Ancient Ayurved

HAIR LOSS (ALOPECIA)

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AYURVEDA has described hair disease in three words which are as under

KHALITYA : means loss of hairs
PALITYA : means prematured hair graying
INDRAPULTA : means alopecia areata, totalis, universalis

DEFINATION

Alopecia areata is a disease in which hair is lost suddenly, creating distinct bald patches, usually on the head or other parts of the body commonly covered with hair.

ALOPECIA AREATA-AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

Romkoop (hair follicle) contains bhrajak pitta. Pitta present at the root of the hair increases, in association with vata, and this appears as the falling of hairs. Then kapha and rakta together block the follicles of the hair by not allowing fresh ones to grow.

WHO GET’S IT

People with a family history of alopecia areata are more likely to develop it. In children, it usually appears during the school years.

CAUSE OF ALOPECIA

Unknown, but heredity and emotional factors, such as stress and anxiety, may contribute to hair loss. The autoimmune system (misdirected immune response in which the body’s defenses become self destructive) may also be involved.

Occasionally due to thyroiditis or pernicious anemia. An imbalance is the thyroid, such as found in hypothyroidism or an imbalance in the adrenal glands is often a cause of hair loss.

Hormonal changes such as those seen during menopause. A healthy balance of male and female sex hormones is integral to hair growth, but it’s the male hormone testosterone (produced by both men and women) that is associated with hair loss. The hair follicle responds to hormonal levels. Testosterone seems to cause hair loss on the scalp while encouraging hair growth in the pubic and underarm areas. At the onset of menopause, when the body makes fewer female hormones to counter the body’s existing levels of testosterone, many women experience hair loss. Supplemental estrogen can help correct the imbalance and promote hair growth.

Poor circulation.

Acute illness.

Surgery.

Radiation exposure.

Skin disease.

Sudden weight loss.

High fever.

Iron deficiency.

Diabetes.

Chemotherapy drugs.

Poor diet.

Vitamin deficiencies.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Stress.

Family history of alopecia areata.

Poor nutrition.

Exposure to radiation or certain drugs.

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TYPES OF ALOPECIA

1.Alopecia totalis means the loss of all the scalp hair.

2.Alopecia universalis means loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes.

3.Alopecia areata is the sudden hair loss in circular patches on the scalp. The hair loss is not accompanied by other visible evidence of scalp disease. It can involve hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, genital area and underarms (sometimes). Factors that are involved in hair loss include heredity, hormones, and aging. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of hair loss, but some scientists believe the body’s immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. Many suspect a genetic component.

4.Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a less dramatic but more prevalent type of hair loss. It is often referred to as male pattern baldness. AGA is common in men. As the name implies, a genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disorder and the presence of androgens (male sex hormones) are involved in this condition. Research indicates that the hair follicles of individuals susceptible to AGA may have receptors programmed to slow down or shut off hair production under the influence of androgens.

5.Women sometimes have the same type of hair loss, but it is not usually as extensive and most often does not occur until after menopause. All women experience some hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause, but in some cases it begins as early as puberty. In addition, most women lose some hair two or three months after having a baby because hormonal changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.

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SYMPTOMS

Sudden hair loss in sharply defined circular patches. In rare cases, body hair loss may be total (alopecia universalis).

No pain.

No itch.

TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA

According to Ayurveda, the following principles are beneficial to healthy and plentiful hair:

- The scalp must be kept cool, so protection from sun and washing in cold or lukewarm water are paramount.

- Sound nutrition is key, so a hair-friendly diet should emphasize proteins, iron, zinc, sulfur, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and essential fatty acids.

- Use should be made of hair analysis to ascertain toxicity levels and nutritional deficiencies.

- Oils, for example sesame and coconut, should be applied to the scalp to nourish, lubricate and strengthen the roots. This will also improve circulation to the head.
Healthy diets provide a lot more than healthy bodies. Certain foods can promote hair growth and help prevent loss of hair and hair thickness is maintained by specific nutrients.

Fish provides fatty acids, necessary for the maintenance of healthy hair and skin. Fatty acids found in fish are also effective as a protection mechanism against high cholesterol, heart disease and helps to lower blood pressure.

Vitamin C in oranges is an excellent supply of collagen, vital for hair growth, helps prevent hair loss and assists the body to absorb iron from protein sources such as meat in our daily diets.

An extremely good source of vitamin B6A and zinc can be found in the miracle food chickpeas. These two elements nourish the hair, promote hair growth and prevent loss of hair while zinc and Vitamin A combine well in preventing dandruff and loss of hair.

Soybeans are useful as they contain large amounts of vitamin E and iron. Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin - hemoglobin is an element that carries oxygen in the blood to all the tissues and major organs of the body and normal hemoglobin levels ensures adequate flow of blood to the scalp for hair growth stimulation (vitamin E also assists in the increased flow of blood to the scalp).

Silica and iron are significant in promoting hair growth and are provided by whole wheat. The predominant task of silica is assisting the body to absorb the many minerals and vitamins that it requires to function optimally. Modern diets do not supply sufficient amounts of silica which may contribute to loss of hair.

It is not generally known that almonds help in preventing hair loss. They are a wonderful source of iron, protein and vitamin E (all critical elements in ensuring healthy hair and hair growth stimulation). Almonds also provide vegetable proteins which lower cholesterol levels.

The important minerals potassium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium are found in oats. Following diets that include all of these foods means that the whole body benefits from it and will save you money that may have been spent buying over the counter products.

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SELF CARE TIPS

Self-care tips
Check with your Ayurveda specialist before trying any home treatment for baldness. There are many forms of alopecia, some caused by disease, so it is important to determine the type of alopecia before treating the condition. People with all forms of alopecia usually find support groups dedicated to their condition helpful.