Alopecia (Indralupta)

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Alopecia - Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment

Alopecia refers to hair loss. It may affect either scalp only or the entire body. Loss of hair can be temporary or permanent. It may be due to heredity reasons, hormonal variations, other underlying medical conditions, or aging. The condition is more commonly seen in men. Ayurveda explains this medical condition as Indralupta. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has an effective Ayurvedic treatment protocol for treating this embarrassing disease. IAFA is deeply concerned about the ultimate cure of its patients from all types of illness.

Causes of Alopecia

Normally people lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. This is not commonly noticeable as new hairs are growing almost at the same rate. Hair loss is said to occur when new hair is not replacing the lost hair.

Following factors may contribute to hair loss:-

Hereditary Factors: It is the most common cause of hair loss and happens usually with aging. It commonly occurs gradually and will be in predictable patterns. In men, there will be a receding hairline and bald spots and in women thinning of hair along the crown of the scalp is observed.
Hormonal changes and medical conditions: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid problems, etc., and medical conditions like scalp infection by ringworm, a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania, etc. can lead to Alopecia.
Medicines and supplements: Hair loss can be caused as a side effect of certain drugs, used in the treatment of cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart problems, depression, gout, etc.
Radiation therapy: Hair lost due to radiation may not grow back easily.
Mental stress and anxiety: People may experience a temporary thinning of hair due to some physical or emotional shock.
Hair treatments: Unhealthy hairstyling and hair treatments involving the application of hot oil, coloring, straightening, etc. can lead to hair loss.

In Ayurveda, Indralupta is caused by vitiation of Vata dosha along with Pithadosha in hair follicles. Kapha dosha along with Raktadathu forms a covering in these follicles and prevents the formation of new hairs.

Ayurvedic Reference of Alopecia (Indralupta)

Symptoms of Alopecia

Alopecia can appear in different ways, depending on the actual cause behind it. It may occur rapidly or progressively and can affect only the scalp or the whole body.

Signs and symptoms of hair loss include:

Gradual thinning of hair on top of the head
Circular or patch like spots without hair
Sudden loosening of hair
Hair loss all over the body
Scaly patches that spread over the scalp

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA assures effective Ayurvedic management in Alopecia. IAFA is deeply concerned about the ultimate cure of its patients from all types of illness. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is a trustworthy Ayurvedic institution for all your health-related worries”.

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet Management in Alopecia

Do’s (Pathya) in Alopecia

Consume old harvested grains and cereals
Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet
Warm water for drinking
Green gram
Pomegranate
Gooseberry
Mild to moderate exercise
Use of separate personal items
Maintain personal, social, and environmental hygiene
Change clothes, bedsheets, etc. at regular intervals
Expose to mild sunlight daily in the morning and evening
A positive and stress-free mind

Dont’s (Apathya) in Alopecia

Excessive sweet, salty, spicy, and sour food

Fermented food

Non-vegetarian diet

Curd

Pappad

Black gram

Old and refrigerated food

Reheated food

Excess sweating
Stress and mental tension
Lack of personal hygiene
Exchange of personal items

Yoga and Pranayama in Alopecia

Various yoga postures help to make the mind and body relaxed. It helps to increase blood circulation. Following postures will be especially beneficial in hair loss:

Padmasana
Sukhasana
Sarvangasana
Suryanamaskar
Supta Baddha Konasana
Marichyasana

Pranayama helps to attain relaxation in the mind. It confirms oxygen supply and helps the formation of new cells.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Alopecia

Ayurveda incorporates internal as well as external medicines in the management of Alopecia.

Internal Medicines for Alopecia

Following medicines can be advised based on type and site of infection.

Triphala Kashayam
Patolamuladi Kwatha
Nimbadi Kwatha
Panchatiktaka Kwatha
Patoladi Kwatha
Kaisora Guggulu Tablet

Vilwadi Gulika
Dooshivishari Gulika
Avipathi Churna
Triphala Churna
Khadirarishta
Nimbamruthasava

External Medicines for Alopecia

External medicines as listed below can be provided based on stage and site of infection.

Triphala Churna
Nimbadi Churna
Kulatha Choorna
Tuthadi Tablet
Rasothamadi Lepa

Malathyadi Kera
Durdurapathradi Kera
Dinesavalyadi kera

External Therapies in Alopecia

Following procedures help in easy healing of wounds and ulcers.

Swedana (Sweating therapy)
Udwarthana (medicinal powder massage)
Lepa (Medicinal paste)

Abhyanga (Oil massage)
Kshalana (Washing)

Purification Therapies in Alopecia

Virechana (Purgation)
Vamana (Emesis)
Raktamoksha (Blood-letting)

Single Herbs Used in Management of Alopecia

Use of the following single herbs can be suggested in different forms as per the condition of patient and infection.

Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
Patola (Trichosanthes dioica)
Tila (Sesamum indicum)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Kushta (Saussurea lappa)
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

References

Sushruta Samhita with Nibandhasangraha of Dalhanacharya edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikam ji Acharaya, published by Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, reprint 2017, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 13/34, p. 322.
Astanga Hrudaya with Sarvanga Sundara teeka of Aruna Dutta & Ayurveda Rasayana of Hemadri edited by Pandit Hari Sadashiva Shastri Paradkara, published by Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, reprint 2017, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 26/53, p.325.
Ashtang Hrudaya by Vagbhata, Utharsthana, Sirorogavinjaneeyaadhyaya, Chapter 23, Sloka 25.
Sahil Gupta, Child Health and Ayurveda, Edition 2021, Allergic Diseases in Children, Chapter No. 12, Page No.53-57.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Alopecia?

Answer: Alopecia is the condition of temporary or permanent loss of hair from the scalp or whole body.

Question: What are the causes of Alopecia?

Answer: Alopecia is caused by various reasons like hereditary factors, hormonal changes, stress, hair treatments etc.

Question: How Ayurveda is beneficial in the management of Alopecia?

Answer: Ayurveda has unique treatment methods for Alopecia that include internal medicines, external therapies, purification methods, etc.

Question: What are the causes of Alopecia?

Answer: Usage of chemical-based shampoos, allergic manifestations, avoidance of head massage, head bath, poor hygiene of scalp are some of the factors thar cause alopecia.

Question: How Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Alopecia?

Answer: Depending on the root cause and vitiated dosha, Ayurveda offers many curative treatment measures along with avoidance of unwholesome food and some changes in lifestyle.