Hair loss prevention through Ayurveda
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the causes of hair fall, it is very essential to know the structure of
hair and its normal growth cycle.
Structure of hair
The hair on our scalp can be divided into two parts, the root and
shaft. The root part of hair is in the skin (epidermis) of scalp. The
hair root is surrounded by a pouch like structure called follicle. The
base of hair root is in the shape of a bulb. This bulb is indented by
capillaries and nerve fibers. The cells in the center of bulb divide.
The newly divided hair cells push the previous cells up. The cells
which move upwards die slowly forming hard hair shaft.
The hair shaft has three layers the cuticle, medulla and cortex.
Cuticle is the outer layers and protects the inner layers. It is
transparent. Healthy cuticle gives a shiny appearance for hair and
unhealthy cuticle gives lifeless look
Medulla is the innermost layer composed of large cells.
Cortex is the layer between cuticle and medulla. This contains pigment
and keratin. Cortex determines the bulk and strength of hair.
The hair follicle contains oil secreting glands which make the hair
shiny .Stress and illness diminish secretion of oil and pigments
causing graying of hair.
According to Ayurveda the hair is considered as a tissue which uses the
same nutrients of bone and considered as a tissue which is formed as
bi-product of bone tissue.
Normal cycle of hair growth.
About 10 % of the hair on the scalp is in a resting phase at any given
time. The resting hair falls after 2 to 3 months and new hair starts
growing in its place. The growing phase continues for 2.25 to 6 yrs.
During this phase each hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. At any
given time about 90% of the hair on scalp will be in growing phase.
Few strands of hair fall as the part of normal hair growth cycle. But
some people may experience excessive hair fall which is more than
normal cycle. Excessive hair loss can affect men, women and children.
Causes of hair loss
1. Hormonal imbalance in men and women: In men high concentration of
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles causes hair fall. In women
hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and after delivery cause hair
fall.
2. High amount of sebum in scalp clogs pores of scalp and prevent
nutrition to hair follicle.
3. Inadequate nutrition causes hair fall.
4. Stress, worry, lack of sleep, worry and anxiety cause hair fall
5. Long standing diseases like typhoid, viral infections, anemia,
surgery etc cause general debility which lead to hair fall
6. Some medicines used for gout, chemo therapy of cancer , birth
control pills , antidepressants etc cause hair fall
7. Diseases like lupus, diabetes cause hair fall.
8. Tying hair tightly pulls the hair from follicles and cause traction
alopecia.
9. Heredity also causes hair fall.
10. Dandruff or Fungal infection of scalp.
11. Accumulation of dirt on scalp causes blocking of pores and weakens
hair roots. This leads to hair fall.
According to ayurveda the causes of hair loss are described as follows
1. Too much exposure to dust, sunlight, water and other pollutants.
2. Too much of sweating.
3. Irregular sleeping pattern.
4. Anxiety, depression, insomnia.
5. Unhygienic way of living
6. Diseases
7. Alcohol consumption.
Hair loss Remedies
1. Liberal intake of vitamins.
2. High protein and iron rich diet.
3. Consumption of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy
vegetables regularly.
4. Washing hair regularly ( twice weekly ) with suitable shampoo.
5. Using relaxing techniques to overcome stress, anxiety and
sleeplessness.
6. Preventing fungal infections of scalp.
7. Preventing hairstyles which pull hair.
Due to these causes the tridoshas get vitiated and cause hair loss. The
vitiated doshas affect the scalp skin and cause hair fall occurs.
Medicated oil with the herbs Bhringaraja ( Eclipta Alba ), Amalaki (
Embelica officinalis ), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula ) and Vibhitaki (
Terminalia bellirica ) is a best remedy for hair fall.
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic
Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com Read more about
hair care at http://www.ayurhelp.com/hair/hair.htm
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