Autumn Hair Care Secrets: Nurturing Lustrous Hair with Traditional Chinese Wisdom

As autumn unfolds, many individuals notice their hair becoming increasingly dry. Indeed, the autumn climate tends to be dry, signaling the contraction of nature as everything begins to transition. Correspondingly, the body also enters a phase of 'contraction,' making it susceptible to dryness invading. As the hair is considered the "excess of blood, essence of the kidneys" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is more prone to issues like dryness and split ends. According to TCM, hair, being an extension of kidney essence, requires nourishment from supporting liver and kidney health, replenishing moisture to generate saliva. This involves integrating dietary adjustments and lifestyle enhancements. Below, you will find a detailed exploration of TCM hair care methods for autumn.

Dietary Adjustments

Nourishing Yin and Moisturizing Dryness Foods

In autumn, it is advisable to consume foods known for their nourishing Yin and moisturizing dryness effects, such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, honey蜂蜜(fēng mì), Tremella fungus, lily bulbs, and goji berries. Black sesame seeds are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and darkening hair while also moisturizing it. Walnuts are abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, fostering healthy hair growth.

蜂蜜 (fēng mì), noun, honey

Examples:

1. She spread honey on her toast.
   她在吐司上涂抹蜂蜜。
   tā zài tǔ sī shàng tú mǒ fēng mì。
2. The bees collect nectar to make honey.
   蜜蜂采集花蜜制作蜂蜜。
   mì fēng cǎi jí huā mì zhì zuò fēng mì。

Blood-Nourishing Foods

TCM upholds that "hair is the excess of blood," emphasizing that maintaining adequate blood circulation is fundamental for robust hair growth. To achieve voluminous and lustrous hair, it is essential to start from the root. Delightful as they are diverse, jujubes, rich in sweetness, pig liver's richness, spinach's freshness, and red beans' warmth, are excellent sources of iron that promote blood circulation. By enriching the body with blood, these ingredients not only boost the body's hematopoiesis but also provide a rich source of nutrients for hair头发(tóu fà) growth from the roots.

头发 (tóu fà), noun, hair

Examples:

1. She braided her hair before going to bed.
   她睡觉前给头发编了辫子。
   tā shuì jiào qián gěi tóu fà biān le biàn zi。
2. He dyed his hair a vibrant red color.
   他把头发染成了鲜艳的红色。
   tā bǎ tóu fà rǎn chéng le xiān yàn de hóng sè。

Adequate Hydration

The dryness of autumn inadvertently leads to dry throats, taut skin, and understandably, a parched scalp. Therefore, it is crucial to increase water intake to maintain the body's hydration, thereby preventing hair dryness.

While the recommended daily water intake for adults is around 2 liters, this can be flexibly adjusted based on individual constitution and daily activity levels. Whether it's a glass of warm water in the morning or a pot of light tea after meals, these subtle gestures of care provide silent nourishment to the body, ensuring that the scalp and hair benefit from deep internal nourishment.

Lifestyle Habits

Regular Sleep Patterns

TCM's concept of "flow of Chi through noon and midnight" teaches the synchronization of health with nature. In this season of harvest, ensuring to enter the realm of dreams before 11 PM is particularly vital. During this time, the gallbladder meridian is active, aiding in detoxification and relaxation.

Subsequently, from 1 AM to 3 AM, the liver meridian peaks in activity. Ensuring quality sleep during this period is akin to dew, nurturing the liver and promoting hair growth. Thus, even in the realm of slumber, hair absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, growing increasingly resilient.

Moderate Exercise

During autumn, the essence of exercise lies in gentleness and endurance. Opt for gentle exercises like walking, Tai Chi, or yoga, flowing in harmony with the autumn breeze. Such activities not only enhance overall blood circulation and bodily resistance but also safeguard against dryness by preventing excessive sweating that may deplete essential bodily fluids. Stretching calmly in the mildly cool air at dawn or dusk allows for the body and mind to secure balance and harmony.

Scalp Massage

Regular scalp massages effectively stimulate acupoints on the scalp, enhancing blood circulation, delivering more nutrients to the hair roots, and revitalizing scalp cells. Employing a natural material such as horn or wooden comb for gentle combing in the morning and evening not only aids in removing dandruff but also clears the meridians on the head, reducing hair loss caused by blockages.

Avoid Excessive Perming and Dyeing

Frequent perming and dyeing severely disrupt the natural structure of hair, exacerbating the fragility of hair strands. Instead, opt for gentler and more natural hair care methods. For instance, using herbal decoctions made from herbs like fleeceflower root, soapberry, and Chinese angelica for hair washing deeply nourishes the scalp, restoring the natural shine and elasticity of hair, and lessening the impact of chemical ingredients.

By adhering to these hair care secrets rooted in TCM wisdom, it is believed that profound changes from within will be bestowed upon your hair! May this autumn bless you with the gleam of your hair, the joy of your soul, and the richness of life every day!