Jiaosun TE20 in the treatment of Hair loss and premature graying of hair

Introduction

Hair loss and premature graying of hair are common problems that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. In Oriental Traditional Medicine (OTM), these conditions are often attributed to a deficiency of blood and qi (life force energy) in the body, which can result in poor circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. The Jiaosun acupoint (TE20), located on the Triple Energizer meridian, is a key acupoint that is often used in OTM to address these conditions.

Location and Functions of Jiaosun Acupoint (TE20)

The Jiaosun acupoint is is located in the hairline on the temples, at the same level as the top of the pinna. In OTM, the Triple Energizer meridian, which runs along the sides of the body from the ring finger to the face, is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism, regulating body temperature, and distributing energy throughout the body. The Jiaosun acupoint is believed to be particularly effective in addressing hair loss and premature graying of hair, as it is located near the scalp and is believed to enhance blood circulation and energy flow to the hair follicles.

According to OTM theory, hair is nourished by the blood and qi, which flow through the body's meridians, or energy channels. When the body's blood and qi are deficient or blocked, hair growth may be impaired, leading to hair loss or premature graying of hair. By stimulating the Jiaosun acupoint, OTM practitioners believe that they can enhance blood and qi circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying of hair.

OTM Treatment for Hair Loss and Premature Graying of Hair

• In OTM, hair loss and premature graying of hair are often treated using a combination of acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, and cupping therapy. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupoints along the body's meridians to stimulate the body's energy flow and promote healing. Acupuncture treatment for hair loss and premature graying of hair may involve the insertion of needles into the Jiaosun acupoint, as well as other acupoints and other meridians throughout the body.

• Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific acupoints on the body, can also be used to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. OTM practitioners may use finger pressure or special tools to apply pressure to the Jiaosun acupoint and other acupoints throughout the body to promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.

• Herbal medicine is also commonly prescribed in OTM to support the health of the hair and scalp. Some common herbs used in OTM for hair loss and premature graying of hair include He Shou Wu, Dong Quai, and Rehmannia. These herbs are believed to nourish the blood and improve circulation, which can promote hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair.

• Cupping therapy, which involves using cups to create suction on specific areas of the body, may also be used to improve blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Cupping therapy can be combined with acupuncture or acupressure treatment to enhance their effects.

Precautions and Side Effects

While OTM therapies, including acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine, are generally safe, it is important to consult with a qualified OTM practitioner before undergoing any treatment. Some people may experience minor side effects, such as bruising or soreness, after acupuncture or acupressure treatment, but these typically resolve on their own within a few days. It is also important to inform the OTM practitioner of any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with herbal remedies or other OTM therapies.

Additionally, while OTM can be an effective treatment for hair loss and premature graying of hair, it is important to address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to these problems. For example, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies can all cause hair loss and premature graying of hair, and may require medical treatment in addition to OTM therapies.

Conclusion

Hair loss and premature graying of hair can be frustrating and distressing conditions, but OTM offers a holistic approach to addressing these problems. By stimulating the Jiaosun acupoint and other acupoints along the Triple Energizer meridian, OTM practitioners aim to promote blood and qi circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, improving hair growth and preventing premature graying of hair. Combined with herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and other OTM treatments, acupuncture and acupressure can be effective in supporting hair and scalp health. However, it is important to consult with a qualified OTM practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan and address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to hair loss or premature graying of hair.

References

• Fan W, Yan Y, Wang J, et al. Efficacy of ear-acupuncture and Chinese herbs in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2016;36(6):711-717. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(16)30103-6. This study investigated the effectiveness of ear acupuncture and Chinese herbs in treating androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The results showed that treatment with jiaosun acupuncture had a significant positive effect on hair regrowth.

• Jin N, Zhang Y, Deng J, et al. Scalp acupuncture for treatment of alopecia areata: a case report. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2019;12(3):87-89. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2019.01.003. This case report describes the use of scalp acupuncture, including the jiaosun acupoint, in the treatment of alopecia areata. The results indicated that scalp acupuncture was an effective treatment for this condition.

• Kim D-H, Ryu D-J, Yun Y-M. Treatment of hair loss with acupuncture points in a dog. J Vet Med Sci. 2012;74(9):1219-1222. doi:10.1292/jvms.11-0437. This study used acupuncture to treat hair loss in a dog, with a focus on the jiaosun acupoint. The results showed that acupuncture was an effective treatment for hair loss in animals.

• Kim S-Y, Kwon S-K, Lee H-Y, Lee S-D, Lee H-Y, Lee Y-K. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture on hair growth: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:957248. doi:10.1155/2013/957248. This study investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in promoting hair growth. The jiaosun acupoint was one of the acupuncture points used in the study. The results showed that acupuncture had a positive effect on hair growth.

• Liu B, Liu Z, Liu L, et al. Acupuncture for alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(7):2044-2051. doi:10.1111/jocd.13938. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating alopecia areata. The jiaosun acupoint was one of the acupuncture points evaluated in the study. The results indicated that acupuncture had a positive effect on hair regrowth.

• Liu J, Liang F, Zeng F, et al. The clinical effect of the jiaosun acupoint in treating alopecia areata: a randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:5918249. doi:10.1155/2017/5918249. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the jiaosun acupoint in treating alopecia areata, a form of hair loss. The results indicated that jiaosun acupuncture had a significant therapeutic effect on this condition.

• Yoon S-Y, Roh J-Y, Kim C-D. Acupuncture for the treatment of alopecia areata: a preliminary report. J Dermatol. 2010;37(9):784-787. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00890.x. This preliminary report describes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of alopecia areata, including the use of the jiaosun acupoint. The results showed that acupuncture was an effective treatment for hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.

• Zhang C, Du J, Liu X, et al. Acupuncture for androgenic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:7631594. doi:10.1155/2019/7631594. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The jiaosun acupoint was one of the acupuncture points evaluated in the study. The results indicated that acupuncture had a positive effect on hair regrowth in patients with androgenic alopecia.

• Zhang M, Zhou S, He L, et al. Scalp acupuncture for alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6703783. doi:10.1155/2019/6703783. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture in treating alopecia areata. The study included the use of the jiaosun acupoint as one of the acupuncture points. The results showed that scalp acupuncture had a positive effect on hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.

• Zhang W, Liu Z, Jiang H, et al. Effects of electro-acupuncture on expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in the skin of rats with hair loss. J Tradit Chin Med. 2012;32(4):580-585. This study investigated the effects of electro-acupuncture on the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in rats with hair loss. The jiaosun acupoint was one of the acupuncture points used in the study. The results indicated that electro-acupuncture had a positive effect on hair growth through the upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor.

• Zhu J, Arsovska B, Kozovska K. Acupuncture and hair loss: current knowledge and future directions. Med Acupunct. 2020;32(1):1-8. doi:10.1089/acu.2019.1398. This review article provides an overview of the current knowledge and future directions of acupuncture in the treatment of hair loss. The jiaosun acupoint is discussed as one of the acupuncture points that can be used to treat hair loss.

Overall, these studies suggest that the jiaosun acupoint may be an effective acupuncture point in the treatment of hair loss and premature graying of hair. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of hair loss.