Is It Safe to Wash Hair During Menstruation? Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Is it suitable to wash your hair during your menstrual period?

Dear Doctor: Is it okay to wash my hair during my menstrual period? I found some information online regarding this topic.
Is there any truth to it? Thank you.
Here is an excerpt from the internet:
"Do not wash your hair during your menstrual period to prevent cancer.
According to Dr.
Shuqing Zhuang, a female medical doctor from Taiwan who studied in Japan, she discovered through her research based on traditional Chinese medicine that the majority of cancer patients in her study of 30,000 individuals had extreme dietary habits.
She found that many patients with breast and uterine cancer tended to wash their hair, lift heavy objects, or neglect postpartum care during their menstrual periods, which could lead to incomplete uterine contractions and hormonal imbalances over time, resulting in cancer.

Due to this finding, Dr.
Zhuang focused on researching methods for physiological regulation during menstruation and published dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes in Japan.
As a result, many Japanese women who had undergone surgery for breast cancer, uterine cancer, and other cancers improved their conditions through dietary and lifestyle changes, leading to a decrease in cancer recurrence.
This method, which has been widely promoted in Japan, includes the recommendation not to wash hair during menstruation.

Dr.
Zhuang noted that in ancient times, women were aware that washing hair during menstruation was not advisable and passed this knowledge down to their daughters and daughters-in-law, although the reasons were not understood.
Many modern individuals dismiss these traditional beliefs as unscientific, which has led to cases of breast cancer.

Dr.
Zhuang explained that women who experienced heavy menstrual bleeding in the past, before gynecology was well-developed, often avoided seeking medical attention.
One self-treatment method was to wet their hair with water, which would help the uterus contract and stop the bleeding.
Based on this principle, she concluded that washing hair during menstruation and consuming cold foods should be avoided to prevent residual blood from remaining in the uterus, which could lead to hormonal imbalances and the development of breast and uterine cancer.

In addition to avoiding hair washing and cold foods, symptoms such as dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in bowel habits before menstruation may indicate precursors to cancer.
Preventive measures include consuming black sugar, lotus root, carrots, and barley in soups, which can help inhibit the development of cancer cells and provide optimal prevention."

Xiao Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/22

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Xiao Mei,
Thank you for your letter and for providing additional information that broadened my understanding.
This statement makes sense; however, I believe he is referring to "washing hair with cold water," as he follows the phrase "washing hair" with "do not eat cold food." Therefore, if it were about washing hair with hot water, I would think that is acceptable.
The human body operates at a temperature of 36-37 degrees Celsius, and our daily activities are best suited to this temperature range.
Thus, frequent exposure to cold water or consuming cold food is generally not advisable.

This is my response to you, and I hope it addresses your question.
Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Yen Su-Mei
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2009/12/22

More Info

The question of whether it is safe to wash hair during menstruation has been a topic of debate, particularly in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While some cultural beliefs suggest that washing hair during this time can lead to health issues, including hormonal imbalances and even cancer, it is essential to analyze these claims through a medical lens.

From a TCM perspective, menstruation is often viewed as a time when a woman's body is more vulnerable. TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance within the body, and it is believed that washing hair during menstruation could disrupt this balance. The rationale behind this belief is that washing hair may lead to exposure to cold, which is thought to affect the body's "Qi" (energy) and blood flow, potentially causing discomfort or health issues. Some practitioners may advise against washing hair during menstruation to avoid any potential negative effects on the body, particularly in women who already experience significant menstrual discomfort.

However, from a modern medical standpoint, there is no substantial evidence to support the idea that washing hair during menstruation poses any health risks. Menstruation is a natural physiological process, and personal hygiene is crucial during this time. Washing hair can be part of maintaining overall cleanliness and comfort. The notion that washing hair could lead to serious health conditions, such as cancer, lacks scientific backing. Cancer development is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and hormonal levels, rather than simply washing hair during menstruation.

Moreover, the claims made by individuals like Dr. Chuang Shu-Chi, who suggest that washing hair during menstruation can lead to severe health consequences, should be approached with caution. While it is essential to respect cultural beliefs and practices, it is equally important to rely on evidence-based medicine when making health decisions. The assertion that women who wash their hair during menstruation are at a higher risk for cancer is not supported by clinical research.

In conclusion, while Traditional Chinese Medicine may advise against washing hair during menstruation due to concerns about maintaining balance and avoiding cold exposure, modern medical understanding does not support these claims. It is generally safe for women to wash their hair during their menstrual period, and maintaining personal hygiene is important for overall health and well-being. If a woman experiences discomfort or has specific health concerns during her menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

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