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Skin, Hair and Nails

Why group them?

  • Shared drivers: barrier integrity, microbiome balance, inflammation/oxidative stress, protein/iron/zinc status, thyroid/sex hormones, stress & sleep.
  • TCM logic: hair relies on Liver Blood and Kidney Jing; nails are the “flowers of the sinews” (Liver); skin is governed by the Lung (Wei‑Qi/defense) and stabilized by the Spleen (Damp/transformations).
  • Patient journey: one hub for foundations → three focused paths for skin, hair, and nails.

Red flags (see a clinician promptly)

  • Rapidly spreading rash with fever; painful or purulent lesions; extensive hives with breathing issues.
  • Sudden patchy or scarring hair loss.
  • A dark streak in a nail, nail lifting with pain/swelling, or nonhealing skin/nail lesions.

Skin

When skin flares, what usually drives it?

  • Barrier breakdown + irritants/allergens: atopic/contact dermatitis, occupational exposures, harsh cosmetics.
  • Microbiome shifts: acne (Cutibacterium + sebum), seborrheic dermatitis (Malassezia), fungal tinea/candida.
  • Inflammatory dermatoses: eczema/psoriasis/rosacea/urticaria.
  • Systemic factors: high-glycemic diet, low protein/iron/zinc, thyroid imbalance, stress, UV.

TCM focus (organs & patterns)

  • Lung (governs skin/Wei‑Qi) → wind‑itch, dryness, quick flares.
  • Spleen (transforms Damp) → Damp/Heat with oozing, acne, sebum.
  • Liver (courses Qi, clears Heat) → stress flares, redness, hives.
  • Kidney (Yin/Jing) → chronic dryness/aging, refractory eczema.
  • Common patterns: Wind‑Heat, Damp‑Heat, Blood‑Heat, Blood deficiency with Wind‑Dryness.

Care pathway (brief)

Rebuild barrier

(gentle cleansers, ceramide/urea moisturizers), identify triggers, optimize diet/protein/sleep/stress.

Western medicine options as indicated

Topical anti‑inflammatories/antimicrobials, antifungals when fungal.

TCM

Individualized herbal formulas (clear Heat/Damp, nourish Blood/Yin), acupuncture for inflammation and stress modulation; topical herbal rinses/soaks as adjuncts.

Hair

Why hair turns gray and thins

  • Graying: age‑related loss of melanocyte stem cells + oxidative stress; accelerated by genetics and sometimes stress/illness.
  • Thinning: most often androgenetic alopecia (AGA) → DHT‑influenced follicle miniaturization; also telogen effluvium (TE) after illness/surgery/iron loss/postpartum/meds; less commonly alopecia areata, traction, scarring.

What hair health relates to

  • Adequate protein/iron/ferritin, thyroid and estrogen/androgen balance, microcirculation, low inflammation/oxidative load, and consistent scalp care.

TCM focus (organs & patterns)

  • “Hair is the surplus of Blood.”

  – Liver Blood + Kidney Jing: roots of growth and color.

  – Spleen Qi: source of Blood; weak Spleen → poor nourishment.

Patterns: Liver–Kidney deficiency/Jing deficiency; Blood deficiency with Wind‑Dryness; Damp‑Heat or Blood‑Heat of scalp.

Care pathway (brief)

Western medicine

Topical/oral minoxidil; finasteride/dutasteride (men) or spironolactone (women when appropriate); PRP, microneedling, LLLT; transplant for advanced AGA.

TCM

Formulas that tonify Liver–Kidney and nourish Blood, clear Heat/Damp when present; acupuncture for microcirculation/stress; diet & sleep coaching.

Product fit

Your Let It Grow aligns here (anagen support + gentle DHT balance + Liver–Kidney/Blood nourishment).

Nails

Common problems & causes

  • Brittle/peeling (onychoschizia): wet work/solvents, repeated polish/acetone, low protein/iron, thyroid imbalance, trauma.
  • Fungal (onychomycosis/yeast): requires diagnostic confirmation and antifungal plan.
  • Inflammatory nails: psoriasis/eczema/lichen planus → ridging, pitting, nail‑fold changes.

Where they overlap

Biology (Western)

Keratin matrix tissues with rapid cell turnover

Sensitive to protein intake, iron/ferritin, zinc, biotin status (true biotin deficiency is uncommon), thyroid function, and systemic inflammation.

Circulation & oxidative stress

Poor microcirculation and high oxidative stress impair follicle/nail-matrix output.

Medications & illness

Chemo, retinoids, severe illness, postpartum shifts, and crash dieting can trigger both telogen effluvium (hair shedding) and brittle/peeling nails (onychoschizia).

Pattern thinking (TCM)

“Hair is the surplus of Blood; nails are the flowers of the sinews.”
Both rely on Liver Blood to nourish and Kidney Jing to root growth.

Common patterns:

Liver–Kidney deficiency / Blood deficiency

Diffuse thinning + brittle, peeling nails.

