|
Want
a head of hair that turns heads? The ancient
healing science of ayurveda
recommends a holistic approach that will keep
your hair healthy, strong and beautiful for
the long term.
Combining healthful eating, a low-stress lifestyle
and botanicals rich, natural herbal hair care,
the ayurvedic hair care routine focuses on
prevention and maintenance.
Start with a nutritious diet: A balanced
array of nutrients is necessary to prevent
hair loss and premature graying. Good-for-your-hair
foods include white sesame seeds, shredded
fresh coconut, green leafy vegetables, whole
grains, dates and raisins, fresh yogurt
or lassi
(during the day), bean sprouts, nuts and
seeds and healthy fats such as ghee
or olive oil. Cook with spices that enhance
digestion and purify body tissues: turmeric,
black pepper, fenugreek, coriander
and cumin
are flavorful and digestion-enhancing. Amalaki
helps digestion for all doshas. Balanced internal
supplementation with hair-friendly ayurvedic
herbs can help provide nutrition for your
hair from the inside out. Avoid bad fats,
alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
Practice mindful eating: Healthy
eating habits are just as important for
effective digestion and absorption as the
diet itself. Food should be fresh and whole,
and prepared lovingly. Eat with your attention
on the food, in a calm and serene frame of
mind, and sit quietly for five minutes after
your meal to start the digestion process before
dashing off to the next task of the day.
Keep your hair and scalp free of ama:
If digestive toxins build up in the body,
they prevent nutrients from reaching the cells
and tissues of the body. Especially after
the age of forty, it is important to undergo
periodic
internal cleansing to flush away toxins.
Triphala
is a gentle, non-depleting cleanser that can
be taken everyday to tone the digestive system
and promote regularity.
Get plenty of sleep: 10 p.m. marks
the start of the Pitta
period of the night. Since Pitta dosha is
related to activity, heightened digestive
fire and awakened physical and intellectual
energy, it is not the ideal time to try to
fall asleep. Go to bed before 10 p.m., during
the Kapha
time of the evening, to be able to fall asleep
easier and get better quality of sleep. Lack
of sleep can lead to poor hair health and
appearance.
Manage stress: Ongoing high levels
of mental and emotional stress can lead to
falling hair, premature graying and dull-looking
hair. Brahmi and Ashwagandha
support your natural ability to manage stress.
They can be taken internally or used topically
for a luxurious hair and scalp massage. Take
time out to relax, and practice relaxing
yoga poses and meditation
to keep stress from ballooning out of control.
Read
more
|
