By : Dr. Neena Sharma (M.D. Ayurveda)
Kesha (hair) are the elements that grow on the mastak (scalp) and as per ayurved, they are the mala (waste) of ashthi (bone) dhatu. Hair health also depends on rasa dhatu (lymphs). Since hair is a derivative of the bone dhatu, poor bone health impacts hair health.
One of the most common reason for hair fall is the lifestyle people lead. External stressors like sunlight (UV rays), dust, pollution, chemicals used on hair, hair treatments etc all lead to weakening of the hair health , making it more prone to breakage.
All the three Doshas Viz Vata, Pitta and Kapha along with Rakta are involved in the etiology of Khalitya Roga (hair loss). Excessive use of the substances, which may vitiate Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Rakta, should be considered as common causative factors for hair problems. Initially vitiated Vata and Pitta approach the romkupas (hair follicles) and uproot the hair followed by blocking of Romkupas (hair follicles) by Rakta and Kapha, thus preventing the growth of new hair. Vegbhata has defined Khalitya as gradual loss of hair from the scalp.
Acharya Charak has mentioned that Khalitya palitya can be manage by external and internal treatment. Ayurveda places a lot of emphasis on routine (dincharya). A healthy routine or regime is important for maintaining health including hair health. As part of the regime, one should adopt the following practises to take care of hair –
Oil massage with a medicated oil : massage on hair and scalp well. Leave for 6-8 hours or overnight. Wash off next day with shampoo. Do not heat oil before application. Oil application helps in ensuring the medicaments / herbal extracts come in direct contact with the hair and hair roots. This helps make the scalp revitalized, keep hair healthy, black, firm rooted – this reducing indralupta (sudden loss of hair/alopecia), khalitya(gradual loss of hair) and palitya (premature greying) and darunak (dandruff). Neem Ayu Anti Hair Fall Oil (Neemayu hair oil) is a good choice for this.
Acharya Sushrut in Sushrut Samhita has mentioned that oil massage will make hair grow luxuriantly, thick , soft and dark gloss. Oil massage invigorated the head and sense organs.
Shampoo with a gentle conditioning shampoo: to clean hair and scalp. Do not use conditioner. A good shampoo will help clean the hair and scalp well. Shampooing does not lead to breakage (as is commonly thought). Research has shown that while many people understand that hair fall is a natural process in hair re-growth, others link it to the use of 'unsuitable' shampoos rather than to combing or brushing or to chemical changes like perming. Only a few people recognise factors like childbirth, medication, diet, genetic inheritance or illness as possible causes of hair loss, although all these are well known to hair scientists. Neem Ayu Anti Hair Fall Shampoo or Neem Ayu Anti Dandruff Shampoo (all Neem ayu shampoo are sulphate free, paraben free) can be chosen as per need.
The fact is that shampoos do not cause hair to fall. Nor do they have any effect on the daily rate of loss, or on the rate of hair growth. Not surprisingly, more hair is shed on days when the hair is shampooed than on other days because of the simple mechanical action of washing the hair. Scientists studying different kinds of shampoos (including '2-in-1' products) could find no differences between their effects on hair loss.
Oil+Shampoo routine takes care of the external aggressors (pollution/ dust etc).
Fortify and improve your nutrition with all natural capsules like Neem Ayu capsule (neemayu anti hair fall capsule or neemayu anti dandruff capsule): 1-2 twice daily with water/ milk …to help manage the micronutrient deficiencies in the body that impact hair health. A correct herbo mineral formulation will help to improve and regulate your overall health in a safe manner, without any side effects. . The B vitamins, especially B5 (pantothenic acid and B3 (niacin), are especially important for hair growth.
Regular intake of water : Hydration is important as water is needed for flow of nutrition in the body. It is an important constituent of all bodily fluids and is needed to flush out the toxins from the body.
