What Ayurveda Teaches Us About Hair Fall, Stress, and Inner Balance
It has been the kind of summer no other. On the one hand, I feel that the whole human race is going through a tremendous transformation, a rethinking, a reshaping that touches something deep in the communal heart. Conversely, it has sometimes been like being carried in a raging and rafting river, rough, unreliable, and sometimes leaving you without knowing whether you will be out to the other side in one piece.
Personally, the season was then a reminder to me of how the veil between our external and internal worlds can be so thin. Initially, I did not even realize that I was letting the mess on the outside get to my inside body and mind. But my hair started to tell the truth. To start with, extra shedding than normal, followed by an abrupt formation of clumps in the shower. It was an indisputable, loud signal from my body that I had to stop.
Ayurveda does not inform us that our bodies will always put a stop to it unless we stop consciously. It is not only necessary to keep our health moving slowly; what enables us to swallow life itself, to be happy, and to assimilate the rhythms of our days that keep changing.
The Doshas and Hair Health
In the majority of cases, hair problems are associated with worsening pitta dosha, the fire principle in the organism. But the others of the doshas may also contribute:
- Vata: Vata can be provoked by stress and overactivity, and in this case feeds pitta, like the wind that spreads wildfire.
- Kapha: Kapha imbalance may be the cause of blockages and stagnation in the follicle.
Nevertheless, the pitta fire is the main offender in the case of premature hair loss and thinning in a majority of instances.
Simple Ayurvedic Steps for Hair Fall
Modify your diet:
- Decrease hot foods, such as chili peppers, cayenne, and brimming sour or fermented foods.
- Favor cooling, fresh foods like cucumber, cilantro, fennel, and coriander seeds.
- Replace stimulants with relaxing beverages like golden milk or herbal teas.
Watch your shower behavior:
- Avoid hot water on the scalp; use lukewarm water instead.
- Minimize over-washing to prevent stripping natural oils.
Nourish the Scalp:
- Apply cooling herbs like amla and bhringraj once digestion is balanced.
- Strengthen hair with gentle natural cleansers like hibiscus, soapnut, or diluted pomegranate juice.
These habits produce visible results in due time: the baby hairs start growing, the strength is restored, the scalp feels nourished, and at peace.
Looking Deeper
Anemia, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, or hormonal fluctuations can also be associated with hair fall, but it is not necessarily an indication of menopause. In many cases, the body just requires mild support in the form of herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes. The Ayurvedic philosophy is the same: cool down the fire, conserve your body’s resources, and pay attention to your body’s indications.
Striking the balance between Pitta and the development of a sattvic mind has made me rather courageous without much noise: I am not going to betray myself anymore. Listening to your body helps you to identify habits and patterns that are gradually destabilizing your doshas.
I would also like to know what you think if you are also having additional symptoms like hair fall, perhaps your story can motivate my next post.
Prepare for Autumn with a Seasonal Ayurvedic Cleanse
As we transition to autumn, keep in mind: the body needs grounding and rest after summer heat, which is meant to increase Pitta. A seasonal cleanse is a step-by-step process that teaches the body to eliminate toxins collected over the seasons gently and safely, reestablishes the digestive system, and boosts immunity so that by the time you reach the next season, you are feeling much lighter, cleansed, and more rooted. The junction of the seasons (ṛtu sandhi) is advised by Ayurveda when the body is most likely to be receptive to a reset.
Our Fall Directed Cleanse starts on October 11th. We do have a few limited positions available on the basis of individual, one-on-one instruction. Reserve your spot here to take care of your body and put the season back on track.