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AYURPATRA Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Vol:
1-Diseases of - Above Shoulder region (Hair
problems II) SERIES
URDHWAJATRUGA IX
– MAY 2005 |
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We
are delighted to present to you our monthly e-feature about Ayurveda and
health. Our web site (www.ayurplanet.com)
has helped millions of people. This newsletter will be loaded with lots
of information, events and happenings related to Ayurveda including
featured articles, details of very useful herbs, beauty tips and various
herbal products and health supplements. The aim of this Newsletter is to
serve humanity from health aspect by natural means.
FEATURED
HEALTH ARTICLE: GREYING
OF
HAIR
(PALITYA) Grey
hair is a familiar sign of ageing but at times graying starts at young
age. The age when greying starts depends on your genetic inheritance.
Loss of hair color before the age of 35 is termed premature greying. In
Ayurveda this is called Palitya. Persons with pitta
type of constitution are prone to be affected by this
ailment. A white hair is produced by the formation of numerous air
spaces throughout the cells composing it. Loss
of hair color is due to a gradual decline in the production of a pigment-melanin
the Bhrajaka Pitta in Ayurveda terminology , in the hair
bulb. White hair has no pigment, and gray hair has some but not as much
as a red, black or brown hair. Not all hairs respond in the same way or
at the same time. So the graying process usually is gradual. The first
grey hair usually appears near the temples the
region of Shankha marma . Then the greyness spreads to the
crown, and later to the back of the head. Rapid
graying CAUSES
OF GREYING
Ayurveda
further explains that in order to get thick glossy hair, one must ensure
the roots are firm and the scalp healthy. Just as drought and blazing
heat destroys a lawn, heat is detrimental to hair. Too much sun can dry
the hair and weaken the scalp and hair roots. Sometimes
hair loss results from "high heat" within the body, which can
also damage hair roots. Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat,
and fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods disturbs Pitta in
the body and can reduce the moisture and nutrients reaching the hair
follicles and may lead to premature greying.Thus it is better to keep
the brain and scalp cool, so even when washing hair, use cold or
lukewarm water. Cold water is more efficient in removing soap, and helps
to tone the scalp and refresh the nervous system. Mechanism
of graying:
hair-whitening process is the consequence of: ·
A
decline in melanogenesis — the synthesis of melanin ·
A
block in the transfer of melanin to the growing hair fibre ·
A
progressive decline in the absolute number of melanocytes the
number of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells in the skin, hair and
eye) decreases over time in the hair follicle. Specifically, their
quantity declines in both the outer root sheath — a reservoir region
where quiescent melanocytes reside — and in the hair follicle bulb,
the pigmentation unit where melanin is actively produced. During the
hair-growth cycle, the pigmentation unit also undergoes a renewal Hair
growth begins at the dermal papilla at the center of the bulbous part of
the hair root and supplies nourishment to the matrix cells that
eventually grow into hair. In normal growth, melanocytes
supply melanin to the matrix, determining the hair color. When
hair begins to fall out in the natural cycle, it separates from the
dermal papillae, pulling the melanocytes with it. As the sprouting
process begins all over again, new melanocytes are activated, leading to
the growth of black, blonde or red hair. Where there are not enough
melanocytes left behind, or they are inactive, the next hair to sprout
would be deprived of pigment and would thus be grey. ·
A
balanced diet rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, especially iron,
sulphur, zinc, B-complex and Vitamin C, as well as essential fatty acid,
is essential for healthy hair. ·
Nutrients
are key to healthy hair, but to be effective, they must reach the roots.
Often tension in the scalp or fatty deposits block circulation, drying
the oil glands of hair and literally starving the hair roots. Ayurveda
recommends a simple oil application to the hair
and head
massage to relieve tension and improve circulation. A
variety of herbal oils is used to nourish hair. The base oil in Ayurveda
preparations is usually sesame or coconut oil. When oil is applied to
the head, it nourishes, lubricates and strengthens the root and the skin
of the scalp, and prevents hair loss and premature greying. It also
improves circulation to the head, relaxing the muscles and nerve fibers.
