Dry Mouth and Hair Loss: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

A mild sensation in the mouth and hair loss issues?

Hello, Doctor Gao.
I have two questions to ask:
1.
Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with a faint taste in my mouth and very little saliva, and this persists throughout the day (I have gastroesophageal reflux disease).
What could be the reason for this?
2.
Over the past year, my hair has been turning white rapidly and I am experiencing significant hair loss; I can easily pull out many strands just by running my fingers through my hair.
Before asking, I referred to others' inquiries about hair loss, which suggested that most cases are related to kidney deficiency and liver issues.
Does "kidney deficiency" refer to problems with kidney function? Is there a risk of needing dialysis? Thank you for your response, I appreciate it!

Xiao Ke, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/01

Dr. Gao Peiyi reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

1.
Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with a faint taste in my mouth and very little saliva, and this has persisted throughout the day (I have gastroesophageal reflux disease).
What could be the reason for this? It is most likely due to insufficient hydration in the body, which falls under the category of Yin deficiency.
You can increase your intake of foods that are high in water content and gelatin, such as agar, black and white fungus, yam, lotus root, chicken feet, and pig trotters.
Additionally, ensure adequate hydration, limit consumption of tobacco, alcohol, fried, and spicy foods, and maintain sufficient sleep.
2.
Over the past year, my hair has been turning white rapidly and I have been experiencing significant hair loss; just running my fingers through my hair causes many strands to fall out! Before asking, I referred to others' inquiries about hair loss and found that most cases are related to kidney deficiency and liver issues.
Does "kidney deficiency" refer to kidney function problems? Is there a risk of needing dialysis? Thank you for your response, I appreciate it! Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered normal.
If it exceeds that, it is classified as hair loss.
The causes can be differentiated into several types, including exterior syndrome, liver blood deficiency, and kidney essence deficiency.
Liver issues refer to liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency, which are usually related to emotional stress and do not have a direct correlation with Western medicine's concept of the liver.
Kidney deficiency refers to kidney essence deficiency, which is related to aging or genetic factors and is not connected to Western medicine's understanding of kidney function; this is simply a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so there is no need for concern.

Reply Date: 2023/11/01

More Info

Understanding the relationship between dry mouth and hair loss through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide valuable insights into these common health concerns.
1. Dry Mouth: The sensation of a dry mouth, particularly upon waking, can be attributed to several factors. In TCM, this condition is often associated with a deficiency of "Yin" fluids in the body, which can lead to a lack of saliva production. This deficiency may stem from various causes, including dehydration, poor dietary habits, or underlying health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which you mentioned you have. GERD can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms due to the reflux of stomach acid, which may irritate the mucous membranes and affect saliva production.

To address dry mouth, TCM suggests incorporating foods that are hydrating and nourishing. Foods rich in moisture and gelatin, such as lotus root, black and white fungus, yam, and chicken feet, can help replenish the body's fluids. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration by drinking enough water throughout the day. Avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods can also be beneficial. Ensuring sufficient sleep and managing stress levels are essential, as both can impact overall bodily functions, including saliva production.

2. Hair Loss: The rapid graying and loss of hair you are experiencing can be linked to several factors in TCM, primarily related to "Kidney" and "Liver" health. In TCM, the kidneys are believed to store "essence" (Jing), which is vital for growth and vitality, including hair health. A deficiency in kidney essence can lead to hair loss and premature graying. This condition is often referred to as "Kidney Yang deficiency" or "Kidney Yin deficiency," depending on the specific symptoms presented.

It's important to clarify that when TCM practitioners refer to "Kidney deficiency," they are not indicating a failure of kidney function in the Western medical sense. Instead, it refers to a broader concept of vitality and energy that supports various bodily functions. Therefore, there is no immediate concern about needing dialysis or facing kidney failure based on TCM terminology.

In addition to kidney health, the liver plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. Emotional stress and lifestyle factors can lead to "Liver Qi stagnation," which may contribute to hair loss. TCM emphasizes the importance of balancing emotions and managing stress to support liver function.

For hair loss, TCM treatments often include herbal remedies that nourish the kidneys and liver, improve blood circulation, and promote hair growth. Formulas such as "Ba Zhen Tang" (Eight Treasure Decoction) can be effective, as they are designed to invigorate blood and Qi, providing essential nutrients to hair follicles. Additionally, acupuncture may be employed to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and enhance overall hair health.

In summary, addressing dry mouth and hair loss through TCM involves a holistic approach that considers dietary habits, emotional well-being, and the balance of bodily energies. Consulting with a qualified TCM practitioner can provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to restoring health and vitality.

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