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Alternative therapies When drug treatments fail to bring sufficient hair re-growth, some people turn to alternative therapies. Alternatives purported to help alopecia areata include hypnotherapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, evening primrose oil, zinc and vitamin supplements, and Chinese herbs. Because many alternative therapies are not backed by clinical trials, they may or may not be effective for re-growing hair. Remember just because these therapies are natural does not mean that they are safe. As with any therapy, it is best to discuss these treatments with your doctor before you try them.
Hypnosis
What is Hypnosis?
It is a state of guided relaxation and focused attention. In this state of heightened awareness positive suggestions easily and naturally achieve positive goals. It is a natural state and non addictive. It is one of the safest types of therapy.
How can it help Alopecia?
While it may not actually make your hair grow, hypnotherapy can improve your state of mind, relieve stress and give you a more positive outlook on your condition.
I tried hypnotherapy myself and I found it very helpful. It really transformed my attitude towards my alopecia and made me feel better about myself!
Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a natural, non-invasive treatment, designed to affect the whole person not just the disease and to assist the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal, and maintain itself by the correct use of essential oils.
How can it help Alopecia?
Aromatherapy oils can stimulate growth, however it depends on the person and the extent of the hair loss.
I recently completed a course of aromatherapy to be continued in February, I’ve had no results as yet; this may be due to the fact that I have total hair loss. The clinic I attended have had huge success in helping those with alopecia areata patches, so aromatherapy is worth a try for those with AA.
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result.
How can it help Alopecia?By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Acupuncture may stimulate hair growth, or like hynosis may just relieve stress!
Related Links
http://www.naha.org/what_is_aromatherapy.htm
http://www.iol.ie/~hypnosis/therapy/
http://www.acupuncture.org.uk.
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