Indian home hair loss treatments are based on the principles of Ayurveda. The National Center for Alternative and Complementary and Alternative (NCCAM) medicine describes Ayurveda as a holistic medicine based on ancient principles in India, designed to balance the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda treats the whole body, instead of just the scalp for hair loss, on the basis that hair loss is a symptom of a larger health problem. Modern western medicine does not accept the Ayurveda-based hair loss treatments as effective, but Ayurveda is commonly practiced in India. The thick locks of hair so common in those of Indian ancestry make the idea of pampering yourself with Indian home hair loss treatments quite desirable.
Diet
Ayurveda teaches you to treat health conditions, including hair loss, by caring for the inside of your body. Eating a healthy diet is beneficial for your entire body, including the hair follicles. Eliminate the chemicals from your diet, including those found in alcohol and processed foods. Ditch fast food and processed packaged foods. Try to eat home-prepared natural whole foods, including fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and beans. Eat a diet rich in protein and iron to ensure your body has the proper nutrients for hair growth. Ayurveda medicine stresses eating vegetarian sources of protein, such as nuts and legumes, and consuming generous amounts of leafy green vegetables as a rich iron source.
Stress Reduction
Ayurvedic medicine considers stress a common cause of hair loss. Dr. Savitha Suri, a Ayurvedic specialist, suggests keeping stress levels low by engaging in calming activities, such as deep-breathing exercises, and always getting a full night of sleep. An added benefit of a regular sleep schedule is that it helps the body keep hormone levels balanced. Hormone imbalances can cause hair loss, says Suri.
Scalp Massage
A healthy scalp is essential for luxurious locks. Ayurvedic scalp massage aims to increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, keeps the scalp moisturized and controls dandruff. Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage at home by massaging your scalp for two minutes a day using your fingertips and an Ayurvedic scalp massage oil. Look for scalp massage oils that contain thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar wood. A 1998 study published in the “Archives of Dermatology” tested these oils on a group of participants who suffered from alopecia. The oils successfully encouraged hair growth in 44 percent of the study participants.
You can also make your own scalp massage oil by mixing equal parts of cold-pressed coconut oil and fresh lime juice. The massaging action of your fingertips stimulates blood flow, coconut oil moisturizes your scalp and the lime juice sloughs off dead skin and kills fungus.
Lifestyle
Ayurvedic medicine focuses on staying away from harmful chemicals and toxins, which harm the body. Chemicals and toxins are abundant in the modern world. Some of these affect the neurological system and disrupt your natural hormone balance. Changing the way you look at products you use, by looking for natural products, is the best way to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Use herbal shampoos, conditioners and other personal care products that do not contain lauryl sulfates or parabens. Stay away from chemical pesticides and insecticides by eating certified organic foods and using herbal bug and garden sprays.
Photo Credit
- Hair image by jura from Fotolia.com
