Alopecia Areata - Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for alopecia areata with
Alopecia Areata · Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness is the most common pattern in
alopecia areata, characterized by **T-cell-mediated autoimmune attack on
hair follicles, sudden hair loss, smooth bald patches, itching, and
scalp dryness. The core pathogenesis is Blood deficiency with
Wind-Dryness invading the hair follicles**, causing immune privilege
collapse and hair loss.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
(well-circumscribed), itching, scalp dryness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
skin |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
hair follicles |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Blood deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Nourishes Blood and stops itching |
| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
of the Blood; nourishes Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and promotes hair growth |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; may
combine with local scalp acupuncture and moxibustion on Baihui.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Si Wu Tang (四物汤) + Shen Ying Yang Zhen Dan
(神应养真丹)
Composition:
Angelica (Dang Gui), Rehmannia (Shu Di), White Peony (Bai Shao),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Gastrodia (Tian Ma), Notopterygium (Qiang
Huo), Papaya (Mu Gua), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Blood, extinguishes Wind, and promotes hair
growth.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
|---|
| Scalp dryness |
|---|
moisten dryness |
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
T-cell-mediated autoimmune attack on hair follicles with immune
privilege collapse and NKG2D ligand expression. Blood Deficiency with
Wind-Dryness corresponds to alopecia areata, where T-cell-mediated
autoimmune attack and immune privilege collapse contribute to hair
follicle destruction and sudden hair loss.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Blood Deficiency and
Wind-Dryness.
2. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.