Best 5 Ayurvedic Treatments for Hair Fall, Hair Loss and Regrowth
May 24, 2021
Ayurveda for hair has been effective in controlling hair fall and stimulating new hair growth for thousands of years and is still regarded as one of the best hair loss treatments. But before we delve into finding out the best Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss and regrowth, let’s quickly understand what is hair fall and when one should start worrying about it?
What is hairfall?
‘Hair fall’ is a common term used to describe the amount of hair we lose daily. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, it is normal for any individual to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair per day.
We have over 100K or more hair follicles on the scalp and losing a few does not qualify as a reason to worry. However, if this number increases considerably, then one must not ignore it can be hair loss.
What Does Ayurveda Say About Hair Loss?
Ayurveda, the ‘science of Life’ is the longest surviving medical system. It defines the condition of abnormal hair fall or hair loss as ‘Khalitya’, i.e., weakening or withering of the hair from the hair roots. Let’s understand it further.
As per Ayurveda, the human body is made of the 5 elements i.e.,
- Aakash (space),
- Jala (water),
- Prithvi (earth),
- Teja (fire), and
- Vayu (air).
The combination of these elements results in three humors or doshas namely the Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha.
When the Pitta Dosha is in an imbalance in combination with either Vata or Kapha Dosha or both, it triggers Khalitya. According to modern science, this condition is also known as the ‘Alopecia Areata’ or baldness. It is a partial or complete loss of hair, especially from the scalp.
Factors causing hair fall as per Ayurveda
As we discussed, hair loss occurs when either of our doshas is imbalanced. Let’s understand each of the doshas in detail -
- Pitta Dosha - When Pitta spikes, our body releases excess heat. This leads to inflammation of hair follicles which weakens the roots and leads to hair fall. This may also lead to premature greying.
- Vata Dosha - When Vata elevates in the body, it dehydrates the scalp. The air or to be simply understood as the combustion inside the body can dehydrate or exhaust the reserves in mobilizing other organs blocking flow to the scalp. It leaves the scalp dry and unnourished, causing the hair follicles to weaken and eventually fall.
- Kapha Dosha - When Kapha level rises, the scalp tends to over-secrete the sebum. This in turn leads to the clogged follicle and hinders hair growth. Greasy scalp and oily dandruff are early signs of Kapha aggravation.
What leads to the imbalance of the Doshas?
Here are a few factors that can lead to dosha imbalances -
- Poor nutrition and lack of vital vitamins like A, B, C, D, E and K and essential minerals can lead to an increase in the Vata dosha causing hair loss.
- Stress and Anxiety can act as catalysts in spiking the Pitta dosha. Stress can induce hormonal imbalances leading to hair fall or even loss.
- Poor lifestyle, Drinking and smoking, excessive exposure to sun and environmental aggressors may lead to oxidative stress in the body which has a direct impact on the overall health of your scalp and hair.
Can Ayurveda stop hairfall & regrow hair?
Ayurveda focuses on well-being holistically. Apart from the therapies, Ayurveda also stresses following a proper diet and leading a clean lifestyle as it has a direct positive impact on the health of our scalp and the strands.
Here’s a quick guide to improve your diet and bring the doshas back in balance for hair loss treatment.
|
Dosha |
Foods to eat |
Foods to avoid |
|
Vata |
Warm, moist, and soft foods (e.g., berries, bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, lean meat, eggs, dairy) |
Bitter, dried, and cold foods (e.g., raw vegetables, cold desserts, dried fruit, nuts, seeds) |
|
Kapha |
Spicy, acidic, and filling foods (e.g., most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, low-fat cheese, unprocessed meats, hot spices) |
Heavy, “fatty” foods (e.g., fats, oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds) |
|
Pitta |
Light, cold, sweet, and energizing foods (e.g., fruits, non-starchy vegetables, oats, eggs) |
Heavy, spicy, and sour foods (e.g., red meat, potatoes, hot spices) |
5 Ayurvedic Treatments For Hair Loss And Regrowth
1. Shirodhara
This therapy involves the use of ayurvedic herbs and oils. They are poured through an oscillating container hung right above the forehead in a way that it drips slowly, drop by drop, onto the forehead moving towards the back of the head.
The scalp is massaged by a therapist, which helps activate and stimulate the scalp. This therapy helps balance the Vata and Pitta Doshas. It is not only an Ayurvedic hair loss treatment but also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
However, in the wake of the pandemic, we recommend an alternative to the above therapy that can do yourself in the comfort of your home.
Our Hibiscus, Amla & Bhringraj hair oil is a blend of 13 herbs cooked in coconut oil. Made using ayurvedic formulations, this hair oil has all the benefits of the herbs and oils used in Shirodhara.
Take a little amount and give yourself a relaxing massage. You can follow this ritual twice a week for the best results.
2. Shiro Abhyanga
This therapy involves massage of the head, neck, upper back and shoulders with Ayurvedic oils. The idea is to help relax the muscles and tissues as an add on to the affected areas of the scalp.
This therapy is best known to relax the three chakras Anja (between eyebrows), Sahasrara (top of the head) and Vishudha (in the throat). Massage is given using various hand movements to stimulate the pressure points and enhance blood circulation and oxygen supply to the scalp giving the follicles optimum nourishment.
As an alternative to the above ayurvedic treatment for hair loss and regrowth, we recommend using our Cold-pressed Pumpkin seed carrier oil for the massage. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in essential minerals that help improve scalp health and boost hair growth by stimulating the scalp. It is also rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.
3. Shiro Lepa
This therapy targets the Pitta dosha. Herbs are dried and made into a fine paste. The paste is then applied over the scalp and the head is covered with a banana leaf.
A stream of oil is poured over the affected area that helps provide nutrition to reach the scalp. This therapy is also known to help with dandruff, premature greying and relieving stress.
4. Nasya
This therapy involves lubrication of nasal passages with ayurvedic herbal oils and is considered one of the most effective therapies for hair fall as per Ayurveda. Nasya helps balance Kapha when done in the morning, Pitta in the afternoon and Vata in Ayurveda for hair loss in evening.
One has to lie down horizontally and slightly tilt the head backwards. Few drops are instilled in the nostrils and allowed to reach the back of the throat.
5. Hair Massage using Organic Oils
The modern lifestyles are busy and self-care seems like a luxury. But all you need to do is take out 10 mins for hair twice a week and give yourself a relaxing massage using our certified organic hair oils.
They are made with potent ingredients that are known to promote scalp health and regulate growth. Regular massages help stimulate the scalp, relax muscles and ensure the follicles receive all the nourishment they need
Note: We recommend taking professional help and guidance for all the above Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss and regrowth. We do not encourage self-diagnosis and encourage you to seek an Ayurvedic Practitioners' help.
Check out our complete range of organic hair oils that are certified organic by Ecocert France as per COSMOS V3 standards!
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FAQs
-
How to know if your Doshas are imbalanced?
The best way to know if Doshas are imbalanced is by consulting a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner.
-
How long does it take to see results?
Ayurvedic therapies take time to show results. Please be patient and follow them consistently to see the results.
-
Can anyone indulge in the above Ayurvedic Therapies?
Yes, these therapies not only help with hair concerns but also help control overall stress and anxiety levels.
References -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667433/
https://ayurvedichospital.com/en-blog/all-about-shirodhara-the-ayurvedic-wonder-therapy