The spleen is crucial because it produces red and white blood cells, which are essential for nourishing the hair roots. Weakness in the spleen can lead to diffuse hair thinning, as the blood, which the hair is an extension of, becomes weaker.
Past infections like mono or strep can injure the spleen, impairing its ability to produce red and white blood cells. This weakened spleen function can lead to hair loss, especially diffuse thinning, as the blood becomes less capable of nourishing the hair.
Emotional health is closely linked to the spleen in TCM. Excessive worrying or caring for others at the expense of oneself can signal the spleen to reduce its function, leading to decreased immune and blood flow efficiency, which can contribute to hair loss.
Reducing refined sugars and high glycemic index foods is crucial, as these can impair spleen function by feeding infections and microbes. Consuming less than 12 grams of sugar per day and keeping blood sugar within the 80 to 95 range can help maintain spleen health.
Herbs like desiccated spleen, grass-fed sheep thymus, manjistha, schisandra, and Uva Ursi are recommended. These herbs help strengthen the spleen, lymph nodes, and overall immune function, which can support hair growth.
Red light therapy and infrared saunas can improve lymphatic health by aiding in the movement of lymphocytes and reducing lymph node stagnation. This can help cleanse the spleen and improve blood flow to the scalp, supporting hair growth.
High sugar intake, such as from refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup, can reduce spleen function by up to 85%. This impairs the spleen's ability to produce immune cells and handle infections, leading to weakened blood and hair health.
In this episode Dr. Motley connects the dots between hair loss and spleen trouble in TCM and emphasizes the importance of looking at past infections and your emotional health. It’s all connected in Traditional Chinese Medicine! This podcast also gets into dietary changes, herbal remedies and other healing modalities that may support hair growth.
Takeaways
Hair loss can be linked to organ weaknesses, particularly the spleen.
The spleen plays a crucial role in producing red and white blood cells.
Past infections can impact current health, including hair loss.
Emotional health is connected to physical health, especially the spleen.
Herbal remedies can support spleen function and hair health.
Dietary choices, particularly sugar intake, affect spleen functionality.
Red light therapy and infrared saunas can aid in lymphatic health.
Understanding the body's signals is key to improving health.
Self-care and emotional balance are essential for overall well-being.
Holistic approaches can provide significant benefits for hair loss.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hair Loss and Organ Weaknesses
12:43 Emotional Connections and Spleen Function
22:03 Dietary Considerations for Hair Loss
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Links:
For the Spleen:
Desiccated Spleen
Grassfed Sheep Thimus Gland: https://bit.ly/4gjOsm2)
Manjistha: https://amzn.to/3wBQOeF)
Uva Ursi:https://amzn.to/3K5gtPN)
Schisandra: https://amzn.to/4dLHci3)
Red Light Therapy
Ozone Therapy
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