Unravelling Hair Fall with Ayurveda: Causes & Natural Remedies

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Unravelling the strands with Ayurveda: Recognizing and Remediation of Hair fall

Hair fall is a common concern that everyone would have faced at least once in their lifetime. For some it would have been just losing a few more strands of hair and for some, it would be devastating because of the receding hairline, thinning hair. Identifying the causes and managing it with proper strategies would bring long term results. Ayurvedic understanding of hair fall and its management involves maintaining the Doshic balance of the body. In this blog, let’s dive into the factors contributing to hair fall along with the ayurvedic overview of hair health.

Hair growth cycle

Before delving into the causes of hair fall, it's essential to grasp the basics of the hair growth cycle. Hair goes through three main phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). The shedding of hair typically occurs during the telogen phase, allowing new hair to replace the old one.

Common Causes of Hair Fall:

1.Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in determining your susceptibility to hair fall. If your parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, there's a higher likelihood that you might too.

2.Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to hair fall.

3.Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamins A and D, can impact hair health.

4.Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and alopecia areata, can lead to hair loss.

5.Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, causing excessive hair shedding.

6.Harsh Hair Practices: Excessive heat styling, frequent chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles can damage the hair shaft and contribute to breakage.

According to Ayurveda, losing the balance of tridoshas can be result in hair fall. Vitiated pitta in association with vitiated vata causes the falling of hairs from the scalp. After that, vitiated rakta and kapha block the orifices of the hair follicles which restricts the growth of new hair.

How to Combat Hair Fall:

1.Balanced Nutrition: Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Fruits such as berries are packed with antioxidants and supports the production of collagen. Kiwi, Avocado, Citrus fruits, Bananas help in promoting healthy scalp and strong hair. Including a balanced diet help bring the doshas to normalcy and thus reduce hair fall.

2.Gentle Hair Care: Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Avoid excessive heat styling and opt for loose hairstyles to minimize stress on the hair. Switching to satin scrunchies and pillow covers also have potential benefits. Avoid sleeping with wet hair as it can result in fungal growth on scalp. Ayurveda advice to wash hair with cold water and not to use warm water.

3.Regular Scalp Massage: Massaging the scalp improves blood circulation and promotes hair growth. Incorporate a few minutes of gentle massage into your daily routine. Use of oils that promote hair growth such as Bringamalakadi keram, Neelibringadi keram, Malathyadi keram, Kunthalakanthi keram can contribute to reducing hair fall and aids in hair growth.

4.Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for overall health, including the health of your hair. Hydration contributes to the strength and elasticity of hair strands. Ayurveda advice that anything consumed in excess would have deleterious effect on the body. This applies to drinking water as well; it should be consumed warm and as small sips throughout the day.

5.Adequate sleep: A sound sleep will help maintain the circadian rhythm of the body and it contributes in maintain the hormone levels of the body. Sleep has an important role in maintaining hair growth. The time required for sleep depends upon the prakriti of the person in Ayurveda. It is also advised not to adopt day sleep or naps except in summer season.

6.Stress management: Managing stress is crucial not only for preventing hair loss but also for overall health and well-being. Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices. Regular practice of Kapalabhati Pranayama can promote not only vibrant hair but also overall vitality and well-being. Different yogasanas such as Adhomughasana, Pavanamuktasana and Sarvangasana improves the blood circulation to the head and heart which in turn promotes hair growth.

7.Consult a Professional: If you're experiencing persistent or severe hair fall, seeking advice from a dermatologist or a healthcare professional specializing in hair disorders is crucial. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion:

Addressing hair fall requires a holistic approach that considers both internal and external factors. By understanding the causes and implementing practical tips for hair care, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy and vibrant mane. Remember, everyone's hair journey is unique, and finding the right balance may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, professional advice, and patience.

Article by: Dr.Vandana K. Vasudevan.MS(Ayufy)

Ayufy Consultant Doctor