"Cupping Therapy: A Promising Approach for Holistic Hair Loss Treatment"

When it comes to hair loss treatments, particularly at a young age, the majority of patients, around 95%, express dissatisfaction with the hair treatments they have received.According to U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS)  0.89 million Americans spent $500 or more on haircare products. A recent report by Mail online highlights that Americans are spending millions of dollars on hair care, but the benefits they are getting in return are often minimal and temporary. Essentially, the hair care industry seems to be selling hope for exorbitant prices, and we, as consumers, are willing to purchase that hope, if possible.

Image by Phimchanok Srisuriyamart from Pixabay

For men, one of the primary causes of early scalp hair loss is the excessive accumulation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles at the scalp's roots. One drug called Fenesteride can block DHT production, but its potential impact on libido has made it less popular.

Hair fall can occur due to various reasons, and it's important to identify the underlying cause in order to address the issue effectively. Some common reasons for hair fall include:

Genetic Factors: Hair loss can be hereditary, meaning it may run in families. Male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common genetic cause of hair loss.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can contribute to hair fall.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamins (particularly vitamin D and B vitamins), and proteins, can impact the health of hair follicles and result in hair loss.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss), scalp infections (such as ringworm), and underlying skin disorders can lead to hair fall.

Stress and Emotional Factors: Physical or emotional stress can trigger hair loss. Significant life events, trauma, or prolonged periods of stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in excessive shedding.

Hairstyling and Treatments: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments (like perming or straightening), tight hairstyles (such as ponytails or braids), and frequent use of hair products can damage the hair shaft and contribute to hair fall.

 Medications and Medical Treatments: Certain medications, such as those used for cancer (chemotherapy), blood pressure, or hormonal imbalances, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

 Age and Natural Aging Process: Hair growth naturally slows down with age, and hair follicles may become less active, leading to gradual hair thinning and loss.

Currently, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is gaining traction as a hair loss treatment. It's worth noting that the FDA has not approved PRP as a hair transplant drug, but despite its high cost, many people have embraced this treatment method.

 Now, an intriguing question arises: Is there a connection between hair growth and Cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy involves acupuncture points on the head that can treat various ailments. Although not widely known, head Cuppingtherapy is performed for patient-specific diseases, and interestingly, some patients have reported faster hair growth in those areas and reduced hair loss in the surrounding regions. Cupping therapy is believed to play a significant role in promoting hair growth, and this belief has been held for quite some time.

Read this article:

“Exploring the Health Benefits of Cupping Therapy: The Forgotten Sunnah”

 How it works:

Cupping therapy works in two promising ways

First, it helps eliminate large amounts of DHT, the pathogenic substance in androgenetic alopecia, from the affected areas of the scalp during each session. This demonstrates one of Cupping therapy's advantages in terms of elimination. 

Second, Cupping therapy stimulates local healthy blood circulation through the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. Given the shortcomings and uncertainties surrounding traditional hair care methods, Cupping therapy shouldn't be overlooked, especially considering its prevalence among individuals suffering from various ailments. This Sunnah remedy deserves recognition. 

Reflecting on the notion that if something works for someone, it's worth giving it a try, we considered employing Cupping therapy for hair treatment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) referred to Cupping therapy as the "best" cure, so why not use it for hair-related issues?

 Here are some benefits of applying Cupping therapy to the head: 

• It targets two pathological factors simultaneously, providing renewed hope for those tired of relying on shampoos, lotions, and sprays to combat hair loss.
• Compared to PRP, Cupping therapy is much more cost-effective.
• Cupping therapy is completely safe as it is part of prophetic medicine.
• Choosing a hadith for healing carries spiritual benefits and rewards.
• Cupping therapy is also beneficial for headaches and relaxation, adding further value to hair care.

According to Tasrina Ahmed, a cupping therapist at Baitul Hijama (Dhaka), the treatment for hair loss typically involves six to eight sessions. The second session is scheduled 15 days after the first, followed by the third session one month after the second session. The fourth, fifth, and sixth sessions are then scheduled one month apart. Depending on the individual's response, subsequent hair treatments can be scheduled at three or six-month intervals. 

Here are a few precautions to consider:

• Maintain realistic expectations as reactions vary from person to person. Much depends on the extent of existing damage to the hair follicles.
•  It's important not to expect an immediate abundance of hair after Cupping therapy since it promotes natural growth. 
• Artificial changes like hair transplants are not achievable through Cupping therapy.
•  Patience is key, and at least three months of consistent sessions are necessary to observe initial evidence of reduced hair loss rates.
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Be committed to following the treatment schedule without interrupting it. Planning wisely is crucial.

One of the great advantages of Cuppingtherapy is its lack of side effects compared to medications. You can confidently rely on Cupping therapy for an extended period without any hesitations. It eliminates the daily hassle of spending time on hair maintenance. 

In conclusion, when it comes to hair loss treatments, it is essential to explore various options. Cupping therapy presents a promising avenue for hair care, with its potential benefits and spiritual rewards. By setting realistic expectations, adhering to the treatment schedule, and embracing its safe and side-effect-free nature, Cupping therapy can be a worthwhile choice for those seeking effective and holistic hair loss remedies.

Read this article also:

 Cupping Therapy for Hair Loss Treatment: A Report of Five Cases

Cupping Therapy for Diseases: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2009 to 2019

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