Ayurvedic Remedies Can Heal Balding and Hair Fall

Men across the world face hair loss due to several reasons. This may

include impairment of the follicles or shafts, fungal infections and other

conditions. It is caused by a combination of three factors - the male

hormone known as testosterone, age and heredity. There are basically

two recognized types of alopecia, known as Khalita in Ayurveda. The

first is alopecia areata, which according to ancient texts is called

Indraulupta. It happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly

attacks the follicles and causes the hair to fall out. The second condition

is the reason for common baldness and is also called androgenetic

alopecia. It is usually referred to as male-pattern baldness, or

permanent-pattern baldness.

It has been observed that men who have this type of hair loss have

inherited the same genetically. They start losing their hair at an early

age and develop more pronounced baldness. The hair loss normally

creates a notable receding hair line and baldness on the top of the

head. 60% of the victims of this disease are men. Women are few and

far and usually get suffer from hair loss and thinning much later in life,

whereas men are easily susceptible from the twenties itself.

Malnutrition, stress, autoimmune disorders and certain medical

treatments like chemotherapy can also cause situational hair loss. The

Ayurveda system of solutions for holistic wellbeing offers several

significant treatments for overcoming all kinds of hair loss.

According to Ayurveda our hair consist of keratin, which is derived from

the asthi or bone tissue. To treat hair loss medication can be targeted

to strengthen bones. These can be orally consumed. There are also

certain enemas with medicated milk for extreme hair loss conditions.

There is also some dosha attributed involvement. The vitiation of Pitha

dosha is the the main reason for baldness and scalp disorders. Even bad

bowel movements and constipation had impact hair health. Mild

natural laxatives help in such cases.

Shirobhayanga involves the massaging of the scalp daily for 10-15

minutes after rinsing with water. The mechanical action stimulates

blood circulation and scalp activation. It enhances the awakening of the

sebaceous gland. One can also massage with either coconut or almond

oil or any oil with vitamin E before prior to bed. This procedure is

known as Sirolepa. It significantly slows down hair fall. Vitamin E oil

reinforces limp hair and also helps nourish dry flaky skin. One can also

try herbal hair packs for about 30 minutes and then wash it off. Such a

routine for 21 days will produce desired results. Washing one’s hair

with warm water boiled with lemon leaves is also good. Ayurveda

based hair serums also penetrate deep and fortify follicles thereby

restoring hair health. Regular washing and conditioning is very

important. There is also what is known as dhara or pouring certain

medicinal liquids. Aloe Vera is also an ideal component for hair loss

treatment as it heals the scalp and cleanses the pores. Hair can also be

rinsed with apple cider and sage tea to stimulate growth. Tea made

from marshmallow root and burdock is effective to treat baldness.

Licorice is a good option too. For strong and shiny hair one can also

apply horsetail, which is full of silica.

The there is also another treatment known as Prachaana. This is done

by specialists who poke needles into the scalp and let out some blood.

Steaming and heating procedures great for removing blockage of

channels called strotas. This is also a popular therapy. Another

treatment is the oral administration of ghee, bitter and astringent

herbs. It’s the first step of Panchakarma and is useful in baldness due to

Pitha predominant conditions or dhatu imbalance. One can also try

medicated purgation for inner cleansing to pacify the pitha aspect.

Nasya can also be performed from time to time. Other popular

methods include vasthi or enema for regeneration of bone dhatu

(brimhana vasthi), Rasyana therapy and herbal therapy. Managing

anxiety is important. One must be stress free and should sleep well.

Meditation and relaxation techniques can be integrated into one’s daily

routine. Stress and anxiety are common causes of hair loss and should

be dissipated.

One must avoid oily, acidic, spicy foods that aggravate Pitha. Beverages

like tea, coffee and alcohol, as well as smoking must be avoided. One

must streamline one’s diet and lifestyle which are responsible in

increasing the Pitha aspect. Important foods include beans, milk,

raisins, bean sprouts and basically all protein rich foods. A protein rich

diet is apt as hair requires the same. Plenty of healthy foods can be

included such as fresh leafy vegetables, legumes, soy, fruits, wheat

germ, whole grains, butter milk and yogurt. One must consume foods

that contain sulfur, zinc, vitamin-B complex, vitamin C and essential

fatty acids. One must eat a handful white sesame seeds, as they are

replete with sufficient proportions of magnesium and calcium needed

for fighting baldness. There are also foods to avoid such as: green

chilies, eggplants, curd (yoghurt), peas, peanuts, bakery products,

readymade garam masalas mix and junk food. Salt must also be used

sparingly in cooking.

Yoga is also beneficial for aiding hair growth. It promotes blood

circulation to the head and the scalp area. Ayurveda recommends

certain stances for treating balding. The diamond or kneeling pose

called Vajrasana is a useful for the treatment of hair generation.

Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand asana bolsters the blood supply to

the scalp region and thus helps in preventing hair loss. Then comes the

cobra pose called Bhujangasana that improves blood circulation in

vertebral column enabling superior communication and coordination

between the brain and body. Anuloma viloma or alternative breathing

can refresh entire body, especially the brain help in firming hair

follicles. The practice of Kapalabhati, which is a frontal lobe cleansing

technique also rejuvenates the mind and unblocks the frontal lobe of

the brain by accelerating the blood circulation. Pranayama is also highly

beneficial in curing baldness. Thus yoga is a great support to the

Ayurveda dietary plan, medicines and treatments.

Please help spread knowledge of Ayurveda

Thanks to the writer of this article

Jai Hind