KESHA- Concept of Ayurvedic Hair Care

Ayurvedic classics consider Kesha as an Upadhatu and also as a Mala (waste product) of Asthi dhatu (bones). Kesha are the elements that grow on the scalp (mastaka). The definition for kesha means the one that is sheltering over the head. Kesha is the word derived from root word ‘ke’ means (Mastaka) - head with ‘shi’ to shete - (sleep). In Sanskrit - “Kashate prakaashate iti kasha” - One which shines.

Prakruthi is a unique concept of Ayurveda. For identification of prakruthi of an individual, observation of each and every part of the body is advised. So the shape, color and texture of hair can be considered as standard to identify the prakruthi. Kesha Vikara (Disorders):- In Ayurvedic texts three terms are used to describe the symptom of hair loss, such as – indralupta, khalitya and ruhya.

a. Indralupta :- According to Acharya Vagabhata, when hair falls suddenly it is known as indralupta or Alopecia. Pitta in the romakoopa (hair follicle) makes the hair fall at a small region by obstructing the vessels connecting Romakoopa and leads to indralupta. One more opinion is that indralupta affects the beard

b. Khalitya :- Khalli- khalitya is a long running process of hair fall. Khalitya effects scalp and Ruhya affects the entire body. Disease of kasha. Khaalitya does not occur in women. Raja (arthava/menstrual blood) takes out Doshas and hence no Srotorodha (obstruction of channels) takes place.

c. Paalitya :- Premature greying of hair. People Pitta prakruti tend to have thin and light coloured hair. These people tend to have more grey hair. Grey hair is very prominent in old people which is quite natural. But premature greying of hair needs to be taken under consideration and treated on time.

What Causes hair loss and premature greying of hair according to Ayurveda?

Hair follicle (Romakoopa), contains Bhrajaka pitta. If this pitta 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.

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.

How does Ayurveda help in various hair issues:-

Treatment ranges from oral medication like decoctions,concoctions to external application of herbal paste, hair oils, panchkarma (Detox procedure),etc. Some of the herbs that have proved to be effective in such conditions are:- Bhringraj, Amla, Brahmi, Gunja, Yashtimadhu, Aloe vera, Jatmansi, Shatavari, Tulasi, etc.

Dandruff (Darunaka)

The stubborn white flakes from the hair can cause social or self-esteem problems. You can say goodbye to dandruff with the help of Ayurveda.

The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin where in shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected. Dandruff is the peeling of dead skin cells from the scalp. A small amount of flaking is normal but in some people, however, unusually large amount of flaking either chronically or as a result of certain internal / external triggers. The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases. Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, and exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.

Treatment

Application of oils like dhurdhoorpatradi coconut oil, intake of blood cleansing liquids like Khadirarishtam or sarivadyasvam (under consultation). Application of specially customised (by Om Vedic’s Ayurevdic Consultant) herbal paste (shirolepam for minimum 7 days).

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.