Alopecia Areata - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for alopecia areata with
Alopecia Areata · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic pattern in alopecia areata,
characterized by **hair follicle stem cell dysfunction, Wnt/β-catenin
signaling abnormality, hair follicle papilla cell apoptosis, and chronic
hair loss. The core pathogenesis is Liver-Kidney deficiency failing
to nourish the hair follicles**, leading to stem cell dysfunction and
impaired hair growth.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
regrowth, weak hair |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
follicles |
| Etiology |
|---|
deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver-Blood |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney-Essence |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and promotes hair growth |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Ganshu to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (七宝美髯丹)
Composition:
Polygonum (He Shou Wu), Poria (Fu Ling), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Angelica
(Dang Gui), Goji Berry (Gou Qi), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Psoralea (Bu Gu
Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Tonifies Liver and Kidney, nourishes Essence, and promotes
hair growth.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Chronic hair loss | Add Gou Qi, Tu Si Zi to nourish Kidney-Essence |
|---|
| Lower back and knee soreness |
|---|
lower back |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Dizziness |
|---|
eyes |
Western Mechanism Reference
Hair follicle stem cell dysfunction with Wnt/β-catenin signaling
abnormality, and hair follicle papilla cell apoptosis. Liver-Kidney
Deficiency corresponds to chronic alopecia areata with hair follicle
stem cell dysfunction, where Wnt/β-catenin signaling abnormalities and
papilla cell apoptosis contribute to impaired hair growth.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Liver-Kidney Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency →
Cross-layer.
3. 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.