By Sajimon George BAMS, AAA, ATMS
Many people worry about Alopecia – the loss of hair.
Hair loss can be caused by different reasons, including damage to the hair shaft or follicles and fungal infections.
There are two main types of alopecia. When the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and causes hair to fall out, it’s called alopecia areata.
Androgenetic alopecia, on the other hand, is a commonest cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is commonly known as male pattern baldness. It is caused by a combination of 3 factors – testosterone (the male hormone), age (after 20 years of age) and heredity. It usually affects women later in life than men.
About 60% of people with androgenetic alopecia are men. Hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia is permanent according to modern medicine. The
alopecia treatment in ayurveda may be a great choice to improve this situation.
Hair fall or thinning of hair is common amongst women. About 20%- 50% women face hair loss at some stages of her life.
Ayurveda believes hair to originate from the “Asthi” or bone tissue, and therefore, to treat hair loss, medicines to strengthen bone are given orally on a long-term basis. This is the rationale of application of Vasthis or enemas with medicated milk in conditions of extensive hair loss.
Baldness or Alopecia is termed as “Khalitya” in Ayurveda. Alopecia areata is similar to “Indralupta” explained in Ayurvedic classics.
Alopecia treatment in ayurveda is aimed to treat local and systemic conditions resulting in hair loss, by achieving immuno modulation, correction of the local scalp conditions and reducing stress.
It is noteworthy to mention here that alopecia treatment in ayurveda is usually effective for premature hair loss, and where the cause is amenable to treatment.
In terms of Dosha involvement, vitiation of Pitha dosha in the body is the main cause of hair disorders but in some conditions other doshas may also be involved. Irregular bowel movement and constipation can indirectly affect hair health. A mild laxative can be useful in such cases.
Shiroabhyanga The scalp of the affected person should be energetically massaged daily for 10 to 15 minutes with fingers, after cleaning it with water. This mechanical action activates the hair follicles by ensuring blood circulation, and warms up the scalp.
Regular hair conditioning It is believed that the hair should be washed and conditioned more frequently during summer. This is to prevent dryness of the hair and scalp. During the cold season, it is recommended to use oil and massage it into the hair to protect the hair and scalp from dryness.
Gentle head massage with oil (According to Dosha) Sirolepa This is a special Ayurvedic treatment for hair loss and it is also called ‘Thala pothichil.’ The treatment involves application of a herbal pack on the scalp for 30 minutes then washed.
This process is repeated for 21 days. The herbal pack consists of just one herb or a mixture of herbs depending upon the constitution of the patient and the presenting complaints.
Prachaana This is done by pricking the skin of the scalp by needle like instruments. This process is used very widely for Alopecia areata.
Dhara or pouring of medicinal liquids Some water-based herbal infusions are made from suitable herbs boiled in water; after the decoction is cooled down and strained, it is used to clean the scalp.
Internal administration of ghee or oils This includes oral administration of ghee or oils processed with bitter and astringent herbs. It is very useful in Pitha predominant conditions and bone or Asthi dhathu involved conditions. Alopecia is such a condition. This is also the first step of the Panchakarma treatment procedure. The choice of preparation is made by a physician after assessing the patient’s condition.
Steaming and other heating procedures Herbal steam on the scalp is useful in removal of blockage of subtle channels or srothas.
Virechana or Medicated purgation It is a cleansing method, performed by giving some herbal purgatives which helps to pacify vitiated pitha or fire principle.
Vasthi or Enema like procedure Designed to clean the lower alimentary canal and most effective Ayurvedic treatment bringing cleansing of subtle channels or srothas spread all over the body. This is effective in removing abnormally increased Vatha principle. Special ingredients may be added to it making it a brimhana vasthi which can cause regeneration of asthi or bone dhathu.
Nasya Nasya or nasal administration of medicine is a panchakarma treatment that helps to treat alopecia and other hair disorders. This has an important role to play in preventing premature baldness and graying of hair.
Rasayana therapy This therapy follows panchakarma procedures. Formulations and procedures meant for rejuvenation of asthi or bone dhathu are used here. These medicines will be continued for a long period.
Herbs for the Hair Bhringaraja or Eclipta alba, Henna or Lawsonia inermis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Aloe Vera and Gooseberry are some of the herbs useful for hair loss.
Pitha is increased by excessive consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, and excessive smoking. Oily, spicy, and acidic foods also tend to increase Pitha. So the first step is to change the diet or lifestyle conditions responsible for increasing Pitha dosha.
The practice of Yoga not only makes you fit and fine, it also gives your body a beautiful look by protecting your hair and making it internally stronger. Yoga is beneficial for hair growth as it increases blood circulation to the head and scalp region.
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