Male Pattern Hair Loss (AGA) — Korean Medicine's Strategy of Scalp Pharmacopuncture and Internal Herbs
Table of Contents
The mechanism of androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) accounts for about 95% of male hair loss. When testosterone is converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by 5-alpha reductase, DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles and causes follicular miniaturization. The classic pattern is recession of the frontal hairline and thinning at the vertex. Genetic predisposition plays a major role, but stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional deficiencies accelerate progression.
Blood deficiency with wind-dryness and kidney deficiency
In Korean medicine, hair is described as "the surplus of blood" — only when blood is sufficient can the hair be nourished. When blood deficiency persists, the scalp dries out and wind arises, producing itching together with hair loss; this is called blood deficiency with wind-dryness. At the same time, because the kidneys are the root of the hair, when kidney essence is depleted, hair becomes thin and graying and shedding progress.
Polygonum multiflorum (Heshouwu) and Platycladus leaves — core herbs
- Processed Polygonum multiflorum (jehasu-o): A representative herb that tonifies the liver and kidneys and replenishes essence and blood. Studies suggest it prolongs the growth phase of follicular cells, and it is a core component of Korean medicine hair-loss formulas.
- Platycladus leaves (cebai-ye): Cools the blood and dispels wind, reducing scalp heat and itching while suppressing hair loss. It is sometimes applied directly to the scalp as a topical.
- Adjunct herbs: Chinese angelica (replenishes blood), Ligusticum (improves scalp blood flow), Ligustrum lucidum (tonifies liver and kidneys), and white mulberry fruit (replenishes kidney essence)
Scalp pharmacopuncture treatment
Scalp pharmacopuncture is a treatment in which herbal extracts are micro-injected directly into hair-loss areas. Pharmacopuncture solutions of Astragalus, Chinese angelica, and deer antler velvet supply nutrients directly to the follicles, while micro-stimulation increases scalp blood flow. The treatment is given once or twice a week and must be continued for at least 12 weeks to perceive benefit. Combining internal herbal medicine with external pharmacopuncture is more effective than either treatment alone.
Daily scalp care
Wash the hair in the evening to remove the day's sebum and debris, and dry the scalp completely before going to bed. A daily five-minute scalp massage helps improve blood flow.