What does traditional Chinese medicine believe to be the cause of increased body hair?
Oct 07, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
TCM believes that excessive body hair growth is due to insufficient lung qi, which leads to abnormal hair growth on the skin surface. TCM also holds that excessive body hair results from spleen deficiency; weak spleen function causes deficiency of qi and blood in the body, thereby affecting hair growth. In addition, kidney deficiency and endocrine disorders can also lead to excessive body hair growth.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the causes of excessive body hair growth include insufficient lung qi, spleen deficiency, liver qi stagnation, kidney deficiency, and endocrine imbalance. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient Lung Qi
TCM believes that insufficient lung qi can lead to abnormal hair growth on the skin surface, resulting in increased body hair.
2. Spleen Deficiency
TCM holds that spleen deficiency leads to inadequate qi and blood in the body, thereby affecting normal hair growth and causing excessive body hair.
3. Liver Qi Stagnation
TCM believes that liver qi stagnation disrupts hormonal balance in the body, which in turn affects hair growth and may result in increased body hair.
4. Kidney Deficiency
TCM considers kidney deficiency a cause of excessive body hair, as it may lead to hormonal imbalances that influence hair growth.
5. Endocrine Imbalance
TCM attributes excessive body hair to endocrine imbalance. Hormonal fluctuations—especially in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—can significantly contribute to increased body hair growth.
In summary, if excessive body hair is affecting daily life, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
