By the time we reach our 30s, the occasional gray hair starts to make an appearance. By our 50s, silver strands become far more noticeable. While this is a natural part of aging, some people experience premature graying—hair losing color much earlier than expected. If you’re looking for a natural way to support hair health and slow premature graying, the Fu Bai acupoint might be the key.
Beyond Hair Health: The Multifaceted Benefits of Fu Bai
Fu Bai is known for more than promoting healthy hair pigmentation. Like all acupoints, it has a range of benefits. Stimulating this point can help alleviate persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and relieve neck stiffness and pain. If you frequently experience neck discomfort or upper body tension, activating Fu Bai may offer much-needed relief.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Fu Bai is located at a crucial intersection of the body’s energy flow. It sits at a branching point of nerves, veins, and arteries, making it an essential location for circulation and qi (energy) movement. The name Fu Bai, meaning “Floating White,” signifies the idea of heat and energy rising and being transformed at this point, much like clouds in the sky. By stimulating Fu Bai, you encourage improved blood circulation in the head, supporting overall scalp health and hair vitality.
What Does Modern Research Say?
Scientists have long been searching for ways to slow or reverse premature graying, but there is no standardized medical treatment. A case study of a 25-year-old woman with premature graying found that after five months of using a specialized topical solution and hair supplements, more than 90 percent of her gray hair returned to black. While promising, this was only a single case.
Another study involving 39 girls aged 12–31 examined the effects of vitamin supplements and a technique called “grey hair evulsion” which is pulling out gray hairs to track regrowth. Results showed varied outcomes—some experienced a decrease in gray hair, while others saw no change or an increase. The study highlighted the complexity of graying and the need for further research.
Although these studies indicate potential interventions, the causes of premature graying remain only partially understood. What is clear is that maintaining proper blood circulation and overall scalp health plays a significant role in hair pigmentation.
Finding and Stimulating Fu Bai: A Simple Guide
Locating Fu Bai is easy with this simple method:
- Find the bony bump behind your ear.
- Move your finger upward until it aligns with the highest point of your ear.
- Slide your finger about one inch into your hairline.
- Press gently—if you find a slight dip that feels sore or tender, you’ve found Fu Bai.
You don’t need specialized tools to activate Fu Bai. Everyday household items like a hairbrush or comb can be used effectively. Here’s how:
- Gua Sha (scraping): Use a scraping tool or the rounded back of your comb to gently scrape along the outline of your ear, moving from front to back. If certain spots feel particularly tender, spend extra time there, as this indicates stagnant energy.
- Brushing: When brushing your hair, take a few extra moments to focus on this area, ensuring gentle stimulation.
- Pressure Technique: Press firmly on Fu Bai for three to five seconds, then release for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular Massage: Use your index finger or thumb to massage the point in small circles for one to three minutes per side.
Who Should Avoid Stimulating Fu Bai?
If you have injuries or wounds in the Fu Bai region, it’s best to avoid stimulation until the area has healed.
Listening to Your Body Through TCM
While gray hair isn’t a disease or a symptom of illness, it serves as a valuable clue about your body’s inner balance. Traditional Chinese medicine offers tools to interpret these signals and guide you toward self-care practices that enhance your overall well-being. Even if gray hair isn’t a concern, regularly stimulating Fu Bai can promote healthy circulation in the head and neck, leaving you feeling more refreshed and energized.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 26 Feb 2025
