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.

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.

Alopecia Areata · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a pattern in alopecia areata, characterized by microcirculatory disturbance, scalp pain, patchy hair loss, fixed lesions, and dark scalp color. The core pathogenesis is Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the scalp collaterals, causing reduced hair follicle blood supply and impaired hair growth.

Alopecia Areata · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in alopecia areata, characterized by telogen effluvium or recovery phase, shortened hair growth cycle, premature entry into telogen, fatigue, and pale complexion. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood failing to nourish the hair follicles, leading to shortened hair growth cycle and premature hair loss.

Alopecia Areata: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin (Scalp)

Overview

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by sudden, non-scarring hair loss in well-defined patches. It affects approximately 2% of the population at some point in their lifetime and can progress to alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair loss) or alopecia universalis (total body hair loss). The condition triggers significant emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, particularly given hair’s role in personal identity.