After I looked in the mirror this morning and was shocked by the few gray hairs reflecting back in my scalp, I asked the internet what is the most important supplements to take to help prevent or reverse gray hair. This is what I found.

Vitamin B12 is involved in the health of melanocytes that are responsible for hair color. Now it’s not shown to reverse gray hair but it can help stop more gray by nourishing these cells.

Zinc is an essential trace element. It inhibits the enzyme procactin that naturally increases with age. Procactin yields harmful DHT, shrinking the follicles causing hair loss in both men and women. Zinc deficiency not only produces problems with hair loss, but also with changes in the scalp. The scalp may become too dry or flaky and may often times be irritated because of the lack of nutrients. Study shows that zinc has been shown to be effective in stopping hair from turning gray. Even when hair is already gray or becoming thinner and balding, zinc can reverse the effects when taken in proper amounts.

Also:
The vitamins considered useful in guarding against premature graying of hair are pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of para-aminobenzoic acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-graying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yogurt daily and a tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in addition to the yeast and yogurt, and not as a substitute for them.

Hair, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, reflects the quality of blood and the strength of the kidneys. The kidneys and blood have a broader role in TCM than they do in Western physiology. So avoid foods that cause excess uric acid like meat, dairy, fructose, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Foods that are thought to strengthen the blood and kidneys are:
Hijiki seaweed
Blackstrap molasses
Black sesame seeds
Nettles
Wheat grass
Chlorophyll

In Ayurveda, hair is associated with an imbalance in the pitta constitutional type. An imbalance in the vata constitutional type, aggravated by stress, is also associated with premature greying.

A herb that is used in Ayurveda for gray hair is called bringaraja, translated as “king of the hair”. It is taken by mouth to support the liver and kidney energies, however, there aren’t any studies on the safety or effectiveness of this herb. It is also an ingredient in Ayurvedic hair oils and tonics, which are applied topically to the scalp.

Another popular Ayurvedic herb is called amla. It is used for inflammatory conditions, to strengthen eyes, and to address prematurely gray hair.

Wow, is my only response to this experience. Kate put 80 needles in my face, ears, and head and boy does it make a difference. Though I felt and looked like Hellraiser, my face feels significantly tighter and I felt fantastic thanks to the extra 25 needles she put in my arms and legs to stimulate my liver and help me detox. Probably wasn’t smart to come in hungover but an unexpected holiday party the night before and the peer pressure of Jameson shots did me in. Fortunately, Kate fixed me up nicely. Thanks!

Kate Henderson
Licensed Acupuncturist
Center for Structural Wellness
917.282.7208

The first phase of the Center for Structural Wellness Facial Rejuvenation series focuses on the deep structures of the face (viscerocranium), cranium (cranial vault), neck and shoulders. By opening the layered sutures (the connective tissue joints of the cranial bones) through deep, slow fascial manipulation, the client’s asymmetries can be reduced and the face can appear more even and symmetrical. This work travels deep into the inner lining of the head to reduce any cranial torsions as an added bonus.

Cranial Vault:

The facial bones will begin to relax back to balance, unwinding deep patterns from trauma, inflammation, and deep bracing patterns from elsewhere in the body and the face will appear more full. The body primarily wants to orient the eyes and ears on the horizontal plane to keep a balance point. If this cannot happen due to body and facial asymmetries – the head/neck balance will twist to make this happen, and overall shoulder – neck – head alignment can get extremely disrupted. This will be aligned as best as possible in this part of the series.
Sphenoid, Ethmoid, Eye Alignment:

Technicals:
The first cervical vertebrae (C1) is known as the Atlas, and this bone will mimic the movement of the sphenoid bone (the butterfly shaped bone behind the eyes and face). This occurs as both bones counterrotate to the occiput. The mandible must match C1 as the enveloping fascia makes this easiest to occur. This ends up looking like one side of the face is longer then the other. Many people suffer from TMJ syndrome in this case.

The eye that is on the short side of the face will actually protrude slightly outward from the compressive forces in the orbital socket. There will be a general tighteness in the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle on the short side whilst the long side will have tension in the lateral pterygoid muscle and digastric muscle primarily. These primary movers need to be rebalanced and the secondary relationships will be eased within all the soft tissue of the area. This cranial work is only available at the Center for Structural Wellness.

The Super-Deluxe Series:
This part of the 15 session series consists of 3 sessions to unwind the deep cranial structures. Integrated alongside this treatment are 5 sessions of the zen acupressure massage facial and 7 sessions of the acupuncture face lift. All 3 modalities synergistically enhance each other to create the most comprehensive non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Coupled with the 5 series of nutrition and detox counseling we guarantee amazing results. The full series costs $4000 and takes 4 to 6 weeks. We have customizable shorter, less expensive programs for those with time and financial constraints.

The Deluxe Series:
Includes 3 sessions of the deep cranial work, 5 sessions of the zen acupressure facial, and 7 sessions of the acupuncture face lift. Cost is $2500.

The Full Series:
Includes 2 sessions of the deep cranial work, 4 sessions of the zen acupressure facial, and 4 sessions of the acupuncture face lift. Cost is $1750.

The Half Series:
Includes 2 sessions of the deep cranial work, 2 sessions of the zen acupressure facial, and 2 sessions of the acupuncture face lift. Cost is $1000.

The 2nd part of the Center for Structural Wellness Facial Rejuvenation series is a massage that is an ancient Chinese medicinal therapy aimed at increasing the health, vitality and aesthetic appearance of the face. It is perfect for those looking to maintain the health of their appearance without degenerative effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and surgery. The core of the treatment is a comprehensive face, head and neck acupressure massage with a specific focus on meridians and pressure points that rejuvenate the face.

Muscles of the face that benefit from the lifting nature of this massage:

This treatment is different from traditional facial treatments in that it goes well beyond skin deep. The treatment tones, cleanses and nourishes the underlying musculature of the face in a way that no other treatment can match. In addition, the massage is coupled with the application of a Chinese herb infused creams and a facial mask. Gua Sha is used to help iron out the deep connective tissue wrinkles that exist on our face with a safely harvested Ram’s horn. Results can be noticed immediately but a series of 3 to 7 treatments is recommended. This treatment is exclusively offered at the Center for Structural Wellness as part of a series that also combines Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation and face and cranial Structural Integration that the goal is to make your face as healthy as possible. This therapy is performed on a massage table with the client wearing loose fitting clothing.

Karden Rabin, LMT, will be available for this treatment at 201.207.9910. He is available Monday – Wednesday at 80 East 11th, Suite 242, NY, NY, 10003 at the Center for Structural Wellness main office.