Ayurveda considers the hair as a byproduct (Mala) for bone tissue (Asthi Dhaatu) formation. The tissues which are responsible for formation of bones are also responsible for hair growth. Ayurveda treatment for hair loss includes diet, meditation, yoga and herbal oil application with medicated herbal oil massage. Hair fall is considered to be a problem of Pitta dosha in Ayurveda and excess of Pittu dosha in the body is the main cause of hair problems.
Shedding about 100 hairs on a daily basis is a common occurrence. However, when the ratio of hair-fall to new follicle development is varied this can be considered as a serious hair condition.
Hair loss is a common problem faced by many. Baldness in men is at least accepted in the society, but it is not the same for women.
Damaging factors
- Thyroid imbalance (Hypothyroidism)
- External and internal heat
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy and menopouse
- Long term worry
- Allergise
- Illness
- Elastic or tight hair bands
- Incorrect brushing and combing
- Medications (especially diet pills)
- Genetic problems
- Over processing with relaxing, rebonding, perms and dye
- Head lice
- Over washing
1) Poor diet : Certain nutrients may help your hair growth. Make sure you’re getting enough zinc, iron, and folic acid in your daily diet. Adequate protein and antioxidants (foundin plant foods) can also keep your hair damage-free. Certain vitamins can also help hair growth.
2) External and internal heat : When you use these tools (hair dryer, flat iron, or curling iron) incorrectly or too much, you risk damaging the cuticle from extreme temperatures. It’s also important to protect your hair before you apply the heat. Use heat-protecting spray to minimize damage.
3) Over-washing : If you have an oily skin, you’re also more likely to have excess sebum production in your scalp. This can lead to the temptation to wash your hair more often than you need to. While daily washes are fine if you have oily hair, you shouldn’t wash your hair multiple times per day. On the flip side, extremely dry hair may only need weekly shampooing.
4) Elastic or tight hair bands : The problem with hair ties is they pull on your scalp and hair cuticle. You may even notice some hair falls out every time you undo your ponytail.
5) Incorrect brushing and combing : Brushing your hair 100 strokes a day is good for your hair. Make sure you use wide-tooth combs to prevent breakage. You should also only use a brush when your hair is dry, and avoid using plastic bristles. Try a brush with natural bristles (Neem, cherrywood, boxwood etc.) instead.
6) Hypothyroidism : People with low thyroid might notice excessive hair damage and loss, especially in the shower or after brushing.
Ayurvedic dietary for hair loss
Bad eating habits that are contributing to the increase of Pitta in your body. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of meats, alcohol, tea, coffee, excessive smoking. And also aggravated by eating too much oily, fried, spicy, sour, acidic and greasy foods.
Yoga :
This ancient fitness form, which is also a way of life, has been known to not just safeguard inner and mental health but also give cures to skin and hair issues. Here are some yoga asanas that not just promote hair growth, but will also help in reducing hair fall and improving their health.
- Sarvangasana
- Vajraasana
- Balaasana
- Matsyaasana
- Sheershaasana
- Uttanaasana ect.
Herbs for hair growth
- Bringaraaj
- Methi / Fenugreek seeds
- Aloevera
- Brahmi
- Neem
- Curry leaves
- Hibiscus leaves
- Guava leaves
- Tulsi
- Henna
- Amla
- Neem etc.
Shirodhara for hair growth :
‘Shiro’ means head, and ‘Dhara’ means flow.
Shirodhara, with the medicated hair oil treatment not only stimulate hair growth, but also treat stress. Regular Shirodhara increases the circulation of blood and helps balance the doshas in the body. In this way, it effectively helps to treat hair loss and also promotes hair growth. Other hairflall solutions by Massaging the scalp with marma points on the head (Shiro Abhyanga) Shirodhara, Shirolepa, Nasya, Herbs, Herbal hair cleansers Practicing regular yoga poses and pranayamas will regrow your lost hair.
Hair pack for oily hair
two tablespoons of Multani mitti, guava leaves powder and water is enough to get rid of the excess oil produced by the scalp. Leave this pack for half an hour and then wash off.
Hair pack for dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff is a disorder of the scalp. Half cup of Neem leaves juice, one tbsp of coconut oil, half tsp of lime juice and coffee powder mix together and apply on the scalp to reduce dandruff, hair fall and lot of itching of the scalp.
Hair pack for dry hair
Sesame oil, cow’s milk and hibiscus leaves mix together and apply on your scalp for 39 minutes to say bye bye to your dry hair and scalp.
Hair Growth pack
To promote your hair growth, Shikakai powder, multani mitti, Amla powder, Bringaraj leaves powder, Coffee, Aloevera henna powder and curry leaves powder same quantities mix with yoghurt and then apply this paste to hair and scalp for 30 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Just like any other part of our body, hair is also considered to be part of our body. So taking care of you hair is important too.
Dr. Chamashi Damindra Ranaweera
Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner – Sri Lanka
Clinical Acupuncturist
chamadamindra@gmail.com