Blood Heat / Damp-Heat

Itchy, oily scalp with shedding + inflamed nail folds.

TCM focus (organs & patterns)

A simple pathway you can use in clinic (men & women)

Identify the type (AGA vs TE vs AA vs traction vs scarring) via history, exam/dermoscopy; order targeted labs (e.g., ferritin, TSH ± androgens in women with hyperandrogenism). Critical Care Medicine

Start evidence-based baseline: topical minoxidil (or low-dose oral minoxidil if appropriate) ± finasteride/dutasteride (men) or spironolactone (women). Add PRP or microneedling for faster gains.

  • “Nails are the flowers of the sinews” (Liver).

  – Liver Blood nourishes nail plate; Spleen builds Blood; Kidney supports long‑standing weakness; Damp‑Heat around nail folds drives infections.

Patterns: Blood deficiency (thin, peeling), Liver‑Qi stagnation/Blood stasis (slow growth, ridges), Damp‑Heat (paronychia/fungal).

Care pathway

Western medicine

Reduce wet work; moisturize (urea/glycerin oils); gentle filing; antifungals when fungal; treat dermatoses.

TCM

Constitutional formulas (nourish Liver–Kidney/Blood, transform Damp‑Heat), peri‑ungual herbal soaks, acupuncture for local circulation.

Product fit

Yeast Away as internal terrain support for recurrent fungal nails (GI/pH/Damp‑Heat focus) alongside standard antifungal hygiene and therapy.

Shared foundations (for all three)

How we personalize care (clinic flow)

Acupuncture Focus

Acupuncture is commonly used to improve scalp microcirculation, modulate inflammation, and reduce stress, all supportive for AGA/TE care while patients continue topical/oral therapies. (High-quality RCTs are still developing; protocols are individualized.)

Ready for an integrated plan for Skin, Hair & Nails?

Eastern Medicine Center
8962 E. Desert Cove Ave. #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Book a consult to map your pattern, then start a step‑wise program that’s TCM‑rooted and evidence‑informed—with clear timelines, safety guidance, and product support.

Product Spotlights — SOL Nutrition

Yeast Away

Internal Support for Nail Fungal Concerns

What it is: an internal adjunct for people with nail fungal issues (and other yeast/fungal tendencies). Built on a Long Dan Xie Gan Tang base and enhanced with targeted botanicals to support a body terrain less hospitable to yeast while calming Damp‑Heat and rebalancing the GI tract’s pH.

Targets: systemic Damp‑Heat and microbial overgrowth; GI comfort and pH balance to support a healthier microbial environment and better nutrient absorption for nail regrowth.

How it works (two blends):

  • SOL Yeast Away Blend: Broom Cypress (Di Fu Zi), Lightyellow Sophora (Ku Shen), Patrinia (Bai Jiang Cao), Cardamom seed (Sha Ren) — clear Damp‑Heat, soothe itch/irritation, broad antimicrobial support, move the middle so Damp does not linger.
  • SOL Healthy GI & pH Blend: Curculigo root (Xian Mao), Agastache (Huo Xiang), Cortex Pseudolaricis (Tu Jing Pi), Cimicifuga rhizome (Sheng Ma) — harmonize the middle, support physiologic GI pH and motility, with traditional antifungal/Heat‑clearing actions (notably Tu Jing Pi).

Pairing: confirm diagnosis; debride thickened plates; keep feet dry; rotate breathable socks/footwear; apply a topical antifungal when indicated; reduce dietary sugar/refined starches.

Safety: not a substitute for antifungal drugs when needed; avoid in pregnancy/nursing; consult a clinician if on prescriptions; discontinue with adverse symptoms.

Let It Grow

Hair & Nail Keratin Support

What it does: Targets the shared biology of hair and nails keratin production, micro‑circulation, and scalp/nail‑bed balanceto support thicker hair and tougher nails.

Who it’s for: Anyone seeking fuller hair, fewer broken nails, and a gentle, TCM‑guided approach.

Design logic (two pathways):

1) Activate growth and support microcirculation and matrix biology Biota/Platycladus, Morus (mulberry leaf), and Eclipta align with anagen‑entry signaling in lab models; Centella and Bacopa add antioxidant, collagen/dermal‑matrix, and microvascular support helpful for scalp and nail matrix/bed.

2) Balance scalp hormones & calm inflammation — saw palmetto provides gentle 5‑α‑reductase pathway modulation and nettle contributes anti‑inflammatory tone, appropriate for AGA‑type thinning.

Result: A unified formula for the “hair–nail axis” if hair improves, nails follow.

Use: men and women seeking density support and nail‑strength synergy; pair with lifestyle and, when needed, medical therapies.

Glisten N Glow

Clear, Calm, Balanced Skin

What it does: Calms visible inflammation, supports a clear complexion, and helps balance the skin–microbiome–pH triangle while backing the body’s natural detox pathways.

Who it’s for: Complexions prone to redness, puffiness, rashes, or acne‑type breakouts who want a gentle, holistic reset.

