Pre-mature hair loss has been afflicting the human race for ages. As per Ayurveda, the hair is derived either as a by-product or produced as a breakdown product of Asthi (bone tissue). Any disturbance in this tissue metabolism, which very much depends on the digestive fire, can affect the health of the hair. The major causes for hairfall are hormonal, nutritional deficiencies and complications to other diseases and medications. Hormone related hair fall may also result from an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to male hormones or due to greater number of male hormone receptors attached to hair follicles. This is the component that is inherited through the genes — termed as Pitta constitution.
Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is increased by hot climatic conditions, excessive intake of spicy, salty and sour food, hot and sharp food, tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Eating too much fried, oily, greasy, and acidic foods also aggravates Pitta. Pitta balancing herbs and vegetables which improves the quality of Asthi dhathu are effective in treating hair fall. The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta. Internal use of Ayurvedic medicines like Thikthakam kashayam, Thikthakam ghritham as per medical advice are effective to correct the metabolism.
A few general recommendations and tips to maintain the normal hair growth and reduce hair fall are as below:
Maintain a regular bowel movement every day. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas. Rub your scalp after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands. A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches.
Traditional therapies like Dhara, Abhyangam, Thala pothichil, Nasya show excellent effects. A high protein and an iron rich diet is recommended for hair loss. An adequate intake of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables should be included in the diet on a regular basis. Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like Neelibhringadi oil, Kunthala kanthi oil, Kanjunnyadi oil are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
Itoozhi Ayurveda has very effective therapies to reduce hair fall and rejuvenate hair growth.
