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Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report

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Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Author:

Palak Singhal, Vigna Vyas, Pankaj Chhayani, Manish Patel, S.N. Gupta


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:

(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)

Full text available for: Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100604

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0


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Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Hair:
Hair is a fundamental aspect of personal identity and self-image, significantly impacting one's appearance and confidence. In the context of this case report, the focus on hair loss, specifically in patients with Indralupta (alopecia areata), underscores the importance of hair in societal norms and its psychological implications.

2) Table:
In scientific and medical literature, tables serve as essential tools for organizing complex data, facilitating easy comparison and understanding of results. In this case report, tables provide structure to timelines and treatment schedules, allowing readers to quickly grasp the patient's progress and the detailed interventions applied during their treatment.

3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India, emphasizing a holistic approach to health through balance in body energies (doshas). It employs natural remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes to treat ailments. The case study illustrates its application in managing alopecia areata through personalized treatments, including Shodhana and Shamana therapies.

4) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to detoxification processes within Ayurveda, aimed at expelling toxins or vitiated doshas from the body. This therapeutic approach is particularly relevant in treating conditions like alopecia areata, as it helps restore balance, facilitate hair regrowth, and eliminate underlying causes linked to hair loss, demonstrated in this patient's management.

5) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana represents the palliative treatments in Ayurveda focused on calming aggravated doshas, promoting harmony and stability in the body. In the context of hair loss treatment, Shamana plays a crucial role post-Shodhana to maintain balance and support the health of hair follicles, thereby aiding in the regrowth process.

6) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to therapeutic actions or therapies aimed at restoring health and balance in the body. It encompasses a range of treatments including dietary recommendations, herbal applications, and Panchakarma processes, all of which are instrumental in the management of conditions like Indralupta by influencing the body's doshas.

7) Vamana:
Vamana is a specific Ayurvedic detoxification procedure involving medicated emesis (vomiting) to expel excess kapha dosha and toxins from the body. This practice is significant in the context of this case report for treating alopecia areata, as it aims to clear blockages in the digestive tract that may hinder hair growth.

8) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, doshas are the vital energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that govern physiological and psychological processes in the body. In this case study, understanding the role of doshas is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions such as alopecia areata, highlighting the need to balance these energies to promote hair regrowth.

9) Basti:
Basti is a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda involving the administration of herbal oils or decoctions via the rectum. This treatment is focused on balancing vitiated Vata dosha and is pertinent in managing hair loss, as it supports detoxification, rejuvenates tissues, and enhances overall body vitality necessary for hair health.

10) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi, a city in India, is renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance, often regarded as the world's oldest living city. Its relevance in the context of this report highlights the historical roots of Ayurveda, as many classical texts and teachings, including those of Sushruta and Charaka, originated from this region.

11) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. In the context of this report, it refers to both modern and traditional methods (Ayurveda), showcasing an integrative approach to managing alopecia areata by utilizing various treatment modalities that target underlying imbalances.

12) Taila (Thaila):
Taila, or oil, plays a fundamental role in Ayurvedic treatments, as it is often used for therapeutic purposes such as lubrication, nourishment, and application in various topical therapies. The inclusion of specific medicinal oils in treatments proves essential in promoting hair health and restoring vitality for patients with hair loss.

13) Vata:
Vata is one of the three primary doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by air and space elements. An imbalance of Vata can lead to various health issues, including hair loss. In this case report, the treatment aims to balance Vata to improve hair health and promote regrowth.

14) Hand:
The term 'hand' in this context relates both to the physical examination of the patient presenting with alopecia areata as well as the levels of attention and care provided in Ayurvedic treatments. The hands are often instrumental in administering therapies and performing assessments of hair loss patterns.

15) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana refers to therapeutic blood-letting techniques in Ayurveda intended to purify the blood and remove impurities or vitiated elements. In the context of hair loss treatment, this method aims to improve blood circulation to the scalp and support healthy hair growth while addressing underlying imbalances.

16) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves administering medicinal oils or powders through the nasal passages. This treatment is significant as it targets the head region and is used to balance doshas, particularly useful in managing conditions related to hair, including given its immediate proximity to hair follicles.

17) Line:
Line refers to the classification and categorization of treatment strategies in modern medicine into first-line, second-line, etc. In the context of this report, it emphasizes the structured approach and various levels of treatment for conditions such as alopecia areata, showing the need for differential treatment strategies.

18) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to the imbalances or disturbances in the doshas, leading to diseases and health issues. Understanding the state of vitiation is essential in Ayurveda to create targeted treatment plans aimed at restoring balance, especially in conditions like alopecia relates to the imbalance of doshas.

19) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a collection of traditional texts that form the foundation of Ayurvedic knowledge and practice. These texts encompass teachings on various medical practices, including the management of hair loss, emphasizing the relevance of classical wisdom in modern treatment approaches.

20) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a common surname associated with several prominent Ayurvedic scholars and practitioners whose teachings contribute to the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine. The references made in this case report to texts authored by individuals named Sharma highlight the scholarly tradition vital to understanding treatment methodologies.

21) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood in Ayurveda, which is fundamental for nourishment and vitality in the body. It plays a significant role in the health of hair follicles. Treatments such as Raktamokshana are aimed at cleansing traditionally vitiated blood to improve overall health and promote hair regrowth.

22) Niruha:
Niruha is a type of enema in Ayurveda involving medicated decoctions, primarily used for detoxifying the body and alleviating imbalances, especially by affecting Vata dosha. Its application in treating alopecia is crucial, aiming to restore health and vitality to the individual's hair and scalp.

23) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas representing water and earth elements in Ayurveda. An excess of Kapha can lead to blockages and health issues, including hair loss. Thus, the treatments in this case focus on managing Kapha to promote healthy hair by alleviating this imbalance.

24) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi denotes the bone or skeletal tissue in Ayurveda, reflecting the body's structural integrity. Its health is relayed to hair via Ayurvedic principles, as balanced Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) is believed to support the growth of hair, highlighting its interdependence with overall body health.

25) Dhatu:
Dhatu signifies the body's seven primary tissues in Ayurveda, each responsible for specific functions. The health of these tissues, including Rakta and Asthi, is crucial for overall wellness and the sustenance of hair health, as they influence nourishment and vitality of hair follicles directly.

26) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in Ayurveda for detoxification and maintaining balance. In treatments discussed in the report, water is used in various forms (drinks, during procedures) signifying how essential hydration is for overall health and specifically for supporting conditions related to hair regrowth.

27) Diet:
Diet refers to the nutritional and food intake that significantly influences health in Ayurveda. The correct diet (Pathya) is emphasized in treating hair loss, as it provides essential nutrients for regeneration and balance of doshas, connecting eating habits directly with hair health management.

28) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
Asthi-dhatu, or bone tissue, is significant in Ayurveda for maintaining the structure and stability of the body. Its influence on hair growth is articulated through the connection where imbalances in Asthi can affect hair health, emphasizing the systemic interrelationship outlined in the treatment.

29) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic practice of oil massage used to promote circulation, relaxation, and balance within the body. This treatment enhances overall health while supporting the skin and hair. In this case report, it serves to nourish hair follicles and improve their vitality.

30) Nirgundi (Nirgumdi):
Nirgundi is a medicinal herb recognized in Ayurvedic formulations for its therapeutic properties, especially in skin and hair-related treatments. Its use in therapies highlights the relevance of herbal remedies, showing how natural ingredients can contribute positively to hair regrowth and management of ailments.

31) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language of ancient India and the foundational language of many Ayurvedic texts. Its significance lies in the preservation of knowledge, theories, and practices within Ayurveda. Familiarity with Sanskrit aids in interpreting remedies and understanding traditional practices discussed in these medical frameworks.

32) Svedana:
Svedana refers to the Ayurvedic practice of sweating, often induced by herbal steam or sudation therapies. This process is vital for detoxification and enhancing circulation in the body, relevant in managing hair loss as it promotes nutrient supply to hair follicles and overall scalp health.

