Postpartum hair fall is a common experience around 3 to 6 months after delivery, often due to hormonal changes. In Ayurveda, this condition is linked to an imbalance of vata dosha; stress and nutritional deficiency might be contributing factors too. Here are some personalized steps you can take to manage it while aligning with Ayurvedic principles:
Focus on Diet: Your diet should be rich in protein, iron, and essential fatty acids to nourish hair follicles and promote growth. Include freshly cooked vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and dairy products like milk and yogurt. Eating green leafy vegetables like spinach will help boost iron levels. Drink a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric before bed to support overall health and balance vata.
Ayurvedic Hair Massage: Regular oil massage can greatly mitigate hair fall and improve scalp health. Use warm oils like coconut, almond or sesame oil, mixed with a few drops of rosemary or amla oil. Massage gently into the scalp, improving blood circulation and helping nourish hair roots. Try doing this 2-3 times a week, leaving it overnight if possible.
Herbal Remedies: Consider herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha which are valued in Ayurveda for strengthening hair and reducing stress. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for suitable dosages and combinations tailored to your constitution.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Reduce stress by incorporating meditation or yoga into your daily routine. Aim for at least 15 minutes of meditation daily, and include calming poses like child’s pose and savasana. Ensure adequate sleep – a minimum of 7-8 hours to allow your body (and hair) to rejuvenate.
Avoid Harsh Products: Minimize use of hair styling tools and products with harsh chemicals, as they can further damage your hair. Opt for natural shampoos and conditioners where possible.
It’s essential to remember that hair fall, in part, is a natural postpartum condition and can settle over time with proper care. If you continue to experience significant or distressing hair loss, consider consulting a healthcare professional for further advice and investigation into other potential causes.
Postpartum hair fall, often experienced during the three-month mark, is primarily due to hormonal changes after childbirth. Within the Siddha-Ayurvedic framework, this can be linked to an imbalance in doshas, particularly vata, which affects hair health and nourishment.
To manage this, first, focus on vata balancing. Include warm, nourishing foods in your diet, such as cooked vegetables, rice, and ghee. Avoid cold and raw foods as they can aggravate vata further. Drinking warm herbal teas, such as ginger or fennel, helps maintain good digestive fire (agni), critical for nutrient absorption.
Regular oil massage (abhyanga) for the scalp is beneficial. Use warm sesame or coconut oil infused with bhringraj or amla. Massage your scalp gently in circular motions to stimulate the scalp’s blood flow and strengthen hair roots. Doing this once or twice a week can help reduce hair fall.
Herbal hair rinses can also support hair health. Prepare a rinse by boiling neem leaves in water, and use it to wash your hair once it cools. This soothes the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and sleep. Stress and lack of sleep can exacerbate hair fall. Try shirodhara or simple breathing exercises to calm the mind and support emotional balance.
Supplement nutrient intake with iron and calcium-rich foods, like leafy greens and soaked almonds. If hair fall persists, consulting directly with a Siddha-Ayurvedic practitioner may help tailor a more specific treatment plan based on personal prakriti and needs.
