Alopecia has been in the news recently, prompting discussions about the impact of hair loss on individuals. But what exactly does it mean to have alopecia?
Alopecia is a catch-all term that encompasses all types of hair loss. It is a common problem affecting many men and women, and most people will experience some form of hair loss during their lifetimes. One specific type of hair loWhat is Alopecia Areata and How Can You Manage it Naturally, alopecia areata (AA), has garnered attention due to its autoimmune nature and its impact on those affected.
Also Read: What Is Alopecia Areata? Treatments And Home Remedies
In this blog, you will discover –
- What is Alopecia Areata?
- Ayurveda Perspective on Alopecia Areata
- What Does Alopecia Areata Look Like?
- Impact on Mental Health
- Prognosis for Alopecia Areata
- Ayurveda Therapies for Alopecia Areata
- How does Ayushakti’s “Hairshakti program help build your hair healthy and stronger?
- Effective Home Remedies To Control Hairfall and Promote Hair Growth!
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any body part where hair grows. The immune system, which typically protects the body against foreign invaders like bacteria or allergens, can target hair follicle cells in the case of alopecia areata. This results in the premature entry of these cells into a “resting” phase, called telogen, which halts hair growth.
The exact trigger for this immune response is not fully understood, but environmental factors, genetics, and stress are believed to play a role. Alopecia areata can affect individuals of all ethnicities and genders and is one of the most common hair loss disorders. While it most commonly develops in individuals younger than 30, it can occur at any age.
Ayurveda Perspective on Alopecia Areata
Hair growth is a natural process that goes through three distinct life cycles. Understanding these cycles can help us better understand how to care for our hair and prevent excessive hair fall.
In the first cycle, new hair follicles grow, in the second cycle, they grow to their maximum length, and in the third cycle, fully grown hair follicles fall. This process continues, but when there is an excessive amount of Vata in the body, it can lead to the degeneration of hair follicles, preventing new hair growth and ultimately causing increased hair fall and scanty hair growth.
It’s important to note that hair, like teeth and nails, is a byproduct of Asthi Dhatu, which is the bone tissue in our bodies. When there is low Agni and unbalanced food, hair can fall prematurely. So, what can be done to treat and prevent excessive hair fall and promote healthy hair growth? One approach is to pacify Vata and Pitta internally and externally. In addition, it’s important to increase Agni and nourish the bone tissue.
When it comes to diet and lifestyle, the regimen for addressing hair issues is similar to that for skin problems. This includes a balanced and nourishing diet, as well as a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and stress management.
What Does Alopecia Areata Look Like?
Alopecia areata usually begins with the sudden appearance of small, round patches of hair loss without redness or scarring. In rare cases, this can progress to a complete absence of body and scalp hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Diagnosis is often made through a physical examination by a doctor, typically a dermatologist. In some cases, a dermoscope, and a skin surface microscope, may be used to aid in diagnosis. If the cause of hair loss is not clear, a doctor may conduct a scalp biopsy, which involves removing a small amount of skin to obtain a clearer diagnosis.
Nail changes are found in approximately 10% to 20% of patients and may be more common in children or those with severe cases. Also, due to its autoimmune nature, alopecia areata may be associated with other immune-driven conditions such as vitiligo, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, celiac disease, lupus, allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and thyroid diseases. Blood tests for thyroid dysfunction are often performed to rule out conditions that affect hair loss.
Impact on Mental Health
Alopecia areata frequently cause psychological and emotional distress and can harm an individual’s self-esteem. Those affected have an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The prognosis for Alopecia Areata
The natural course of alopecia areata is unpredictable; however, most people with the condition experience hair regrowth within a few years. Regrowth is most likely to occur in patients with milder hair loss. The subtype of alopecia areata also contributes to the prognosis, with approximately 5% to 10% of patients facing the risk of progression from limited alopecia areata to complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or whole-body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
The extent of hair loss and the age at which alopecia areata begin are the most important indicators for prognosis, with individuals who develop the condition at a younger age typically experiencing worse outcomes. Certain subtypes of alopecia areata may also be less responsive to treatment options.
