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 | Sudden hair loss, smooth bald patches (well-circumscribed), itching, scalp dryness |
| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, dizziness, poor sleep, dry skin |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with little coating, thready and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood deficiency with Wind-Dryness affecting the hair follicles |
| Etiology | Stress, immune dysfunction, poor nutrition, 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 | Back-Shu point of the Blood; nourishes Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |
| Baihui (GV20) | On the midline of the head, 5 cun posterior to the 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 | Add Mai Dong, Tian Hua Fen to generate fluids and 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
- Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Blood Deficiency and Wind-Dryness.
- WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
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