International Journal of Health Sciences and Research

www.ijhsr.org ISSN: 2249-9571

Review Article

Khalitya (Hair Fall) Management - Ayurvedic

Perspective
Dr. Princy Purwar1, Dr. S. S. Yadav2, Dr. Pragya Gangele3
1
JR 2, 2Assistant Professor, 3JR 3,
Department of Samhita & Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi,
Corresponding Author: Dr. Princy Purwar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a deep ocean of knowledge in which not only systemic disease but also local minor
diseases are described in detail. Hair fall is one of the minor diseases which is affecting approximately
1.7% of the world population and challenging task for physicians. Hair fall has been described in
Ayurveda by the name of khalitya roga under the heading of kshudra roga (minor disease) or
shiroroga (diseases of head & scalp). It is progressing disorder people living in sedentary ways of life,
stress induced hectic schedules along with indiscriminate dietary habits result in many disturbance
and deficiencies in the body which directly reflect in loss of hair. We can reduce & manage this rising
problem of hair fall through modifying life style, purification therapy and medication practicing in
Ayurveda.

Key words: Khalitya, indralopa, hair oil, nasya.

INTRODUCTION esteem and heightened self-consciousness in

Healthy, long and vibrant hair helps people affected by hair loss. [1]
a lot in improvement of personality. Hair fall has been described in
Therefore, to keep hair in healthy state is almost all the Ayurvedic literatures as
entirely duty of human being, because just Khalitya. It has been included in Shiroroga
like face, hair is also a mirror of healthy by Acharya Charaka & Ashtanga
state of body. In this advanced modernized hridayakar. This inclusion has been done on
era, the humans are gifted with lot of the basis of Shtana (location) of diseases
sophistication, luxuries but at the same time and similarity of etiopathogenesis of
left with sedentary life style, stress induced diseases. It is clearly mentioned in
hectic schedules along with faulty dietary Ashtanghridaya that nine diseases occurring
habits. These all habits influences the on the outer part of head over scalp should
homeostasis of the body and with many be called shiroroga.
other health problems, fall is one of them. Sushrut Samhita, Ashtangsamgrah,
Problem of falling of hair is progressively Yoga Ratnakar and Madhav Nidan, has
increasing in society which is also affecting included Khalitya diseases under kshudra
quality of life. Many years of hair loss have roga. This inclusion in kshudra roga is due
impact on mental health. Dermatology life to mildness of disease. These diseases are
quality index scores in patients with hair not life threatening and are of less severity
loss were similar to those recorded in severe in comparison to other major diseases.
psoriasis. This study specifically identify the Gayadasa says that they are minor because
feeling of self - confidence, low self - of littleness of their cause, symptoms and

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 Princy Purwar et.al. Khalitya (Hair Fall) Management – Ayurvedic Perspective

treatment. They are not only minor but also During this process of production of dhatus
mean terrible which, though of a low stature when metabolism of asthi dhatu occur by its
frequently give pricks and embarrassment to own agni & majja dhatu emerges from sara
patient. part and at the same time hair of scalp &
body and nails form as mala. [2] According
MATERIAL AND METHODS to acharya Sharngadhar, Scalp and body
Literature of all the Ayurvedic texts hair are the updhatu of Majja dhatu. [3]
(both brihat-trayi and laghu- trayi), modern Among the all the garbhaj bhava
medicine literature and new researches (factors for development of foetus), hair is
published are studied for this review work. pitraj bhava means structure, colour and
Khalitya and Indralupta: Gradual falling of quantity of progeny are dependent on
hair is known as Khalitya. When pitta paternal side. [4] Hair made up of mainly
combines with vata or kapha dosha to parthiva mahabhoota (earth element). Hair
destroy the hair, it is called khalitya. [7] formation starts during sixth month of
According to Acharya Chraka, The tejas intrauterine life. [5]
dhatu (heat of body) of the body in According to modern science, Hair
association with vayu and other dosha, can be defined as modified epithelial
scorches up the hair-root (scalp) giving structure formed as a result of keratinisation
instantaneous rise to alopecia (khalitya) in of germination cell. Hair is an epidermal
man. One more term used in texts for hair appendage that lies with the dermis. Every
fall is Indralupta. Ruchya and chach are two hair emerges from the hair follicles which
of its synonyms. [8] According to Acharya resembles like a slim pocket insides
kartika, falling of hair from all over the epidermis. Hair is present in every
body is called ruhya. discipline of the epidermis beside the palm,
There are some differences between sole and lips. Hair development undergoes a
khalitya & Indralupta. In khalitya, hair loss repetitive cycle. In the scalp, hair growth
is gradual and generalised over the scalp but cycle has three essential phases: Anagen,
hairs are lost suddenly and patch by patch in Categen and Telogen. The anagen segment
indralupta. When the kapha dosha is a progress phase which most commonly
combines with rakta dhatu it results in lasts 3-5 years. One a healthy scalp, there
degeneration and shutting down completely are roughly 100000 hair & 90% of the
of hair follicles thus leading to baldness. follicles are consistently in the anagen
When Khalitya is due to vata it causes segment of hair development. Categen stage
burning over scalp; when due to pitta it follows this phases, when the follicles
causes sweating and when due to kapha it begins to end up dormant which lasts for 2-3
causes thickening of skin. [8] week. The telogen stage is a dormant stage
or resting interval that lasts 3-4 months.
Origin of hair- When this stage ends, hair falls out. That
Ayurveda mentioned that human body is hair follicle then returns to the anagen stage
made up of main seven dhatus (body & a new hair begins to develop. In this way,
elements) viz. Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda, hair growth cycle continues. 50-60 hairs are
Asthi, Majja and sukra. Majority of lost per day in normal hair growth cycle. [6]
acharyas belief that the production of later
dhatu occurs from former dhatu by the Causes of Khalitya Roga-
function of their respective agni i.e. the  Due to usna guna of pitta dosha
rasagni turns the ahara rasa into rasa dhatu individual of pitta prakriti starts hair fall
then raktagni converts part of rasa dhatu in and greying of hair earlier than
rakta and so on. Along with production of individuals of other dosha prakriti. [9]
later dhatu, there is side by side production  The hair has tendency to lose its natural
of upadhatu & mala of former dhatu. colour with advancing age. Although,

