Alopecia aerata is a form of hair loss, usually from the scalp, although it can affect other areas of the body. The hair loss due to alopecia areata is a common condition which arises largely due to a mix of immunological and hormonal factors. Ayurvedic treatment is very effective in treatment of this type of Hair loss.
Alopecia Areata can affect both men and women and it is not uncommon to see children affected with this disorder. Approximately 2% of the general population worldwide suffers from Alopecia Areata. We come across many children with Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia Areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the immune system of the body (which protects the body from bacteria and viruses) mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them. This leads to hair loss in the affected area.
The commonest presentation of Alopecia Areata is appearance of bald patches on the scalp. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a small coin. The patient may have single or multiple such patches. In some cases these patches may remain static, whereas in some cases the patches may spread to involve larger areas of the scalp. In some cases, hair loss is more extensive. Although it is not very common, the disease can progress to cause total loss of hair on the head or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and rest of the body. The hair loss mostly remains limited to the scalp however in certain cases it can extend to eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair (beard, mustache), and nasal hair and give rise to bald spots anywhere in the body.
What are the Causes of Alopecia type of Hair loss
It is not perfectly understood what causes alopecia areata for some reason, follicles stop producing visible hair, resulting in smooth bald patches that can appear overnight. There are no diagnostic test available which can predict the onset and behavior of alopecia areata. Here are few common factors which are known as a trigger for alopecia areata.
Genetic tendencies
Long illness
Thyroid dysfunction
Environmental triggers
Exposure to chemicals
Extreme stress
Nutritional deficiency
Ayurvedic treatment view for Hair Loss
Ancient acharyas have considered this condition under sira kapala rogas. According to them, the root cause is excessive intake of Vata and Pitta (the two main pillars of the body) aggravating diet. This causes obstruction in micro-channels (Kapha and Raktha) that supply nutrients to hair follicle and results in hair loss. Ayurveda explains the involvement of Vata and Pitta along with Kapha and Raktha.
Ayurvedic treatment for Hair loss
The course of typical alopecia areata type of hair loss in classical Ayurvedic treatment is predictable with certain factors based on the distribution and manifestation of condition. Longer the period of hair loss and if larger the area involved, then there is less chances for the hairs to re-grow early. This stage will take time and lot of patience is required. However emotional factors are taken into consideration and certain corrective Ayurvedic treatments are indicated for hair loss.
Depending on the involvement of Doshas and Dushyas such as Vata and Pitta, Kapha and Raktha respectively, one can treat the condition with typical methods of detoxification,changes in the diet & lifestyle and ayurvedic treatment of Lepana and Rasayna therapies to cure hair loss.
Ayurvedic Diet & lifestyle for Alopecia hair loss treatment
- Take restful sleep.
- Avoid worrying &manage Anxiety.
- Take your meals at regular time in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Protein rich diet should be preferred as hairs are made of protein.
- Include dried fruits such as almond dates walnut apricot in your diet.
- Include buttermilk in your diet, it improves gut health &helps in absorption of nutrients.
- Fresh green leafy vegetables, curry leaves, sprouts, etc. should be preferred.
- Aloe Vera is good for hair loss treatment as it heals the scalp and cleansing the pores.
- Eating of white sesame seeds, flax seed, sunflower seeds is beneficial for preventing hair loss
- Have two to three seasonal fruits per day
- Avoid too much oily, spicy ,junk food
- Avoid using hair dyes ,hair colour, harsh shampoo &conditioners
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Alopecia treatment
Tulasi juice: Apply tulasi juice on the part affected helps in regrowth of hairs.
Curd : Apply curd on the whole scalp before taking bath is also very helpful. Since curd takes care of your scalp and any infections or bacteria that fester on it, it also helps in promoting healthy growth. The biotin present in curd, along with zinc, helps strengthen the hair from the root –– this also leads to minimal hair fall. So, curd for hair is a great booster of hair growth!
Lemon juice : This is also very powerful remedy for alopecia and dandruff. It is used in both ways that is for external application as well as drinking lemon juice.The high content of vitamin C in lemons boost collagen production, which in turn stimulates hair growth. Because of acidic in nature, lemon clears the build-up from the scalp. This build-up blocks hair follicles. Apply lemon juice on the scalp or body part where there is patchy hair loss.
Neem Water : Washing scalp with water prepared by boiling fresh neem leaves is very beneficial in this type of hair loss. The antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal effects of neem water can unclog pores, which aids in the control of alopecia . Neem water also smoothens the hair. Skin irritation, pimples and heat rashes in the body can be effectively treated using neem water.