Combing Therapy

Combing therapy – “Shu Fa” - 梳发 is a nearly forgotten practice that originated from ancient China.  It is just one of the myriad practices that improve health and well-being in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  One of the earliest references to combing therapy was noted in a Jin Dynasty text “On Health Preservation” -晋代嵇康《养生论》which noted that “brushing hair activates blood and meridians”.

This ancient practice is more oriented towards the scalp than just plain brushing of the hair. It helps bring balance energetically by improving the flow of qi throughout the body.  In this blog, we will discuss some ways you can incorporate combing therapy into your wellness practice, including a focus on 3 acupoints and specialized combs.

Benefits of Combing Therapy

Improvement of Blood Circulation: Combing and scalp massage via scalp massage stimulate blood flow to the scalp. This increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen that are delivered to the hair follicles for healthier hair growth.

Stress Reduction: Combing therapy and scalp massage will help to relieve stress by relaxing the muscles of the scalp. Stress and tension are often thought of as contributing factors to hair loss.

Whole-Body Balance: Combing therapy and scalp massage can stimulate acupressure points which enhance the body's energetic pathways and restore balance and well being.

Three Key Acupressure Points

Baihui 百会(DU20): 
Located at the top of the head, this point is important for improving blood circulation and promoting hair growth. It's also linked to mental clarity and relaxation.

Fengchi 风池(GB20): 
Located just behind the earlobe, near the base of the skull. This point helps improve circulation to the scalp and neck to facilitate hair growth and relieve stress.

Taiyang 太阳:
This point is found at the anterior 1/3 of the skull.  Taiyang supports hair growth and relieves headaches.

Using Specialized Combs

Combing therapy involves using a specialized comb to gently stimulate the scalp's acupressure points. This technique can be enhanced with tools like the Meridian Massage comb, which is designed to improve circulation and promote hair growth.

Steps for using the Meridian Massage Comb for Combing Therapy

Start at the Front:

Starting on the forehead and scrape gently towards the back of the head.

Move Along the Meridians: Follow the meridian lines of the scalp such as the Du, Bladder, and Gallbladder channels to induce acupressure points on the scalp.

Repeat and Relax: Repeat each stroke again several times, remaining focused on relaxing your mind and noting the sensations of increased blood flow to the scalp.

How to incorporate Combing Therapy and Scalp Massage

Integrating combing therapy as part of your daily ritual can be easy and enjoyable.

Daily Ritual: Simply take a few minutes every day to comb your hair or massage your scalp.

Consistency: Benefits will accumulates over time with consistent daily practice.

Mindfulness: Treat yourself to mindfulness as a practice, and focus on the sensations and feelings of relaxation.

By embracing TCM combing and scalp massage, you can not only improve your hair health but also enhance your overall well-being, fostering a more balanced and harmonious connection between body and mind.