Managing Hair Loss With Ayurvedic Panchkarma!

Ayurveda has two main forms of treatment, shodhana and shamana. Shodhana refers to the purification of the body and shaman refers to medicinal treatment. Panchkarma is one of the most important forms of shodhana. Ayurveda is based on the principle that once the organic processes in the body have been restored to their original state, the body’s own force or energy can be channelized to fight the disease.

Panchakarma frees the body of toxic substances and improves the circulatory system in the body. This rejuvenates hair follicles and ensures that they receive the necessary nutrients. Panchkarma can be literally translated to mean five therapies. Not all five forms of this therapy are needed to treat hair disorders, such as alopecia hair loss or premature graying, but the therapies that hold the key to treating these problems are:

1. Nasya: Nasya is the application of Ayurvedic medication through the nostrils. It is regarded to have the most immediate effects on scalp and hair conditions. Naya involves pouring Ayurvedic medicated oil through one nostril and letting it flow out of the other. In its travel through the nostrils, the oil reaches the membrane at the entrance of the brain and alerts the nerves that connect the brain to the scalp.

2. Shirodhara: Shirodhara involves pouring a gentle yet continuous stream of warm, medicated Ayurvedic oil on the forehead. A typical Shirodhara session lasts for half an hour. In some cases, the oil may also be replaced with herbal liquids. This rejuvenates dry hair follicles.

3. Hot oil massage: Ayurvedic oil massages on the scalp can help arrest hair fall and aid in the regrowth of hair. Bhringaraj, teak wood extract and jatamansi are common Ayurvedic herbs used to treat problems of hair growth and scalp disorders. Bhringaraj and teak wood extract promote hair growth and control hair fall while jatamansi helps reduce stress. Ayurveda believes that stress is one of the major causes of hair fall.

4. Diet: As with any other form of Ayurvedic treatment, a proper diet is essential when it comes to Panchakarma. Food that is bitter or sweet can be beneficial in treating hair loss. According to Ayurveda, hair is a bi-product of bone tissue formation. Since iron is essential for healthy bones, it is thus, also essential for healthy hair. Along with this, tonics and food that strengthen the liver and purify blood can also help treat scalp and hair conditions.