Commonly used oils in Ayurveda to stop graying of hair are Kuntalkanti
tail,Neelibhringadi tail, Bhringraj tail,,kayannadi tail. ·
Apart
from oil application and head massage, an intensive treatment called Shirodhara,
Takradhara, and Nasayam is used to treat chronic
conditions of hair problems. ·
Instead
of reaching for a packet of hair dye, use natural
hair colors.These colors contains Henna that naturally
gives colored effect to hair. ·
Grey
hair tends to be coarse and wiry, owing to a lack of moisture. Apply a
hair mask once a week. Olive oil, avocado or banana are excellent
nourishing masks. Aloevera gel and Jaswand(Hibiscus gel) are also used
for hair packs. You
may consult our Ayurveda experts through on
line consultation or personally.
HERB
OF THE MONTH: Aloe
vera (Kumari) Aloe
is one of the great healing agents among the herbs. The
aloe leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including
20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. Uses:
Aloe
contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful
for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes
digestive juices to prevent hyperacidity - a common cause of
indigestion. It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a
soothing, balancing effect.
Because
of its nauseating taste, it is generally used in powder or pill form
when taken for a purgative. It also tends to gripe and cause
constipation, so that it should be combined with a carminative for best
results. The fresh leaves of the aloe can be split to expose the
gelatinous juice and then rubbed on the skin for sunburn, wrinkles, skin
irritations, and minor cuts, ulcers, sores, herpes, bursitis, sore gums,
and scratches. A tea made from the dried juice makes a good wash for
wounds and for the eyes. The
fresh juice is also said to help heal wounds by preventing or drawing
out infection, and for poison ivy. Rub the scalp with aloe and it keeps
the hair from falling out and stops greying. Aloes are used widely for
their moisturizing and softening properties. A
newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied
for its ability to strengthen the bodies natural resistance. Studies
have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune
system. Aloe
can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of
acne and eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and
allergies. Aloe's healing power come from increasing the availability of
oxygen to the skin, and by increasing the synthesis and strength of
tissue. Action
on Gastrointestinal System
-
In small amount it
improves digestion,metabolism and is a wound good healer. -
It is laxative in action and stimulates liver in good
amount. -
It is antihelminthic. -
Acts on small intestine and drains bile; -
In large intestines it produces contractions. -
It increases the secretion of some of the glands. -
It acts slowly and BEAUTY
TIP – FOR
GREY HAIR
* Finely
powdered dry lime peel, dried curry leaves, shikakai, fenugreek seeds
and green gram (all in equal quantity), mixed together and used as hair
wash frequently stops graying of hair. For
personalized beauty related queries mail to:beauty@ayurplanet.com
DR.RAGHUNANDAN’S
GLOBAL AYURVEDA TOUR 2005 To
participate or organize a similar seminar or workshop, contact ayur@ayurplanet.com FORTHCOMING EVENT: Event
Name: HEALTH INDIA SUMMIT 2005(Exhibition
& conference on ancient Indian systems of medicine) Date(s) :
2 – 5 MAY 2005 Venue :
Ahemedabad
Details:PH:
26235153/54 E-MAIL:globalf@indiatimes.com ; www.eglobalfoundation.org News:
Hair follicles
provide source of nerve stem cells
Reuter’s
-2005-03-29 Stem
cells found in hair follicles can develop into nerve cells and might be
useful in medical treatment, U.S.-based researchers reported. AYURVEDA
INDIA An
International Herbal Treatment and Panchakarma Centre, Our
European center:AGN
2521 ZL;Thijse straat 16;Denhaag; The
Netherlands.
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Disclaimer:
All details, thoughts and opinions shared by the writers in this
monthly, are their own and does not necessarily reflect the views of the
editor or management of this monthly. This monthly is meant only for
information purpose and it is not intended to replace the services of a
health practitioner licensed in the diagnosis or treatment of illness or
disease. Any application of the material in this text is at the reader's
discretion and sole responsibility. For all health concerns you are
advised to consult with a duly licensed health practitioner We do not
claim for any authenticity of the matter. Thank
you for taking the time for reading this newsletter.We hope you have
found it informative.
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