Aayushi International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (AIIRJ) PEER REVIEW IMPACT FACTOR ISSN VOL- VI ISSUE-XI NOVEMBER 2019 e-JOURNAL 5.707 2349-638x

A Review study -Kriya sharir of Kesh

Dr. Pooja Pandurang Patil MD (Kriya Sharir) Assistant Professor B.G. Garaiya Ayurveda College Rajkot (Gujarat)

Abstract: Health comprises of both, body and mind. Ayurveda aims at maintaining the health of a healthy person and to treat the diseased. Scalp hair is responsible for beauty, appearance of personality and protection. “The hair is the richest ornament of a woman”- Martin Luther. It brings one’s self-image into focus. There are an increasing number of panicked people coming to the doctor with the complaint of hair loss. Due to modern lifestyle, food, environment etc, people are more likely to lose hair at early age. Therefore more awareness about hair health is observed in the society. This article mentions the possible ways of enhancement of strength and beauty of scalp hair through the principles of achieving good health (Swasthy Prapti) as explained in Ayurveda. The scope of this article deals with understanding of all aspects of Kesha mentioned in the Samhitas of Ayurveda. Key words: Kesh, Kesha Swasthya, Beauty

Introduction found to be more promising and result oriented with absolute no drawbacks. Ayurveda is an ancient and developed science of In Ayurveda, scattered references are India. Kesha (hair) is a complex and delicate part of available on maintaining the health and longevity of our body, which gives a personality. Beautification is hair. It has explained few concepts for achieving the process of making visual improvements to a good health. This article tried to explain these person, place or thing. The concept of beauty in concepts with respect to beauty of hair. For this Ayurveda is not only in achieving an attractive reason, a literary study has been made, to collect all external appearance but also gaining good health the references at one place. This study gives details longevity. of the various concepts mentioned in Ayurveda such Most of the practices in maintaining good as health mentioned in Ayurveda are dependent on Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadavritta, etc. related to seasonal variations (Ritus) and are found subtly Kesha Swasthya and therapies like Nasya, Shiro interwoven with daily routine practices Abhyga, Shiro Lepan, Kesha Rasayanas etc. (Dinacharya). Today in this era, human health is detoriating Review Of Literature day by day; this also counts health of hair. According to Drug and Cosmetic Act (India) Globalization being major factor, stress, unhealthy 1940, cosmetics are defined as any substance rubbed, food habits, is also responsible for damaging and poured, sprinkled or in any way applied to human making hair unhealthy. Any time an individual has body for cleansing, beautifying, and promoting any kind of health concern from stress, trauma, attractiveness1. Ayurvediya concept of beauty and medications of various sorts, chronic medical cosmetics started from the inheritance and pursuance conditions or medical conditions that come and then of ideal life style i.e, Dinacharya, Ratricharya, wane, heavy metals in waters and food, smoking etc. Ritucharya, Sadavrutta etc. these and more can affect the hair, its growth, and its The healthy hairs should be soft, black in colour, appearance. small, firm, oily and with a single hair root. These To overcome these hair related problems, qualities of healthy hairs are criteria to determine the various hair cosmetics and hair care therapies have “Dirghayu” of a person. emerged. But these cosmetics and therapies have Twak is a Adhisthan of Kesha. Some part of their own drawbacks. So, Ayurveda, at this stage is Kesha lies above the Twak which is known as Kaanda. The tip of Kaanda is known as Romaagra.

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Aayushi International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (AIIRJ) PEER REVIEW IMPACT FACTOR ISSN VOL- VI ISSUE-XI NOVEMBER 2019 e-JOURNAL 5.707 2349-638x

