Doctor’s Corner:
Hair Care/ Hair fall/ Alopecia
Details
Ayurvedic classics consider Kesha as an Upadhatu and also as a Mala (waste product) of Asthi dhatu (bones). Kesha are the elements that grow on the scalp (mastaka). The definition for kesha means the one that is sheltering over the head.
Kesha is the word derived from root word ‘ke’ means (Mastaka) – head with ‘shi’ to shete – (sleep). In Sanskrit – “Kashate prakaashate iti kasha” – One which shines.
Prakruthi is a unique concept of Ayurveda. For identification of prakruthi of an individual, observation of each and every part of the body is advised. So the shape, color and texture of hair can be considered as standard to identify the prakruthi.
KESHA VIKARA (Disorders):-
In Ayurvedic texts three terms are used to describe the symptom of hair loss, such as – indralupta, khalitya and ruhya.
Indralupta :- According to Acharya Vagabhata, when hair falls suddenly it is known as indralupta or Alopecia. Pitta in the romakoopa (hair follicle) makes the hair fall at a small region by obstructing the vessels connecting Romakoopa and leads to indralupta. One more opinion is that indralupta affects the beard
Khalitya :- Khalli- khalitya is a long running process of hair fall. Khalitya effects scalp and Ruhya affects the entire body. Disease of kasha. Khaalitya does not occur in women. Raja (arthava/menstrual blood) takes out Doshas and hence no Srotorodha (obstruction of channels) takes place.
Paalitya :- Premature greying of hair. People Pitta prakruti tend to have thin and light coloured hair. These people tend to have more grey hair. Grey hair is very prominent in old people which is quite natural. But premature greying of hair needs to be taken under consideration and treated on time.
What Causes hair loss and premature greying of hair according to Ayurveda?
Hair follicle (Romakoopa), contains Bhrajaka pitta. If this pitta present at the root of the hair increases with vata association it results in hair fall. Along with this if Kapha and rakta together block the follicles of the hair, fresh ones do not grow.
OTHER CAUSES:-
Increased intake of fried food, sour, spicy, salty and fermented food. Intake of tea and coffee aggravates the pitta dosha (fire) in the body.
Factors like excessive anger and stress are also responsible
Excessive consumption of alcohol and meat also disturbs the normal pitta.
Hormonal imbalance especially of testosterone, thyroid hormones are other factors.
Treatment Case Study
TREATMENT :
Shirolepam
Nasyam
Dasamoolarishtam
Ashwagandarishtam
Amalaki
Brahmi
Dhurdhoorapatradi oil
Neelibringadi oil
CASE STUSY:
Sex: female Age: 18yrs
C/O Hair fall and dandruff since 1 year.
H/O Scales and itchy scalp since one year.tried many treatments but there is no use.
Ayurvedic approach:Recomended some blood cleanser,internal medicines as well assome external therapies also.
Advised for shirolepam for 7 sessiosns.After 2 to 3 weeks of time she got very good improvement.scales adn itchy ness came down.
Advised somelife style changes& modified some food habbits also.