Premature thinning of hair or excessive hair loss for whatever reason can be worrying and scary. Temporary hair thinning on the scalp is normal. This is because of the growth cycle of hair, that is, a large number of hair enters the ‘resting’ phase of the cycle at the same time causing hair shedding andsubsequent hair loss. The hair re-grows when it enters the growth phase.

Hair loss can also occur due to other factors as well. Your genes (from either parent), hormones, autoimmune diseases, stress, childbirth, illness, and even cosmetic procedures such as perming and dyeing can cause severe hair loss. Hair growth is restored once the condition is corrected, except of course where your genes are involved.

But what if you find your hair is shedding but not growing again? That is sure to cause panic. Hair experts will tell you that healthy diet, regular detoxifying, exercise, and hair massage can help stop hair loss and also help hair to regrow. However, sometimes even that is not enough. Topical minoxidil 2% solution or foam is the only currently approved FDA treatment for hair loss, especially alopecia. Studies have however shown that it stimulates hair growth in just about 60 percent of patients. Other ways to stimulate hair growth include iron and zinc supplements, applying China rose extract on the scalp, hot oil treatments, head massage with various herbs, homeopathic potions, ayruveda tonics, and acupuncture or acupressure.

Since one-size-doesn’t fit all, you may have to find the most suitable treatment that suits you through hit-and-trial. Here we talk about acupressure for stimulating hair growth.

Acupressure for stimulating hair growth
Acupressure is a form of alternative therapy where pressure is applied to specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of life energy or chi, so as to promote the body’s self-healing abilities. It is based on the concept that life energy, called chi or qi, flows in the pathways called the meridians. When the flow of chi is blocked, dis-ease occurs. Applying firm but gentle finger pressure to specific healing points on the body aids healing by promoting blood circulation, muscle relaxation, detoxifying and boosting the immune system.

So, if your hair loss is due to stress, illness, autoimmune disease, or hormonal imbalance, acupressure therapy may just be the right one for your hair regrowth. For best results get yourself treated for the condition and use acupressure as an adjunct to stimulate hair growth. (Read: Acupressure points for weight loss)
Let’s check out some of the acupressure points for hair growth.

Acupuncture Single Point Baihui, (GV20)
Paihui is located at the top of the head and is said to improve blood circulation in the head. The theory is improved blood circulation to the head stimulates healthy hair growth. So, applying finger pressure to this point every day once a day will improve blood circulation in the head and subsequently stimulate healthy hair growth.
To correctly locate the point, draw an imaginary line from the nose up till it crosses the extension top of the ear on either side.

Instead of finger pressure, you can also tie up 10 toothpicks with a rubber band and apply pressure with it on the Paihui. After applying pressure to Paihui for 2 to 3 minutes, follow it up with gentle but firm five finger pressure in the form of masssage to the whole head. (Read: Acupressure points for perfect skin)

GV12 and GV14
Similarly, acupressure points GV12 and GV14 or governing vessel meridian 12 and 14 are also situated on the head.
GV 12 is located right below the spinous process of T3. This is a thoracic vertebrae in between the shoulder blades.
GV 14 is located right below the spinous process of C7. This cervical vertebrae has a large process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck.

LI1
LI1 acupressure point is located below the first lumbar vertebrae corresponding to the large intestine. You can also access it on your finger tip. Press a point that is 1mm next to the corner of the nail of the index finger on the thumb side.
Press the point for about 2-3 minutes once a day, every day.

LU6, LU7, LU9
All the three acupressure points are located on the Lung Meridian.

LU6 – This acupressure point is located on the inside of the forearm, 5 cun (width of your thumb at the knuckle) beneath the elbow crease and 7 cun above the wrist crease. Press firmly but gently on the muscle pit in the area for 2-3 minutes once a day, daily.

LU7 – You can find this acupressure point by crossing two thumbs, and then place index finger on inner arm; it
points to LU7.
LU9 – This acupressure point is located in the wrist crease in front of the thumb, in front of the top groove.

B13
Place three fingers at the level of the scapula, between spine and shoulder blade, and press or rub vigorously. Repeat the process on the other side of the spine. This is especially effective for calming you down when you are stressed.

Apply finger pressure or massage as required for all the points given above every day for 2-3 minutes each. For acupressure to be effective remember to breathe in a relaxed way; try sensing what happens physically, and always repeat the process on the points on the other side as well. (Read: 7 ways acupressure can keep you healthy).