33) Disease:
The term disease encapsulates various health disorders that can affect bodily functions. In the context of this report, the focus on Indralupta (alopecia areata) connects to the understanding and management of hair loss, addressing the underlying causes and systemic imbalances that contribute to its manifestation.

34) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with heat, transformation, and metabolism. Its imbalance can lead to various ailments, including hair loss. The treatment procedures in this report, recognized for balancing Pitta, highlight its significance in restoring hair health.

35) Patel:
Patel is a common surname in India, particularly in Gujarat. In the context of this case study, it may refer to the affiliated institution or researchers involved in this Ayurvedic treatment, emphasizing the collaborative effort and expertise contributing to successful management of alopecia areata.

36) Lepa:
Lepa refers to the external application of medicinal pastes or powders. In the management of alopecia, Lepa plays a crucial role in local treatment of affected areas, contributing to the nourishment and revitalization of hair follicles, aiding in the overall therapeutic strategy.

37) Blood letting:
Blood letting is a therapeutic practice aimed at removing excess or impure blood from the body, commonly used in Ayurveda as Raktamokshana. Its application in treating hair loss aims to clear out vitiated elements from the circulation, which may interfere with the natural growth processes of hair.

38) Blood-letting:
Blood-letting, similar to blood letting, involves the controlled withdrawal of blood to treat ailments. In Ayurvedic practices, it provides detoxification and can enhance circulation. In context, this method aims to address imbalances present in Raktamokshana pertinent to conditions like Indralupta.

39) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is one of the three primary doshas associated with movement, creativity, and communication. An imbalance can lead to various health issues, including those affecting hair. In this case report, the focus on balancing Vata highlights its key role in achieving recovery from alopecia.

40) Anutaila (Anu-taila):
Anu-taila is a specific Ayurvedic oil used in Nasya therapy for treating conditions affecting the head region. Its application is significant in managing alopecia as it nourishes hair follicles, facilitates balance among doshas, and aids overall scalp health providing an effective adjunct to other treatments.

41) Khalitya:
Khalitya is an Ayurvedic term referring to hair loss or baldness. Understanding this condition within the frames of Ayurvedic principles provides insights into treatment options, emphasizing the role of doshas in its pathology and offering pathways for therapeutic interventions aimed at hair regrowth.

42) Jatyadi:
Jatyadi is a medicinal oil used in Ayurvedic practice noted for its efficacy in treating skin conditions and promoting hair health. Its application in therapies highlights the scope of herbal formulations in managing alopecia and supporting scalp health in the broader context of Ayurvedic principles.

43) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to the pathological entities or substratum in Ayurveda on which diseases are established. Recognizing Dushya is paramount for understanding the root causes of conditions like alopecia areata and ensuring appropriate treatment strategies that target and alleviate these foundational imbalances.

44) Nidana:
Nidana represents the diagnostic approach in Ayurveda to identify the causes or factors leading to diseases. In managing alopecia areata, understanding Nidana helps devise targeted treatment plans addressing the root causes rather than merely symptom management, emphasizing the holistic nature of Ayurvedic practice.

45) Bashpa (Baspa):
Bashpa is associated with steam therapy in Ayurveda, often used in conjunction with treatments to promote sweating and eliminate toxins. Its relevance in the context of hair loss treatment includes enhancing scalp circulation and providing nourishment necessary for maintaining healthy hair growth.

46) Blood:
Blood represents life force in Ayurveda, integral to overall health. Its quality and balance directly affect hair growth. Various treatments, including Raktamokshana, focus on purifying blood to ensure optimal nourishment to hair follicles, thereby facilitating hair regrowth in conditions like alopecia areata.

47) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation into treatments and outcomes, crucial for assessing the efficacy and legitimacy of therapeutic practices. In this report, the focused study of ayurvedic interventions emphasizes evidence-based approaches to manage alopecia areata while exploring broader implications for the field of holistic health.

