Hair fall is a common problem that affects both genders. While it is normal to lose a few strands of hair every day, a longer duration of untreated hair fall can eventually lead to baldness, especially in males.Hair loss generally occurs due to chemical treatments, medications, stress, nutritional deficiencies, dandruff, hormonal imbalance, and other medical conditions.
Additionally, Ayurvedic science mentions that an increase in your pitta dosha, caused by toxin buildup in the body, can also lead to hair loss.
An imbalance in pitta dosha may result from excessive consumption of oily food, spices, fried items, coffee, alcohol, or tea, smoking, sunlight exposure, poor blood circulation, and anemia.
Several traditional therapies can help manage pitta dosha-related hair fall, including, nasya, abhyanga, and shirodhara.
Shirodhara, from the amalgamation of shiro, meaning head, and dhara, meaning flow, involves pouring herbal oil over the forehead to provide relaxation and peace.
It is considered to be a purification therapy, which can help soothe your mind and soul and can provide a cleansing effect on your nervous system. It helps relax your body and rebalance pitta dosha. The oil used is directly beneficial to the hair.
Since this therapy involves the use of warm oil to be poured over specific points on your forehead, it must be performed by an expert.
Steps Involved# You are asked to lie down on the shirodhara table in the supine position, on your back.
# A pillow or towel is placed below the neck.
# The oils and formulations made with Ayurvedic herbs are warmed.
# The oil is poured on your forehead, at the chakra point between the eyebrows, where all the body nerves meet, using an oscillating container, which is placed 10 cm above the head.
# The dhara pot is rotated to maintain a continuous flow of oil.
# The oil that has fallen on the table is collected and reheated.
# The reheated oil is poured back into the shirodhara pot to maintain flow for up to 20–30 minutes.
# The head and scalp are massaged during and after the pouring procedure for up to 10 minutes.
# The excess oils and liquids are wiped from the forehead and neck.
# You are encouraged to relax for up to 1 hour, giving the oil some time to penetrate the deeper layers of the head.
# A moist towel is wrapped around your body for a few hours.
# The hair is shampooed.
Ingredients UsedMost shirodhara treatments are performed using oils. Commonly, ksheerabala thailam, which is made from mixing sesame oil, cow’s milk, and bala herb paste, is used.
However, at times, other liquids such as saffron, honey, rose water, coconut water, herbal oil, black sesame oil, buttermilk, and medicated milk may also be used.
All of these ingredients are selected based upon the patient’s needs and are used at a warm temperature to help give a sense of calmness and relaxation.
According to the liquid used, shirodhara can be categorized into the following types:
* Taila dhara (thaila dhara): A singular oil or a mix of different Ayurvedic oils is used.
* Takra dhara (thakradhara): Buttermilk is the primary ingredient for treatment.
* Dugadha dhara (ksheerdhara): It is performed using milk.
* Jala dhara (aqueous formulation): Coconut water is used for the treatment.
* Kwatha dhara (decoction): It employs a medicated herbal decoction, which is selected according to the need of the patient.