Acupuressure points to combat hair loss and stimulate hair growth

Is acupressure supported by scientific evidence?

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Acupressure is a form of alternate therapy, a traditional Chinese therapy, where manual pressure is applied to stimulate specific points along the body. Acupressure points is thought to lie along the energy channels of your body, through which your life force (or 'qi') flows. Traditional acupressure (and acupuncture) theory states that if one of these channels is blocked or if there exists a imbalance, disease can result.

There is some scientific evidence suggesting that acupressure does treat some conditions. It has been used to treat insomnia patients with benefits lasting long term (1) and improve sleep quality in patients with end stage renal disease (2). It has also been show to reduce morning sickness, anxiety and depression in pregnant women (3). There hasn't been a lot of research done into the validity of acupressure on preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. However, acupressure is a free (if you do it yourself), zero-risk procedure (provided you are not poking your eyes out!), so what do you have to lose!

Acupressure for hair-loss prevention

For perform acupressure, one applies firm but gentle finger pressure to specific points along the body. The following acupresssure points are

Baihui point (also called GV20 or DU20 point)

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The Baihui point (sometimes written as Paihui) is the point at the top of the head. The point is responsible for blood circulation to the head so stimulating it improves blood circulation in the head to facilitate new hair growth.

The point is at the center of the top of the head. To find it, imagine there is an imaginary line that connects the high points of your ears. The point where it intersects the midline of your body is the Baihui point. Massage the point with vertical pressure. Remember to be gentle as to not damage your hair.

Shenzhu (GV12 point) and DaZhui (GV14 point) acupuncture point 

GV14 is located beneath the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra. GV12 is located above GV14 and below the neck (below the spinous process of C7). See the diagram for more information. Ask someone to press down on these areas with firm pressure for five to ten seconds. You can repeat the action every day if you wish.

 

KongZui (LU6 point), Lieque (LU7), Taiyuan (LU9) acupuncture point

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LU6 point is located 0.8 inches (2.1 cm) above the base of the hand (wrist). LU9 is at the thumb side base of the wrist. LU7 is 0.5 cm above LU9.

B13

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B13 is located between your spine and shoulder blade. It helps to reduce stress which is a known contributor to hair loss. So, when you are stress, apply firm pressure to this point to prevent your emotions from getting your hair. 

References

1.

Sun, J.-L., Sung, M.-S., Huang, M.-Y., Cheng, G.-C. & Lin, C.-C. Effectiveness of acupressure for residents of long-term care facilities with insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies 47, 798–805 (2010).  [link]

2.

Tsay, S.-L. & Chen, M.-L. Acupressure and quality of sleep in patients with end-stage renal disease—a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies 40, 1–7 (2003). [link]

3.

Hyde, E. Acupressure therapy for morning sickness A controlled clinical trial. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery 34, 171–178 (1989). [link]