48) Food:
Food represents the fundamental building blocks for health in Ayurveda, where diet profoundly influences physical and mental well-being. The focus on Ahara emphasizes that dietary choices are pivotal in managing conditions like alopecia areata, corroborating the importance of nutrition in achieving holistic health.

49) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruha-basti is a therapeutic enema technique using medicated decoctions, essential for detoxification and balancing vitiated doshas. In addressing alopecia, this therapy targets specific ailments by removing harmful substances from the body, serving to restore physiological balance and enhancing hair regrowth potential.

50) Matra-basti:
Matra-basti involves the administration of smaller quantities of medicated oil through the rectum aimed at balancing Vata dosha. This treatment is significant in the management of hair loss as it helps maintain internal harmony and supports the body in its healing processes for better hair health.

51) Shrikantha (Srikantha, Shri-kantha, Shrikamtha):
Srikantha references scholarly contributions to Ayurveda, particularly those related to the Astanga Hridayam texts. These classic works are vital for practitioners in understanding and applying Ayurvedic principles and treatment methodologies effectively, underlining the cultural and intellectual heritage of Ayurvedic medicine.

52) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata was an eminent Ancient Ayurvedic sage who authored the Astanga Hridayam. His teachings provide invaluable guidance on various treatment methodologies used in Ayurveda, especially relevant in contemporary applications discussing conditions like alopecia areata, bridging ancient wisdom with modern practice.

53) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana signifies rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda aimed at promoting vitality and longevity. The relevance in this case pertains to utilizing Rasayana treatments to restore health and nourishment of hair and scalp, aiding in the recovery from conditions like Indralupta by revitalizing bodily tissues.

54) Sparsha (Sparsa):
Sparsha denotes touch or physical sensation, an important component in Ayurvedic assessment. Its relevance lies in recognizing the texture and feel of the affected areas, which can signify the health of the hair and scalp, guiding treatment techniques aimed at enhancing hair vitality.

55) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga stands for 'Eightfold' and refers to the Astanga Hridaya text, which outlines essential principles of Ayurveda. Its teachings impact various treatment methodologies utilized for conditions like alopecia areata, ensuring that ancient practices remain integral to current therapeutic approaches within Ayurvedic medicine.

56) Caraka:
Caraka is a seminal figure in the history of Ayurvedic medicine, known for the Caraka Samhita, a cornerstone text that guides practitioners in principles and methodologies. His contributions are essential in understanding the theoretical frameworks of diagnosis and treatment relevant for conditions like hair loss.

57) Keshya (Kesya):
Keshya refers to therapies and substances conducive to hair health in Ayurveda. Treatments categorized under Keshya are crucial for addressing hair loss conditions such as Indralupta, offering therapeutic options that enhance hair growth through natural and traditional formulations emphasized in the case study.

58) Pathya:
Pathya pertains to diet and lifestyle regimens that are considered beneficial or wholesome according to Ayurvedic principles. In managing hair loss, establishing a Pathya can play a crucial role in correcting imbalances while promoting overall health and optimally supporting hair regrowth processes.

59) Matra:
Matra indicates the measured quantities of medicaments or therapies used within Ayurvedic practices. Understanding Matra is essential for practitioners to administer appropriate doses during treatments, significantly impacting the efficacy and safety of therapies aimed at managing hair health.

60) Ahara:
Ahara represents food and nutrition within Ayurveda, imperative for sustaining health. Its relevance to hair loss emphasizes the necessity of a balanced diet rich in nutrients, as dietary choices directly affect hair vitality and growth, underpinning effective treatment strategies in managing acute conditions.

61) Avila:
Avila may refer to aspects pertaining to cultural or geographical contexts potentially linked to treatment practices. It highlights the diverse applications of Ayurvedic medicine across different regions and its adaptation to local medicinal practices, contributing to the broader understanding of global Ayurvedic healthcare.

62) Delhi:
Delhi, as a prominent city, represents a center for cultural, political, and academic activities in India. In the context of Ayurveda, it could symbolize the institutional framework and modern interpretations of traditional practices, emphasizing urban influences on the evolution of ancient healing systems.

