncture is offered in top rated acupuncture clinics near me because conventional treatment has failed or produces unacceptable side effects. Most of the best acupuncture clinics for hair loss will spell out very clearly

• what type of acupuncture they practice
• how much they charge
• how professional they are - at present anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist but reputable practitioners will belong to an organization
• whether the premises are hygienic and smart
• what other therapies they offer

So while you are filtering the best clinics for acupuncture that treats hair loss, you can look out for the above factors.

We have been rewarded a 5-star rating from Google & Practo. You can also check the reviews there.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you have hair loss and looking to try alternative treatments, acupuncture may be worth a shot. Just make sure you see a licensed acupuncturist and keep up with any prescribed hair loss treatments.

SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES:

• Jiang W, Liu W. The treatment of alopecia with acupuncture and related techniques. J Chin Med 2006;82:32–5.
• Almohanna HM, Perper M, Tosti A. Safety concerns when using novel medications to treat alopecia. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2018 Nov;17(11):1115-1128.
• Sadick NS, Callender VD, Kircik LH, Kogan S. New Insight Into the Pathophysiology of Hair Loss Trigger a Paradigm Shift in the Treatment Approach. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 Nov 01;16(11):s135-s140

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FAQ:

What are the services provided for hair loss by Dr. Bharath’s Acu Heal?

The Acupuncturist will understand the condition of the disease only after a thorough investigation with pulse and tongue diagnosis. Hair fall occurs due to age factors, stress, insomnia, thyroid, iron deficiency, etc. Acupuncture helps in nourishing the roots of the hair. The treatment will be focused on either one or more of the above-mentioned factors to improve the density of hair

What are the benefits of acupuncture for hair loss?

This is a drugless therapy and there are no side effects. In most cases, after completing the course of treatment any form of previous medications can be stopped.

How many sessions do you need for hair loss?

It takes around 30 to 40 sessions in a period of 4 to 5 months.