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Aging is genetically predetermined but  Hair fall can be caused by decrease in

lifestyle, dietary habits, mental status, asthi dhatu or vitiation of asthi dhatu.
social & family life and many other As hairs are formed by waste product of
environmental factors may influence the asthi dhatu and hair dependent upon it
aging process and their unfavourable for nutrition. [16]
effects cause premature aging. In a  Excessive combing during ritukal leads
survey study, 81.66% patients of pre- to hair fall in child. [17] (Su.)
mature aging of 30-40 years age had  Causes according to modern science -
complaint of hair fall. Pre-mature aging Nutritional disorder, Local skin disorder,
could be a cause of increasing hair fall Endocrinal diseases, Post - acute illness,
in peoples. [10] Stress, Drugs, Cosmetics and Genetic
 Causative factor of shiroroga are too tendencies.
much exposure to smoke, sunlight, mist,
indulge in water sports; excessive sleep Approach to Patient of Khalitya -
or avoiding sleep, sweating, eastern Hair fall can be manifested as
breeze or direct breeze, control of tars, primary disease (as independent disease) as
weeping too much, drinking water & well as secondary to other disorder or can be
wine in large quantity, presence of present as symptom of many diseases.
warms in side body, suppression of Because of its variable etio-pathogenesis,
urges, avoiding the use of pillow, bath we need a careful approach to the patients
and oil anointing, always looking for proper diagnosis and treatment of hair
downwards, unaccustomed, unhealthy, fall (khalitya). Proper history should be
vitiated or raw smell, too much speaking taken including all the criteria like past
etc; by indulgence in these and similar medical history, family history and personal
causes the dosha get aggravated and history along with other general & systemic
produces diseases in head. This can examinations. Scalp & body should be
produce khalitya because of same place carefully examined to detect any
of manifestation. [11] abnormality in skin.
 Darunaka (Dendruf) - Deranged kapha
and vayu cause minute fissures on the Management of Khalitya –
scalp which are dry and show sign of 1. Nidanparivarjan - Nidanparivarjan
itching and leads to hair fall. Many should be first line of management. All
times along with kapha and vata, pitta the causative factors & risk factors
gets deranged leading to darunaka. [12] should examine carefully and must be
Daruna mean hard. Although vitiation avoided to reduce development of
of kapha and vata has been mentioned disease.
in darunaka, association (anubandha) of  Prevention is better than cure. Individual
pitta and rakta is also seen. [13] of pitta prakriti are more prone to
 Excessive consumption of salt and falling of hair. They should follow diet
kshara leads to khalitya. [14] Improper & habit as mentioned for them in
diet or excess salt in diet consumption Ayurvedic texts. Due to accumulation of
by pregnant lady causes khalitya early in pitta dosha in rainy season and vitiation
her child due vitiation of pitta dosha. [15] in autumn season, these months of year
 Getting angry, talking & laughing too are more uncertain for patients of hair
much, sneezing and over exertion after fall, individual of pitta prakriti or
taking nasya leads to khalitya and persons with genetic history of baldness.
palitya. Here, hair fall occurs because of These people are strictly advice to
not following agenda after Nasya follow proper routine mentioned for
procedure. rainy and autumn season respectively.