63) Rules:
Rules refer to the established guidelines and protocols that govern Ayurvedic practices. Understanding these rules is critical in ensuring that treatments are administered effectively, safely, and in accordance with traditional understanding, which is crucial for managing conditions like hair loss.

64) Japa:
Japa signifies the medicinal and ritualistic use of particular herbs or formulations within Ayurveda, pivotal in treatment methodologies. Its application underscores the importance of herbal content in therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing hair loss, illustrating how traditional practices align with natural healing.

65) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to flavor, essence, or biochemical properties of substances in Ayurveda, representing the therapeutic qualities inherent in medicinal compounds. In treatments for hair loss, understanding Rasa is crucial for tailoring remedies that address specific imbalances and promote effective regrowth.

66) Peya:
Peya describes a light, easily digestible liquid food often used in Ayurvedic diets to aid digestion and balance doshas. Its inclusion in treatments highlights the emphasis on supportive dietary practices that underpin recovery and vitality, particularly relevant in the management of chronic conditions.

67) Chun:
Chun could relate to powdered herbal formulations or preparations used within Ayurvedic practices. Its significance lies in the role of these formulations in providing concentrated therapeutic benefits, essential for treatments targeting specific health issues, including conditions affecting hair health.

68) Post:
Post signifies the period following treatments or studies, indicating the need for follow-up evaluations. In Ayurvedic practices, maintaining a post-treatment regimen is crucial for sustaining benefits gained from therapies and ensuring ongoing care in the context of conditions such as hair loss.

69) Peer review:
Peer review is a critical process in the dissemination of scientific knowledge, ensuring that research maintains academic rigor and credibility. In the context of case studies in Ayurveda, peer review enhances the reliability of treatment methodologies and outcomes reported, fostering trust in traditional practices.

70) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the capital of India, serving as a cultural, political, and educational center. Its relevance to Ayurveda includes the growing acceptance and integration of traditional healing systems within modern healthcare frameworks, reflecting a blend of ancient practices and contemporary insights.

71) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhavaprakasanighantu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
Bhavaprakasha-nighantu is an essential text in Ayurvedic literature that provides extensive knowledge about herbs and their medicinal properties. Its significance is underscored in understanding the herbal formulations used for treating hair loss, offering insights into traditional remedies that can support hair health.

72) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-basti refers to a therapeutic enema utilizing oil or ghee to nourish and balance doshas, particularly Vata. Its application in this case serves to restore balance and health at a deeper level, crucial for managing conditions related to hair loss and ensuring effective support for hair growth.

73) Madhavanidana (Madhava-nidana):
Madhava-nidana is a classic text in Ayurveda providing foundational knowledge on diagnosis and disease understanding. Its insights help direct the treatment of conditions like alopecia areata (Indralupta) by categorizing and addressing underlying causes systematically, emphasizing the importance of traditional wisdom in contemporary practice.

74) Rasaushadhi (Rasa-aushadhi, Rasausadhi):
Rasa-ausadhi translates to medicinal properties derived from tastes or essences of herbs and is a guiding principle in Ayurveda. Recognizing Rasa aids in formulating targeted therapies to manage conditions affecting hair, ensuring an integrative approach between dietary choices and herbal medicine.

75) Japapushpa (Japapuspa, Japa-pushpa):
Japa-pushpa refers to the flower of the Hibiscus plant, known for its beneficial properties in Ayurvedic medicine. Its significance in treatment strategies demonstrates the emphasis on natural herbal remedies, especially in formulations aimed at promoting hair health and vitality.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 133]

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Matra-basti, Nadipariksha, Pathyapathya, Dosha imbalance, Ayurvedic Management, Virechana Therapy, Alopecia areata, Vamana therapy, Nasya therapy, Panchakarma procedure, Shodhana Treatment, Raktamokshana therapy, Abhyanga therapy, Shamana treatment, Prescription Medication.

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