/ayurveda/hair-loss-premature-greying/

Khalitya: In Ayurveda hair fall is termed as Khalitya. Nowadays hair fall is quite common.
What causes hair loss according to Ayurveda? It is caused due to Pitta(Fire) and Vata(Air) dosha imbalance. Hair follicle (Romakoopa), contains Bhrajaka pitta. If this pitta that is 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. Dieting and poor nutrition. Low digestive power (poor digestive fire/Agni), iron deficiency, calcium deficiency, excessive intake of birth control pills, steroids. Chemotherapy. Not applying hair oil on a regular basis. Regular or improper use of dyes, gels and hair sprays, use of harmful shampoos, frequent use of a blow dryer.  Improper washing, drying, and combing of hair. 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. People leading either a stressful or sedentary lifestyle, along with poor dietary habits result in dosha imbalance which directly reflects in loss of hair. Hereditary and family history of hair loss, and underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues, anaemia, dandruff, hormonal imbalance also lead to hair loss. In women hair loss is quite common during menopause.

Dandruff (Darunaka/Seborric Dermatitis):-
Dandruff is very commonly seen in many individuals and which is a cause for hair fall or hairloss too. Ayurveda explains dandruff by the name Darunaka, included under Kapalgata Roga (Scalp disorder) by Acharya Vaghbhat. While Acharya Shusruta has described this disease as a Kshudraroga (Minor Disease) due to vitiation of Vata (wind) and Kapha (water) Doshas with symptoms like Kandu (itching on scalp), Keshachyuti (hair fall), Swapa (abnormalities of touch sensation on scalp), Rookshata (roughness or dryness of the scalp) and Twaksphutana (breaking or cracking of the scalp skin).

Dandruff is an irritative disease of the scalp in which shedding of dead tissue from the scalp with itching sensation is considered as the cardinal feature. It is more of a social problem as a person with Darunaka is quite likely to feel down on the social ring.

Causative Factors :
-non-application of Kesha Thailam (oiling of head/hair)
-Lack of hair care and hygiene, improper hair wash
-excessive use of harsh chemical shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes etc.
-Direct heat and direct sunlight on scalp (eg. Excessive Use of hair dryer and or straightner)
-sleeping during day time
-exposure to dust,
-hot and humid weather and excessive sweat etc.
-Genetic

Preventive and Herbal formulations for Scalp Care :
-Always use warm water for head bath
-Use Herbal shampoos and conditions
-Oil your hair before every hair wash
-External Therapies and Thailams/oils:
Shirolepam (Herbal Hair Pack) , Shiroabhyanga (head oil massage)
Doordurpatradi Thailam, Triphaladi Thailam, Yashtimadhu choorna, Cocconut Oil,Triphala choornam etc.
-Internal medicines:
Manjistadi Kashayam, Triphala choornam etc.

Shirolepam (Herbal Hair Pack)
Shirolepam or Thalam, is a special kind of therapy for the scalp, and it is extremely useful in the treatment of disorders related to the scalp and skin. ‘Shiro’ means head and ‘Lepam’ means application of herbal paste. This therapy is also considered as a rejuvenation therapy for the scalp and hair, as it nourishes hair follicles, which will reduce hair fall and avoid premature greying of hair.

Shirolepam Therapy involves soothing oil massage to head, neck and shoulder. Then a thick layer of specially prepared herbal paste made of various herbs and herbal powders, is applied over the scalp and retained for 45 minutes.

Benefits of Shirolepam:

  • Prevents hairfall
  • Promotes stronger and healthier hair growth
  • Controls dandruff
  • Prevents premature greying of hair
  • It nourishes the scalp and the head
  • Useful for skin diseases
  • Relieves tension and fatigue
  • Reduces mental stress
  • Helps to improve concentration
  • It promotes undisturbed sleep

Shirolepam is also beneficial to reduce medical conditions such as migraines, insomnia, hypertension and dry vision syndrome.

Success Story: Female / 38 years old History of dandruff and dry skin past 5 years. After detailed consultation and accessing the prakriti of the person, she was prescribed ayurvedic herbal medicines to cleanse the blood and at the same time to prevent the dryness of the skin. Oils (dhurdhoorpatradi Coconut oil/durvadi kerathailam/ Asoria (AVP proprietary oil) were given to use thrice a week. Also shirolepam was advised for 7 sessions.
Diet and lifestyle changes were advised. Within A WEEK there was remarkable improvement in the reduction of dry scales on the scalp, less itching and skin was less dry now. She was asked to continue the medicines and the oils, after a month all symptoms were gone, her hair was more smooth and no more dandruff.
Read the TESTIMONIAL HERE