Abstract

CONCEPT OF HAIR AND PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE CARE IN AYURVEDA

*Vandana Baria and Dr. D. B. Vaghela

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a deep ocean of knowledge in which not only systemic disease but also local minor diseases are described in detail. Hair plays a vital role in enhancing the personality of a human. As the hair is the first noticeable part of beauty for women as well as men. The scalp and hair conditions also have more psychological impact on human societies. Even minor changes in hairs like greying of hair, early hair fall affect the self-confidence and self-esteem of an individual. Hair fall has been described in Ayurveda by the name of khalitya roga under the heading of kshudra roga (minor disease) or shiroroga (diseases of head & scalp). Acharya Charka considered Hair as Mala (Waste product) of Asthi Dhatu (Bone), while Sharngdhara thinks it as a Updhathu (tissue) of Asthi. Various Ayurvedic Jagran is described in different Classics for the disease of Hairs like Khalitya (Hair loss), Palitya (Premature Greying of Hairs) Indralupta (Alopecia areata) and Darunaka (Dandruff) etc. Like other disorders of body disbalance of Vatta, Pitta and Kapha are also involves in the aetiopathogenesis. Keshya (Hair tonic) Keshya-Samjanana (Hair revitalizer) and Keshya-Ranjana (Natural hair restoring agent) are used to treat hair fall and pre-mature greying of hair. The greying of hair and wrinkle on the face are the two important cardinal features of aging. Classical Ayurvedic Chikitsasutra (treatment guideline) advocated the Poshana (nourishment) of Dhatu for the normal growth of Updhatu and Mala. Similarly, the treatment of Mula (Origin) of Srotas (micro and marco channels of body) is also considered in the treatment. Indian Gooseberry, false Daisy, true indigo, iron-containing compounds and other herbs are used as Rasayana (rejuvenator), Panchkarama, Snehana and Vasti Chikitsa to treat hair disorders.

Keywords: Khalitya, Indralupta, Hair problems, Hair oil, Nasya, Rasayana, Panchkarma, Snehana, Ayurveda.