Kochi: While
the adage says ‘beauty is not just skin deep’, nothing could be far from the
truth in this materialistic age. This is especially true in the case of women
for whom the size-zero figure, clear skin and long black thick hair all matters.
In-fact , good looks add to their self-confidence.
One of the
innumerable cosmetic problems that women face today is Hirsutism. This is
explained as abnormal growth of hair in areas where it should be minimum
irrespective of gender. Most women with this condition get psychologically
traumatized. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as ‘Atiloma’ and is explained in ‘Caraka
Samhita’ or ‘Sthulalomashaganda’.
The abnormal
growth of hair in women can be due to various reasons, but in a majority of
cases, the reason will be underlying systemic illness. It is mainly
endocrine-linked, i.e., due to presence of excess androgens or neoplasms in the
system or may be of idiopathic origin. On the basis of origin, it is classified
as androgenic, non-androgenic and idiopathic.
Androgenic
causes include women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), adrenal
hyperplasia, thyroid dysfunction, cushing syndrome, androgen-secreting tumors
and also syndromes of severe insulin resistance. Non-androgenic causes are
relatively rare and due to excess production of growth hormones resulting in
acromegalics. Idiopathic hirsutism has no identifiable cause. A gradual
increased growth of coarse hair is typically the only symptom in women with
this condition.
The term
‘Loma’ in Sanskrit refers to body hairs. The Panchabhoutikata of loma is
prithvimahabhuta. It is also considered as one among the shadbhavas of garbha
and develops by the sixth month of garbha. It is situated in the sixth layer of
the skin.
Management
The most
important thing to keep in mind to control excess hair growth is to never touch
affected region of the face or hair.
The
treatment in Ayurveda always begins with Nidana Parivarjana. One of the major
causes of facial hair in women is due to PCOS. By treating this condition, one
can completely prevent unwanted hair growth on the face.
There are
also various herbo-mineral preparations for treating the issue.
–Lomasatanalepa
yoga/ taila – application over face
Swarasa of
arecanut/ picha with turmeric/haridra – make paste and apply on face
According to
Charaka, Samhita, the phalavarga has keshaghnaguna that could be used for
external application and could be taken internally too.
(Four yogas
in Susrutha Samhita)
–Shankhabhasmadi
yoga – paste made out of pounding 2 parts shankha bhasma and 1 part haritala
with shukta (vinegar).
–Samibijadi
yoga – bhasma of kadali, syonaka, haratala, saindhava and seeds of shami made
into a paste by mixing with cold water and apply on desired areas.
–Bhallatakadi
yoga – external application of mixture of bhallataka taila and snuhiksheera is
also useful. Make sure you are not allergic to bhallataka before using it.
–Aagaragodhikadi
yoga – gruhagodhikapucha (tail of house lizard), Rambha (banana), haritala,
ingudibeeja are burnt and its ash is collected. Then it is mixed with
bhallatakataila and water and then baked in the sun. This paste could be
applied.
(Two yogas
in Sharangadara Samhita)
–Haritaladi
yoga – 2 parts of shankha, 1 part of haritala, ½ part manahshila and 1 part
sarjikakshara made into paste with water.
–Haritaladi
yoga – 2 parts of haritala, 6 parts of shankhabhasma, 2 parts of palasakshara
made into paste with mixing swarasa of banana stem and leaves of arka.
Most of the
preparations explained above are herbo-mineral in origin. These topical
applications enter the lomakupa and vandalize the follicles to cause temporary
or permanent depletion. Most of the drugs used carry ushna potency with pitta
laguna. Some have chedana and bhedana properties. In comparison to the modern
approach by cosmetology with laser treatments etc, these methods are more
effective, economical and less time consuming.
(The writer
is Dr Gayatri S. BAMS MD (Ayu), Prasuti Tantra and Streeroga Specialist, Sarathy
Ayurvedic Hospital)
