Can Acupuncture Really Treat Alopecia?
August 8th, 2008
I’d almost given up hope of ever successfully treating my Alopecia Universalis, however recently my mum was speaking to a young lady who had a similar form of Alopecia and was able to successfully treat it by having Acupuncture. It seems that she also had no hair, eyelashes or eyebrows and had no success trying localised steroid (Hydrocortisone) injections to the scalp. However she now has complete regrowth after using twice monthly Acupuncture sessions over several months.
Interestingly, I had read that Acupuncture had been used to treat Alopecia in previous studies. In fact, in the text “Acupuncture in Medical Practice” by Louise Oft Wensel, M. D.,published in 1980 by Reston Publishing Company, Inc., the authors speak of the use of acupuncture to treat alopecia areata. However, only a 30% success rate was reported for this specific treatment.
It was probably this low success rate that put me off even trying it however having heard of someone that has actually had success (and with an acupuncturist in my home town) I think its time to go ahead and give it a shot. It’s not a cheap therapy by any means and requires ongoing twice monthly sessions but I feel compelled to give it a try. I’ll be tracking my progress in the coming months and I’ll be sure to post some photos to let you know how I get on.
Entry Filed under: Alopecia, Alopecia Treatment
12 Comments Add your own
1. Can Acupuncture Really Tr&hellip | August 8th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]
2. Kelly | August 9th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Thanks for the information on acupunture. I didn’t know it could treat Alopecia!
We recently wrote an article on depression at Brain Blogger. In May, 2007 the FDA had started requiring that warnings be put on antidepressant drugs about increased risk of suicide for people around 18-24 years old. With medicine that’s getting more dangerous, is it time to consider other ways of treating depression?
We would like to read your comments on our article. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kelly
3. Pete | October 17th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hey,
I have also started Acupuncture for my AA. Can you please give up an update like you said you would. Wish you the best.
4. bev | January 20th, 2009 at 12:35 am
my 21 yr. old son has been recently diagnosised with alepecia totalis, and we are very interested in your experience and progress with the acupuncture route. Can you please give us an up date on any hair growth you experienced, how long have you been going if you still are…anything you care to share we’d love to know about. Good luck!
5. admin | January 20th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Hi Bev, I’ll be posting a proper update soon but at the moment I’ve not had any true regrowth despite almost 2 1/2 months of treatment. I’ll be giving it another month or so to see if it can trigger some hair growth but will at least continue with the weekly ear acupuncture clinics as these are a great way to relax and that can’t be a bad thing.
I think the important thing is to give it a try as different people react differently to each treatment. I know people who have successfully treated their Alopecia with acupuncture so it’s always worth a try, just keep an open mind.
Best of Luck!
6. Rudy | February 5th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I have had alopecia since I was 12. It keeps falling and gowing. Looking forward for acuputure treatment.
7. Shelby | June 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I have visited an acupunture facility, though I am worried that I will be spending a chunk of money on someone who isnt quite sure what he is doing. How did you find a good quality place and what do I look for? I have been dealing with AU for about 2 yrs now. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
8. admin | June 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Actually the acupuncture clinic I used was recommended by a friend of a friend so I didn’t have any concerns over the quality of the treatment.
Just ask around and you’ll be surprised about how many people have either used acupuncture or know someone who does it professionally.
I’m sure you’ll find a quality acupuncture clinic in no time.
Good luck!
Gary
9. Alan | June 6th, 2009 at 3:11 am
I an a Chinese and suffered from AU sicne 16 yrs old. I almost tried all treatment in my city including oral drug, regaine, herbal steam hair, etc. The hair grew on and off, the most beautiful period was my 39 years old, I had a long hair and a lovey pigtail ( I am a boy). I think it is the most handsome stage of my life. Unfortunally it relapses now and I lost all of my hair again. I felt so sad and depress, now I am going to try acupuncture in alternate day, very pain but hope it can work. Sorry my Englisg si not good but I really hope all of us can cure. God bless us
10. Hair Clinic | July 10th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I honestly doubt that it can. Will have to see more proof in order to convince me
11. Kelli | July 14th, 2009 at 12:48 am
My 12 year old daughter has had AA since she was 2. She experiences different levels of hair loss ranging from patches which can be concealed right down to needing a wig. She has most of her hair right now but when she was 90% bald the wigs provided by Hair Club for Kids was a life saver. They fund wigs for children for everything from chemo treatment to alopecia for free until they reach the age of 18. I think that she was able to get up to 3 wigs per year and they were attached to her head using tape and surgical grade adhesives. She mostly just used tape so that she could go for sleep overs and swimming. It was wonderful for her to have and I hope this helps any other children that are coping with hair loss.
12. My Acne Website | November 3rd, 2009 at 6:49 am
Acupuncture does work. it helps me deal with my allergies and also i use acupunture for relaxation.
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