Did you know that approximately 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss?
Losing hair certainly feels awful and it indicates the health condition of the body and mind too. One may not be able to escape hair loss, but one can aim at slowing down the process. While there are multiple factors contributing to hair loss such as genetic disorders, hormonal disorders, bad eating habits, diseases, drugs, hair dyes, dandruff and smoking, the biggest contributor is stress.
With yoga, pranayama and proper diet, one can prevent hair loss, as all these will effectively help in eliminating stress daily. Hence, reducing your chances of hair loss. Yoga rejuvenates the whole body and also promotes blood circulation to specific parts of the body like the scalp, which needs good levels of oxygen flow, which in turn prevents hair fall. Meditation and breathing techniques help release stress, which aids in preventing hair loss.
Yoga for hair fall
All forward bending asanas enhance blood circulation in the head region and help in maintaining scalp hygiene and good hair. Here are a few asanas you can practice. Regular practice is recommended to get positive results.
1. Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward dog pose)
It enhances blood circulation to the head and is good for sinus and the common cold. It is also helpful for mental tiredness, depression, and insomnia.
2. Utthanasana (Standing forward pose)
It helps in reducing fatigue and tiredness.
3. Pavanmukthasana (Wind-relieving pose)
It eliminates the toxic gas trapped in the intestines and aids digestion.
4. Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand)
It helps to nourish the thyroid gland, which means the healthy function of the respiratory, alimentary, genital, and nervous system. Additionally, it enhances good blood supply to the brain.
5. Vajrasana (Adamintine pose)
It is also called diamond pose. Unlike other asanas, it can be done immediately after eating your food. It helps in urinary disorders, weight loss, and digestion, and also reduces gas in the stomach.
Pranayamas beneficial for hair loss
Practicing pranayamas has tremendous health benefits. Some pranayamas for maintaining overall well being:
1. Kapalbhati Pranayama
The brain cells receive more oxygen so it is good for the nervous system, removes toxins from the body, cures obesity and diabetes.
2. Bhastrika Pranayama
It helps remove excess wind, bile, and phlegm in the body and purifies the nervous system, preventing all kinds of diseases in the body.
3. Nadi Shodhan Pranayam
It helps to treat heart problems, asthma, and arthritis, depression, migraine, stress and eye problems also.
A few effective home remedies to promote hair growth
These tips can be helpful for maintaining healthy air and protecting from hair loss.
Wash your hair once a week with sour buttermilk, rinsing with a herbal shampoo.
Apply aloe vera pulp on the scalp.
Apply henna powder with curd. (Henna cools down the body, thus people prone to catching a cold must be cautious.)
Include bottle gourd, snake gourd, and pumpkin in your diet.
Watermelon, bananas, chikoo, pears, dry figs and black raisins are good for hair.
Include jaggery in your diet, provided you are not a diabetic.
Take nutritious food. Get sufficient sleep for at least 8 hours.
Practice yoga and meditation every day.
Hair loss is a natural process. However, the process can be restricted or slowed down with the above tips.
A few more pro-tips
Along with practicing yoga, a nutritious diet is also important. Eating a balanced diet comprising fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, pulses, sprouts, cereals and dairy products gives you nutrients important for hair growth.
Ensure you do not have dandruff. Keep your scalp clean. Same with your towels and pillow covers.
Neem water is good for washing hair. A weekly massage with coconut oil also helps to strengthen the hair.
Avoid using harsh chemicals and styling products for hair.
Disclaimer: These tips can be used in general conditions. However, seek medical advice for any special conditions. You can also consult a certified Ayurvedic doctor who can recommend treatment according to the type and condition of your hair.
With inputs from Dr Ashwin Patel of Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma, Bengaluru.