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 In hair fall due to premature aging, should be mild and free form chemicals.
Rasayana therapy is needed mainly with Decoction or Shampoo made up of herbs
vayasthapana drugs. like Henna, Bringraj, Jatamansi, Shoe
 Patient should protect himself from all flower, Triphala, Ghrit Kumari,
the causes mentioned for shiroroga as Shikakai, Motha, Bhrami etc. can be
hair fall numerated under shiroroga used for washing hair.
according to some author. He should  Dhoomapana (medicated smoke)–
protect himself from dust, smoke, fog, Along with health of head & senses,
cold water, sunlight etc. he should avoid dhoomapana cures the problem of hair
sleeping in day time and awakening late fall by clearing the dosha from head
night. region and also improves the firmness of
 Patients of hair fall must avoid excessive hair on the head, beard & teeth. [21]
use of salt and kshara in his diet.  Kshaurakarma – Hair cutting & proper
 Harsh Chemical, heating treatment used care of hair of scalp & beard should be
in practice for cosmetic purpose should done regularly. Acharya charaka
be avoided or minimally used. mentioned that everybody should have a
hair - cut, shave and nail cut thrice every
2. Hair Care- Along with these fortnight. [22]
precautions, patients of hair fall need to  Ushnishka – The wearing of ushnishka
adopt a healthy life style for care of hair, (turban or cap) on head protect the hair
discussed in Samhita for the health of from wind, heat, dust etc. which is pious
hair are as following. and beneficial for hair. [23] Covering of
 Moordha tail (oiling) and paste for head protect are hairs from
local application over scalp – Oil environmental factor.
should be regularly applied on scalp. It
prevents falling of hair, baldness and 3. Purification Procedure
also makes the hair black long and deep (Panchkarma)- For the patient of hair
- rooted. It provides nourishment to the fall Vaman, Virechan, Vasti and Rakta
hair follicles and also gives strength to mokshana should be done according to
the cortex and fibre of hair. [18] Mustard the dosha involve. Because of
oil or Coconut oil can be used on regular involvement of mainly pitta dosha,
basis for the massage oil hair. virechana and rakta mokshan are
 Nasya (nasal drop) – Everybody should commonly indicated in falling of hair &
take nasal drop of “Anu tail” every year baldness.
during the rainy, autumn and spring 4. Medicated Oils for shiroabhyanga are
season when the sky is free from cloud. -
Along with many other benefits, it  Neeli tail (Sushrut)
prevents hair fall and also accelerates  Sairiyaka tail (Sushrut)
the growth of hair. [19] Nasya nourishes  Mahaneel tail (A.H.)
the srotas present above the clavicle  Snuhyadi tail (Chakradutta)
including the hair follicles which  Chandanadhya tail (Chakradutta)
strengthen the hair and reduce falling.  Mulethi + amlalaka + milk + tail paka
 Snana (taking bath) – Acharya Sushrut (Chakradutta)
mention that the head and hair should
not be washed with warm water or with 5. Pastes for local application over scalp
very cold water. Pouring warm water are -
over head reduces the strength of hair &  Madhuka, amalaka + honey (A.S)
eyes. [20] Proper hair wash should be  Tila, amalaka + honey + oil(A.S)
done at least three times in a weak.
Shampoos and soaps used for hair wash

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 Kapikakshu mool + aksha tail in iron Shodhana and nasya karma is a specialised
vessel (A.S) therapy of Ayurveda. Shodhana is a
 Dugdhika karveera+ milk (A.S) procedure which takes out the doshas from
 Kapalaranjaka lepa (Chakradutta) the nearest route of its vitiation. Rasayana
 Bhringpushadi lepa (Chakradutta) therapy has immune-modulators,
 Mandoor bhasma + amlaki churna + antioxidant properties and rejuvenating
japapushpa then wash with triphala action which is very beneficial for the hair
kwath fall caused by any chronic illness, pre
 Ayas churna + triphala + sour liquid mature aging or nutrition deficiency.
(Chakradutta)
CONCLUSION
6. Medicated Oils for Nasal medication Khalitya is a wicked disease which
are - needs proper management. Some minor
changes of life style and dietary habits can
 Anu tail Nasya (A.S.)
prevent hair fall. Proper hair care life oiling,
 Brihatyadi navana (A.S.)
washing, protection from external factors
 Sahacharadi navana (A.S.) like environment, chemicals, heating etc is
 Nimba tail (Chakradutta) important for preventing hair fall and
 Bhrigaraja rasa + mulethi + milk + tail keeping them healthy. Before starting
paka (Chakradutta) treatment of hair fall, physician should
identify the cause and first treatment should
7. Other yoga & Rasayana for the be Nidanparivarjana or management of that
patient of hair fall mentioned in cause. Than after other therapies like
Charaka Samhita are- Abhyang, lepana, shodhan, nasya,
 Agastya haritaki Rasayana hould be prescribed accordingly.
 Kankarishta In this way, we can treat the khalitya roga
 Dwipanchmool ghrita or hair fall effectively.
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How to cite this article: Purwar P, Yadav SS, Gangele P. Khalitya (hair fall) management -
ayurvedic perspective. Int J Health Sci Res. 2019; 9(4):255-260.

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