Ayurveda Therapies for Alopecia Areata
Before starting treatment, it is essential to have realistic expectations and understand that, at present, there is no cure for alopecia areata. The goals of treatment are to control or lower hair loss and promote regrowth.
In Ayurveda, alopecia areata is considered to be a result of an imbalance in the body’s doshas, or energies. According to Ayurvedic principles, hair is a byproduct of bone tissue, and any disturbance in the bone tissue can lead to hair loss. Therefore, the treatment of alopecia areata in Ayurveda focuses on balancing the doshas and addressing the root cause of the condition.
Ayurvedic remedies for hair growth include a combination of herbal treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Some of the commonly used herbs for treating alopecia areata in Ayurveda include bhringaraj, amla, brahmi, and neem. These herbs are known for their nourishing and rejuvenating properties, and they can help to stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of the scalp and hair.
Also Read: How to stop hair fall with Ayurveda
How does Ayushakti’s “Hairshakti program help build your hair healthy and stronger?
Ayushakti doctor analyzes your cause & creates a customized plan for you.
Hairshakti programs include customized diets, proven kitchen remedies, effective herbal remedies and authentic detox therapies. Hairshakti hair growth program focuses on three steps:
1. FIRST STEP – REMOVE
Eliminate blockages, and inflammation and remove toxins from the gut and intracellular cells through the right type of detox so that proper blood supply reaches the damaged organs and intracellular toxins are cleared.
2. SECOND STEP – RESTORE
Repair & restore the normal functioning of all the organs and especially the ones that are affected by the illness through the usage of powerful home remedies, diet, lifestyle changes, and marma pressure points.
3. THIRD STEP – RENEW
Rebuild & renew in step by step manner using herbal formulas and therapies on damaged or weak tissues, thus creating vibrant youthful health and long-lasting relief from chronic health problems.
WHAT ARE THE REMARKABLE BENEFITS OF THE HAIRSHAKTI PROGRAM?
- Within a few weeks to a few months, hair fall stops.
- Stimulates new hair regrowth at the root.
- Prolongs the life cycle of hair, giving the blessing of long life to your hair.
- Fully restore the vitality of the hair, improving the quality of hair.
- Helps make hair denser with thick hair volume.
- Controls hair loss.
- Reduces chronic scalp infections and dandruff.
- Restores hair regeneration by renewing hair roots and preventing future hair loss.
Ayushakti’s “Hair Shakti” program promotes new hair growth like before with strength and volume and relieves dandruff. Book Your appointment to control hairfall
Effective Home Remedies To Control Hairfall and Promote Hair Growth!
Drink For Hair Growth
- Milk (can opt for vegan milk) 1 cup
- Ghee 1 tsp
- Sesame seed 1 tsp
- Almonds 4
Soak Sesame seeds and almonds overnight. Peel the almonds. Blend it with milk. Warm it. Add sugar and ghee. Drink it on an empty stomach.
Anti-Hair Fall Mask
- Fresh Coconut grated 1/4 cup
- Almonds, soaked and peeled 4
- Water 1/2 cup
- Sesame seeds 1 tbsp
Crush it in a mixer. Filter well. Massage it sparingly over the scalp. Keep it overnight and wash it off with Herbal Shampoo and conditioner.
For more intensive treatment, Panchakarma, a form of Ayurvedic therapy, can be used. Shirobasti, in particular, is an effective treatment for reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth. This treatment involves the application of medicated oil to the scalp and is best administered by an Ayurvedic physician.
At Ayushakti Ayurved, we offer personalized Ayurvedic treatments for alopecia areata that are tailored to each individual’s unique constitution and imbalances. Our experienced Ayurvedic doctors will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition and create a customized treatment plan that may include herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications. Our goal is to address the root cause of the condition and promote long-term hair growth and overall well-being.
If you are struggling with alopecia areata and are looking for natural and holistic solutions, we invite you to book an appointment with Ayushakti Ayurved. Our team of skilled Ayurvedic practitioners is dedicated to helping you achieve healthy hair growth and a balanced state of well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your confidence and vitality.
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Blog Author: Dr Rajeshree Mehta
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.