The Root of Female Hair Loss: A TCM Perspective on Causes & Renewal - Part 2
YINA’s Yang Sheng Guide to Healthy Hair
Yang Sheng, the art of “nourishing life,” reminds us that healing doesn’t happen through one product or quick fix — it happens through the small, intentional choices we make each and every day. When it comes to hair health, Yang Sheng teaches us to strengthen the foundations: nourish the Blood, support the Kidneys, balance the nervous system, encourage circulation, and create a lifestyle that replenishes rather than drains. Here are some things to consider:
1. Nourish Hair with Foods That Support Blood & Yin
As we’ve discovered, our outer hair is a direct reflection of our internal nourishment. To support hair health and growth, prioritize a diet rich in grounding, nutrient-dense, digestible foods, such as those that nourish yin, blood, and Spleen Qi.
Here are some of our favorite TCM-inspired hair-supportive foods:
- Black sesame seed
- Goji berries
- Dark leafy greens (cooked)
- Bone broth
- Jujube dates
- Seaweed
- Figs
- Eggs
- Walnuts
- Mulberries
2. Strengthen Digestion To Support Spleen Qi
When it comes to supporting our hair through our diet, it’s not just the foods we eat — it’s how we prepare and eat them. This is because in TCM, the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption. When the Spleen Qi is weakened by stress, irregular eating habits, cold and raw foods (like smoothies and salads), or overconsumption of sugar, its blood-building capabilities become compromised. To optimize digestion, focus on warm, cooked meals, regular eating schedules, and simple, digestible ingredients.
Here are some ideas:
- Use seasonal ingredients (like carrots, ginger, and sweet potatoes) to make easy-to-digest soups
- Add ginger and cinnamon to your dishes or beverages
- Swap dairy for easier to digest alternatives like coconut milk or walnut milk ● Cook your leafy greens instead of eating them raw
- Opt for warming herbal teas over iced drinks
- Avoiding skipping meals or eating on the go
3. Prioritize Deep, Restorative Sleep
In TCM, sleep is when our Blood is replenished and Yin is restored. Without adequate rest, the body simply cannot build the nutrients needed to support healthy hair growth. Late nights, restless sleep, and chronic stress weaken the Kidneys and exhaust the Liver Blood, creating the very patterns that contribute to thinning hair. To ensure you’re getting restorative sleep, prioritize a consistent nighttime ritual.
Here are some ideas:
- Dim the lights and turn off screens a few hours before bed
- Sip a warm herbal tea (like jujube, chamomile, or goji berry)
- Treat yourself to a YINA face mask to calm inflammation and restore radiance
- Wind down before 10 p.m. to align with the hours of the Liver and Gallbladder
- Try a warm foot soak or herbal bath
RELATED: A TCM Guide to Better Sleep During Menopause Part 2
4. Support Healthy Circulation to the Scalp
Poor circulation is one of the most common contributors to hair thinning, especially in patterns involving Qi or Blood stagnation. The good news is that a good scalp gua sha routine can be a daily medicinal for your hair health! Regular scalp stimulation increases microcirculation to the follicles, helping to support lymph flow and deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the scalp — all essential for hair growth.
Use our meridian massage comb to gently massage and stimulate your scalp. It’s not only effective for hair growth, but also for calming the nervous system and boosting your mood!
RELATED: Combing Therapy
5. Boost Your Collagen Intake
Collagen is more than a trendy supplement; it’s a research-backed nutrient that can help support radiant skin and hair. While some products contain topical collagen, ingesting collagen through your diet provides the body with the nutrients needed to support skin and hair from the inside out.
In addition to foods like bone broth, YINA’s Lumidrops, rich in collagen-boosting botanicals and grass-fed bovine collagen, offer a simple way to nourish hair strength and shine from within.
6. Balance Hormones Naturally
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most common drivers of female hair loss — especially during postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, or periods of high stress. This leads our hair follicle to become more vulnerable, making it essential to support the systems that regulate stress, fertility, metabolism, and cycle balance.
Here are some ways to support healthy hormone balance naturally:
- Nourish Kidney Yin & Jing with foods like black sesame seeds and goji berries, or herbs like He Shou Wu
- Support your Liver with daily movement, gentle stretching, and bitter greens to promote smooth Qi flow and healthy estrogen metabolism
- Regulate cortisol through soothing practices like breathwork and meditation
- Balance blood sugar with protein-rich meals, fiber, and slow-digesting carbohydrates to reduce hormonal swings
- Prioritize thyroid health by ensuring adequate iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron intake (all essential for hair growth)
- Reduce endocrine disruptors by choosing clean skincare, non-toxic home products, and filtered water
- Consider herbal adaptogens to strengthen overall hormonal resilience
- 7. Consider Herbal Support for Hair Regrowth
When matched with the correct pattern, herbs are a powerful tool in supporting hair growth and overall health. Though these herbs are known to support certain imbalances (like Kidney or Blood deficiency), it’s best to work with a practitioner to find an individualized protocol for your specific needs. With that in mind, here are some herbs to consider:
For Kidney Essence deficiency:
- He Shou Wu
- Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seeds)
- Sang Shen Zi (Mulberry Fruit)
- Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries)
- Nu Zhen Zi
For Liver Blood deficiency:
- Bai Shao
- Dang Gui
- Shu Di Huang
For Liver Blood stagnation:
- Chuan Xiong
- Tao Ren
- Dan Shen
8. Try Acupuncture for Scalp & Hair Health
Acupuncture is one of the most effective holistic therapies for hair loss — especially when matched with the appropriate pattern. It improves circulation, regulates hormones, calms stress, strengthens digestion, and supports Kidney and Liver systems. Not to mention, it treats the root, not just the symptom — allowing hair to return as the body realigns. Some practitioners will even utilize scalp acupuncture or offer Red Light Therapy and microneedling for the scalp!
Approaching Female Hair Loss From the Inside Out
While hair loss can feel frightening, feel empowered knowing that you can take your health back into your hands. Rather than merely addressing the surface, we hope to inspire you to take a deeper dive, and listen to what your body is asking for. Whether your hair loss is rooted in stress, hormonal shifts, or a deeper deficiency in Blood or Essence, know that there is a path forward — one lined with nourishment, support, and intentional care. By supporting your body through TCM principles, research-backed insights, and daily Yang Sheng practices, you’re well on your way to creating the conditions for healthy hair to return!
