HAIR HEALTH ACCORDING TO TCM (3): Liver’s role

LIVER MERIDIAN

According to TCM, the liver is the general that directs all the other organs in their performance of bodily functions. Therefore, liver disharmony (from Qi stagnation, dampness, heat, etc.) will affect the proper functioning of other bodily processes.

The liver sends blood to all parts of the body and acts as a reservoir for any excess blood.

Liver Qi help move body fluids including blood to all tissues. How well the liver does its job greatly affects the level of energy, nutrients, hormones and disease fighting capability in the body. Stress, emotional repression and unhealthy lifestyle can trigger liver Qi stagnation. When this happens, many very important functions performed by various organs will be impaired. Moreover, in the blood vessels the Qi and blood move together.

If the free flow of the Qi is stagnated by the liver, the blood will in turn stagnate as well.

Since the liver help to detoxify the body together with the kidneys, stagnation will lead to toxin buildup, which will be reflected in the hair. Prolonged stagnation result in toxic heat flare up leading to many types of chronic illnesses including hyperthyroidism as well as impaired functioning or damage to other organs such as the heart, spleen, lungs etc.

The liver houses the ministerial fire, which is utilized for digestion. What this means is that digestion is a warm process and needs heat to function properly. Enzymes work most efficiently and optimally at a body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Poor diet, improper eating habits, and diseases can affect digestion, transformation and absorption leading to malnutrition resulting in inadequate nourishment by the Qi and blood derived from food for the liver. This leads to liver blood deficiency and shows up as dry, brittle hair with split ends.

Patchy hair loss on the scalp or elsewhere (alopecia areata) is due to Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Prolonged deficiency of yin energy can lead to yang heat attacking blood in the body creating more Yin Deficiency and Deficiency of yang Heat.

Most people with alopecia areata have a combination of yin deficiency and toxic heat syndrome.

As one ages, qi, blood and jing will often decline, leading to hair loss, graying and white hair. The Chinese acknowledges the ‘heavenly factor’ (genes) has an influence on the matter. However, they also believe it is possible to keep aging hair healthy by replenishing the vital components that nourishes hair. When body and mind is balanced and in harmony through diet, exercise (both physical and mental), healthy habits and with a little help from herbs and acupuncture (when needed), our vital forces and body will be more vibrant , healthier and able to resist diseases better. This will be reflected in healthy, younger looking skin and hair.