Hair fall can indeed be distressing, and understanding its root causes is vital in addressing it. From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, hair loss is often linked to imbalances in the doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta. Lifestyle factors like stress, diet changes, and even emotional changes can exacerbate these imbalances.
First, let’s consider how your recent lifestyle changes might contribute to hair fall. The increase in stress, even if not overwhelming, combined with a diet rich in fast food, can disrupt your body’s balance. Fast food often lacks the vital nutrients your scalp and hair follicles need. This may affect your agni (digestive and metabolic fire) leading to a weakened ability to nourish the dhatus (tissues), including the majja dhatu, which is linked to hair health.
The tender scalp might indicate a Pitta imbalance, potentially aggravated by spicy or processed foods, which are more common in fast food diets. This could lead to increased heat in the scalp, affecting hair health and growth. If you tend to notice your scalp feels hot or inflamed, it’s likely pointing towards this. To restore balance, including cooling foods like cucumber, bitter gourd, and amla in your diet might be beneficial.
Now, for practical steps to address this: start by incorporating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables to nourish your dhatus appropriately. Regular oil massages using coconut or sesame oil infused with herbs like bhringraj or neem can soothe and strengthen the scalp and roots. Aloe vera gel can also be applied to the scalp to cool and reduce any inflammation.
Furthermore, practice pranayama or simple breathing exercises to manage stress. Even a few minutes a day can help in maintaining mental balance, which indirectly supports hair health. Consider seeking an experienced practitioner to provide a more personalized plan, taking into consideration your prakriti (constitution) and current health status. While these measures can be very effective, if you notice significant changes or no improvement, consulting a healthcare professional is prudent to rule out any underlying conditions.
