Alopecia Universalis Treatment With Ayurveda!

Alopecia Universalis is a condition that causes intense hair loss. This kind is unlike any other form of Alopecia. It causes complete loss of hair from your scalp and baldness. Although this is a type of Alopecia Areata, it differs from the common symptoms of the other alopecias - alopecia areata and alopecia totalis.

Symptoms –
The most common signs of alopecia universalis are the loss of-

1. Body hair
2. Eyebrow hair
3. Eyelashes
4. Scalp hair
5. Pubic hair

Causes-

In case of alopecia, the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles believing it to be an intruder. The hair follicles are attacked as a defense mechanism, which causes hair loss.

Many doctors believe it to have genetic links, however there are certain other factors that stimulate this condition.

1. Environmental triggers
2. A long term illness
3. Medicines
4. Nutritional deficiency
5. Thyroid disorder
6. High levels of stress
7. Vaccinations
8. Skin diseases
9. Exposure to chemicals

Risk factors-

People with Alopecia Universalis have an increased risk of developing other diseases such as vitiligo and thyroid disorder.

Ayurvedic Treatment-

Ayurveda believes in the philosophy that people who suffer from diseases have an imbalance of basic life energies in the body. Once the patient starts to receive treatment, the energy produced in the body from the restoration of organic processes to their original state helps in fighting the diseases effectively. Ayurveda terms consistent hair loss as ‘khalitya’ that is further categorized under ‘Shiroroga’.

Romakupagata/Keshamulagata pitta or bhrajaka pitta along with vata imbalance dislodges the hair from its roots. Sleshma/Kapha obstructs the hair roots which in turn does not allow any new hair to grow again.

Treatment Methods-

1. Pitta Pacification- An effective ayurvedic treatment, it improves the digestive fire by following a pitta pacification diet chart and through pitta decreasing medications. This therapy is highly beneficial since it completely eliminates bodily toxins by means of natural herbs.
2. Applying ayurvedic oil- Medicated herbal oils induced with Jasminum grandifolium can treat baldness
3. Panchakarma therapy- Ayurveda focuses on two major treatment methods, ‘shodhana’ and ‘shamana’. Shodhana is the purification of the body and shamana refers to treatment with medicines. Panchkarma is an important form of shodhana. This is a five(pancha) remedy/therapy(karma) which applies ayurvedic procedures to clean or purge the entire body.
   • Shirodhara is performed by gently pouring a continuous stream of medicated, warm herbal oil on the forehead. A typical massage session extends for half an hour. Sometimes the oil is also replaced with herbal liquids, which rejuvenates the follicles of the dry hair.
   • Nasya involves application of oils and medications through the nostrils which is supposed to have immediate effects on the hair and scalp. Ayurvedic medicated oil is poured through one nostrils and the toxins can be spitted out through mouth. This way it helps the body get rid of impurities.
4. Ayurvedic hot oil massages- This is done on the scalp, which can effectively arrest hair loss and prompt hair regrowth. Extract from teak wood, Bhringaraj and Jatamansi are commonly used Ayurvedic herbs applied to treat hair and scalp disorders.
5. Diet- Since ayurveda believes our hair to be a by-product of the bone tissue formation, it is essential to consume food rich in calcium, iron for healthy bones and healthy body. Along with this, one should also consume foods and liquids that purify the liver and blood.