Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair loss condition that commonly occurs on the scalp, and any hairy area can be affected. It often presents as sudden round or oval patches of hair loss. The etiology is complex and can be summarized as genetic factors, autoimmune factors, allergic factors, and psychological factors.
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Alopecia areata falls under the category of “Yao Feng” (油风) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its onset is related to the “Liver, Kidney, and Blood”. External pathogenic factors, deficiency of Liver and Kidney, Blood deficiency leading to Wind, and the upward disturbance of Empty Heat are all significant contributors to its development. The interplay of internal and external Wind pathogens ultimately leads to obstruction of the meridians and stagnation of Qi and Blood. Due to the tendency of Wind pathogens to attack Yang locations, it is commonly seen on the scalp; however, it can occur in all hairy areas and often recurs, making it difficult to cure.
Fire Needle Treatment Approach
Clinically, for newly developed cases, the primary focus is on expelling pathogens, promoting meridian circulation, and invigorating Blood. In chronic cases, it is essential to protect the Zheng Qi (正气). Merely treating the local lesions may not yield significant results. TCM external treatment primarily utilizes fire needle therapy, which employs the warming effect of the fire needle to stimulate the affected area and acupoints to expel Cold pathogens. It also utilizes the principle of “Fire expelling Fire” to disperse Heat pathogens, effectively regulating organ functions, unblocking meridians, and invigorating Blood circulation, embodying the idea that “when Blood flows, Wind naturally dissipates”.
Acupoint Selection Characteristics
Fire needle therapy for alopecia areata primarily focuses on local acupoint selection. This is because during the onset of alopecia areata, pathogenic Qi often accumulates at the local lesion, causing stagnation of Qi and Blood, which over time depletes the body’s Zheng Qi and Yin fluids. By performing rapid fire needle acupuncture within the lesion area, the high temperature of the fire needle expels the Cold and Heat pathogens, and the stimulation from the acupuncture and temperature promotes the movement of Qi and Blood, restoring normal circulation. Through this dual action, Wind pathogens are also resolved.
Case Sharing
Before treatment:
After one treatment, fine new hair can be seen growing in the alopecia area:
Fire needle therapy combines acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture can harmonize Yin and Yang, unblock meridians, and regulate organ functions; moxibustion can warm and promote meridian circulation. The combination of both can ensure smooth blood flow and expel pathogenic Qi. Additionally, fire needle therapy has shown excellent results for various skin diseases, such as psoriasis, pigmentation disorders, stubborn skin itching, lipomas, and plantar warts, with better outcomes compared to liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, and a lower recurrence rate.
Outpatient hours: County Hospital TCM Outpatient, Wednesday
Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Preventive Health Department, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday morning
Images and text: Preventive Health Department, Zhao BaoEditing: Office, Fang QingReviewed by: Chen HaiqingIf you find this article helpful, please share, forward, and click “See” below.Thank you!