Key botanicals (TCM → modern rationale):

  • Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera / Honeysuckle) & Lian Qiao (Forsythia): Classic “Heat‑toxin clearing” duo—ideal for inflamed, spot‑prone skin.
  • Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion): Cools Heat and supports drainage/clarity.
  • Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens): First‑line for itchy, irritated, “damp‑heat” skin patterns.
  • Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Cortex): Clears damp‑heat from the skin and soothes itch.
  • Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi): Replenishes and repairs nourishes Blood/Yin to support barrier recovery and glow.

Result: Not only “clearing,” but also repairing calm today, resilient tomorrow.

These botanicals are rooted in TCM pattern thinking; use them alongside gentle skincare, balanced meals, and practitioner guidance. Supplements support health and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Day-by-Day Foundations for Healthy Hair, Nails & Skin

Consistency beats intensity. Strong hair, resilient nails, and clear skin start with the basics kept every day, not just during flares.

Sleep on a schedule

Aim for 7–9 hours nightly. Keep the same sleep/wake time, dim lights 1–2 hours before bed, and park screens outside the bedroom.

Lower daily stress

5–10 minutes of breathwork, a brisk walk, brief journaling, or meditation. Acupuncture can help regulate stress and inflammation consider weekly sessions during flares, then monthly maintenance.

Eat for keratin + barrier

Build meals around adequate protein, iron-rich foods, colorful vegetables/fruit, and healthy fats (e.g., omega-3s). Hydrate well; limit ultra-processed, very sugary, or alcohol-heavy choices.

Gentle care routines

  • Skin: Fragrance-free cleanser, ceramide/urea moisturizer, daily SPF.
  • Hair/scalp: Avoid tight styles and harsh chemical processes; use moderate heat; 3–5 minutes of scalp massage for micro-circulation.
  • Nails: Wear gloves for wet work, moisturize nail plates/cuticles nightly (e.g., urea/glycerin oil), and avoid aggressive buffing.

Act early don’t wait

At the first small changes (extra shedding, brittle nails, new breakouts), tighten sleep/stress/nutrition, schedule acupuncture, and adjust products. For support, consider Let It Grow (hair + nail synergy) and Glisten N Glow (skin calm/clarity); for recurrent fungal nails, pair medical care with Yeast Away as internal terrain support.

Check the basics with your clinician when needed

Iron/ferritin, thyroid, zinc, vitamin D/B12 correcting deficiencies accelerates results.

Expect realistic timelines

Noticeable changes often appear by 8–12 weeks; nails require 4–6 months for full plate turnover.

Track progress

Monthly photos and a simple habit checklist keep you motivated and honest.

Bottom line: No stress, sleep well, eat real food day by day. Add acupuncture and targeted formulas early, not late, and let steady habits do the heavy lifting.

References

  1. Chang BY, et al. Hair growth–promoting effects of Enz_MoriL on human dermal papilla cells via Wnt/β-catenin and JAK-STAT modulation. 2024. PubMed 38809465. PubMed
  2. Fu H, et al. Water extract of Cacumen Platycladi promotes hair growth via Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin in DPCs. 2023. Front Pharmacol (PMC9986263). PMC
  3. Lee KH, et al. Eclipta prostrata promotes anagen and hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. 2019. BMC Complement Altern Med (PMC6374973). PMC
  4. Sudeep HV, et al. Oral and topical standardized saw-palmetto oil reduces hair fall and improves growth in AGA: 16-week RCT. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 (PMC10648974). PMC
  5. Arribas-López E, et al. Systematic review of Centella asiatica in wound healing and angiogenesis. 2022 (PMC8956065). PMC
  6. Neto LJV, et al. Neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing roles of Bacopa monnieri: systematic review. 2024 (PMC11047749). PMC
  7. NIH LiverTox. Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) – hepatotoxicity profile. Updated 2020. NCBI
  8. Liu Y, et al. Polygonum multiflorum–induced liver injury: clinical characteristics and outcomes. 2019 (PMC6923272). PMC
  9. Devkota HP, et al. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. 2022 (PMC9413031). PMC
  10. Antoniou V, et al. Role of phytotherapy in the management of BPH (mechanisms include 5-α-reductase inhibition by Urtica). 2023 (PMC10003922). PMC
  11. Pang Z, et al. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi: phytochemistry & pharmacology (incl. black-hair traditional use). 2015 (PMC4385624). PMC
  12. Hyun J, et al. Morus alba root extract induces anagen via β-catenin activation in DPCs. 2021 (PMC8399394). PMC
  13. Witkowska K, et al. Topical Centella asiatica in wound healing—collagen & angiogenesis effects. 2024 (PMC11510310). PMC
  14. Fatima U, et al. Bacopa monnieri bioactives in memory enhancement and neuroprotection. 2022 (ScienceDirect). ScienceDirect
  15. Moradi HR, et al. Urtica dioica root blocks 5-α-reductase (histological study). 2015 (PMC4405682). PMC