Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Reviewed by
Michelle Ordner, Registered Nurse
After the age of 35, many people begin to experience persistent hair loss, especially during periods of chronic stress, poor sleep, and heightened emotional tension. This type of "stress-related hair loss" isn’t just about the scalp — it reflects a broader physiological imbalance involving overactive sympathetic nerves, reduced scalp blood flow, and hair follicles entering dormancy.
One approach that’s receiving renewed attention comes from an ancient Chinese movement practice known as Dao Yin. Rooted in traditional medicine, Dao Yin is a method of "guiding energy through movement" that uses physical exercises to regulate Qi flow and synchronise body rhythms. Within this system, the head combing method is said to stimulate Yang energy, awaken the mind, and support circulation to the brain.
In this post, we’ll unpack how a seemingly simple technique could become a science-backed tool for managing stress-induced hair loss in midlife.
Use a wooden round-tooth comb or your fingertips. Avoid metal or plastic combs to prevent static and scalp irritation. The wooden comb should be clean and have smooth edges to avoid scratching the skin.
Scientific Insight: Wooden combs are gentle and have low surface friction, helping reduce damage to the scalp’s keratin and hair follicles. Avoiding static and sharp edges supports the scalp barrier and reduces inflammation or excessive sebum activity.
Sit on a chair or cushion, keep your spine straight, chin slightly tucked, and shoulders relaxed. Take three deep abdominal breaths—inhaling to expand your belly, exhaling to release tension. This helps shift from sympathetic arousal to a relaxed mode.
Scientific Insight: Diaphragmatic breathing significantly reduces sympathetic tension and activates the vagus nerve, improving parasympathetic activity, lowering cortisol, and enhancing peripheral circulation. Good posture optimizes brain perfusion and scalp blood flow.
Place the comb or your fingertips between the eyebrows (Yintang point), then slowly move along the midline of the scalp (Du meridian) toward the Fengfu point at the base of the skull.
Repeat 36 times, 2–3 seconds each. Use light pressure, just enough to feel a gentle pull and warmth.
Scientific Insight: The Du meridian governs the flow of Yang energy and runs along the central nervous axis. This region is rich in nerves and blood vessels; combing here enhances circulation and gently modulates the CNS, relieving brain fatigue and increasing alertness.
Start from one temple (an important point on the Gallbladder meridian), and lift diagonally upward to the Baihui point (midpoint between the ears).
Repeat 36 times per side to release tension in the temporal area and reduce eye strain—ideal for those who spend long hours on screens or under stress.
Scientific Insight: The temple area has branches of the temporal artery and facial nerves and is sensitive to stress. Lifting toward Baihui can ease muscle tension, dilate vessels, and improve scalp oxygenation. Light stimulation of this area enhances mental clarity and spatial awareness.
Inhale as you lift your hand; exhale while combing the scalp. Focus on the sensation of sweeping and calming.
Keep the breath natural and slow, ideally 4–6 seconds per cycle.
Scientific Insight: Breath rhythm influences the autonomic nervous system and plays a key role in emotional regulation. Coordinating breath and movement enhances sensory integration, reduces HRV fluctuations, and boosts parasympathetic tone to stabilize mood and follicle function.
After all combing steps, gently place both palms over the Baihui point. Close your eyes and stay still for 10–15 seconds. You may feel warmth or subtle tingling—signs of enhanced blood flow.
This helps consolidate the energy flow and ease into calmness.
Scientific Insight: Static pressure on the crown stimulates deep sensory neurons and integrates peripheral input to the brain. The thermal feedback dilates blood vessels and sustains blood flow, reinforcing parasympathetic dominance and promoting a restorative state.
In such cases, a targeted nighttime scalp essential oil mist can help extend the benefits during sleep—enhancing microcirculation, regulating sebum, and easing neural tension.
We recommend Absolute Essential™ Root Elixir Blend - For Hair Growth , formulated for modern hair loss triggers: stress-induced shedding, oily congestion, and early hormone-related thinning. The blend includes three key ingredients:
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Rosemary (cineole type): Clinically shown to boost scalp circulation and stimulate follicle activity. -
Cedarwood: Balances sebum and helps relieve DHT-induced follicle congestion. -
Sweet Lavender: Calms the nervous system, improves sleep quality, and eases scalp tension.
Authors:
Michelle Ordner
Registered Nurse (RN)
Michelle's expertise spans healthcare, nutrition infusion, and menopausal care. She began her nursing career in New Zealand in 1991 and has since served 17 years in critical care across the USA. After returning to NZ, she trained in cosmetic medicine and stem cell therapy, and holds a UK certification in intravenous nutrition. Her work focuses on integrative care for menopausal health and wellness.
