Hair loss and Ayurveda

Hair loss

Hair loss is a cause of great concern and worry for people. Hair growth occurs in cycles. It occurs in 3 phases- growth phase, transitional phase and resting phase. At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls and new hair starts to grow in that follicle. Problem occurs when there is a disruption in this cycle. The hair may fall prematurely during it's growing phase or the hair which falls does'nt grow back. This leads to loss of density in the hair. Hair loss is common in males rather than females. In males one can usually find frontal baldness with the backward receding of the hair line, or baldness developing on the vertex of the head. These patterns are very rare in females. In females it is usually diffuse hairfall resulting in reduction of overall density of hair. Pattern baldness is usually confused with patchy hairfall of alopecia areata.

Causes:

• Stress
• Some medications
• Skin disorders especially psoriasis, dandruff etc
• Any illness or surgery.
• Harmonal imbalance
• Heridity
• Aging
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy and lactation.

Due to these causes, either the blood circulation to the root of the hair is hampered or the blood becomes deficient of the nutrients to nourish the hair.

MANAGEMENT:

In Ayurveda, hairfall and baldness is more common in people of Pitta constitution. They are also more prone for premature greying. But first the cause of hairfall has to be identified and treated accordingly. Usually increased Pitta (which is one among the 3 bioregulating principles of the body) causes hairloss. Pitta is increased in the body due to improper diet which consists of hot, spicy, salty and sour food items, excessive exposure to sun, anger, stress, improper sleep pattern, unhealthy food habits etc. Therapies like shirodhara, Ksheeradhara, shiropichu with oils capable of pacifying Pitta is very effective in hairfall. Use of Nasya (process of instilling medications into the nostrils) regularly, strengthens the hair roots and prevents hair loss. It also reduces the effect of Pitta in the head region. When dandruff is the causative factor of hairfall, it can be effectively treated with head massage with ayurvedic oils. Oil usage with usage of internal medications to  treat anemia has remarkable effect in controlling hairfall. Medical conditions like psoriasis, harmonal imbalance have to be treated with relevant medications and when this is supplemented with oils and therapies to reduce hairfall, it is very effective. Yoga and pranayama is recommended for people for whom stress is the main reason for hairloss.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• One must take healthy diet rich in all nutrients.
• Intake of very spicy, hot, sour and salty food items has to be avoided.
• One must wash the scalp and hair with a mild shampoo atleast twice a week
• One must use luke warm water for washing hair. Too much hot water has to be avoided.
• Rinsing hair with Triphala powder mixed water or with water in which dried fruits of Amla is soaked overnight , is very beneficial.
• One must wear cap or should cover the head while going out in sun and dust.
• One must take diet rich in Iron like dates, dry grapes etc
• Application of hair packs with herbs beneficial for the hair like Amla, henna, hibiscus, curry leaves etc is useful.
• Avoid using chemicals on the hair like conditioners, sprays etc.
• Regular use of oil with gentle massage to the scalp is good for improving the blood supply to hair roots.
• Regular practice of yoga and pranayama is important to free the body of stress