The enlarged part in the twak is called as The sites of origin of the Srotas carrying Mulabhaga, The Sira, Dhamanî, Snayu are sweat are Medomula and Romakupa. The connected to this region. This part is known as characteristic manifestations of their vitiation are the Romakupa. Sweating expelled out from this region absence of perspiration, excessive perspiration and the nutrition is supplied by Rasavahinî . (sweating), roughness of body, general burning sensation and horripilation (Romharsha). Relation between Kesha and Dosha, Dhatu, Mala Concept of health and beauty in Ayurveda The concept of health and beauty includes Kesha and Tridosha four aspects as explained in Ayurveda. Dinacharya, There is a very close functional relation Rirucharya and Sadvrutta between Kesha and Tridosha. The health of Kesha is These aspects should be properly followed to depends on Dosha when they are in equilibrium maintain good health. state. Kapha Dosha provides Brumhan and Pitta A) Dinacharya Dosha softness to the hairs however these two Dosha 1. Healthy person should always wake up early are depend on functions of Vata Dosha. The during „Brahma Moohurta’ in the morning, i.e, Romakupa are a site of sensation and are supplied by at around 4 am. This habit always safe guards the a number of capillaries. The sensation is carried by life of that person. As per routine, one should let Prana Vayu and Romaharsha is exhibited by the the body do its defecation process. Vyana Vayu. “Brahmhe Moohurte Uttishteta Swasthyo Rakshartham Ayushyah || Kesha and Sapta Dhatu Sharira Chintaam Nirvatya Kruta Shoucha The skin receives nourishment from Rasa Vidhistatha ||” As. Hr. So. 2/1 Dhatu. Kesha is a part of Twak. Therefore Kesha 2. Snanam- Bathing is the process which removes also receives nutrients from the Rasa Dhatu. dirt, itching, tiredness, sweat, lithargy, thirst, Premature graying of hair is caused by the vitiation heat, and sins from the whole body and mind. It of Rasa Dhatu. Individuals having Twak Saarata are improves digestive fire, strength, luster and characterized by unctuous, smooth, soft, clear, fine, virility. Acharya Charaka described it to be less numerous, deep rooted and tender hair and Ojaskar i.e, healthy. lustrous skin. A person possesses Meda Sara exhibits “ Deepanam Vrushyam Aayushyam Snanam Snigdha Nakha, Kesha, Loma etc as it gets Oorja Bala Pradam | Snigadhata from Meda Dhatu. Kandu Mala Shrama Sweda Tandra Truda Kesha and Mala Daha Papma Jita ||”As. Hr. So. 2/15 Kesha is the Mala of Asthi dhatu and “Snanam Ojaskaram Param ||”Ch. So. 5/94 Upadhatu of Majja consequently whenever there is a One should never do head bath with warm Vrudhi and Kshaya of Asthi Dhatu there it will affect water. It harms the strength and health of hair as well the growth and development of the hairs. This is as eye sight. Instead cold water head bath will protect observed through the sign and symptoms of the Asthi the harmful effects on hair and eye sight. Kshaya i.e. falling of hair, nails, hair of the beard, “Ushnambu Na Adha Kayasya including mustaches and teeth, excreation and Parisheko Balaavah | loosness of joints. There is close relation between Tenaiva Cha Uttamangasya Bala Hruta Kesha and Shukra Dhatu. Kesha Chakshusaam ||”As. Hr. So. 2/16 Appearance of mustache and beard is the 3.Kshoura Karma- sign of developed Shukra Dhatu. In female also Regular cutting of excess growth of nails, Yoniromata and Kesharajita are the signs of hair, beard and moustache is said to be followed in developed Shukra Dhatu. According to Dhalhana Dinacharya. Bathe daily as routine. Acharya after the complete development of Shukra “Neecha Roma Nakha Smashru Nirmalanga Dhatu there is appearance of its Mala i.e. Smashru. Ghrimalayana | Kesha and Strotas Snanasheelam….||”As. Hr. So. 2/30

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Practicing (regular following) shaving, Balam Shira Kapalanaam Visheshenabhi cutting and grooming of hair and nails regularly is Vardhate … Ch. So. 5/81-84 described to be providing health, virility, longevity, B) Ritucharya spirituality and beauty to the person. Seasonal changes also bring causation of “Poushtikam Vrushyam Aayushyam Shuchi many diseases. Abhyang, Utsadana, PradehaPralepa Roopa Virajanam | etc have been quoted in accordance with the Kesha Smashru Nakhaadinaam Kalpanam respective Ritucharya as explained in the Samhitas. Samprasadhanam ||” Ch. So. 5/99 There is no direct reference to pathology of hair with 4. Dhoomapana - Smoking (with medicinal drugs) respect to Ritu, but in general, health detoriates in done as per classical methods (inhaling and these seasons if we do not follow the basic regime as exhaling smoke through mouth) will always advised. So by Yukti Pramana, Ritucharya should be protect the health of hair and prevents alopecia followed to maintain good health of the body as well (Khalitya), premature greying of hair as hair. (Pinjaratva) and hair fall (Kesha Patanam). Hemant Ritu- in this season there is “Khalityam Pinjaratvam Cha Keshaanam aggravation of Sheeta (cold) quality of Vata Dosha, Patanam Tatha…. which makes the digestive fire extremely powerful. If Dhoomavaktrakapaanasya Vyadhayah Syuh appropriate quantity of food is not supplied, then the Shirogataah || Ch. So. 5/30, 33 powerful digestive fire destroys the Rasa Dhatu in 5. Nasya- Every person should do Nasya Karma (A the body. Thus it ultimately aggravates Vata Dosha. procedure of putting nasal drops in the nostrils- As we know that Rasa Saara Purusha has Nostrils are considered as a direct route to enter good quality of skin and hair. If RasaDhatu gets the brain in Ayurveda) with Anu Tail each year destroyed then it affects the quality of skin and hair during Pravruta, Sharad, VasantaRitu when the as well. sky is not covered with clouds. This procedure So this Ritucharya should be followed to prevents greying and browning of hair (over maintain the health of body as well as hair. In this scalp as well as body). It prevents hair fall and season, Abhyang (body oliation), Utsadana also strengthens the hair roots for healthy hair (application of unctuous body masks), Murdhani growth. Taila Dharan (application of hair oil) etc is “Varshe Anu Tailam Cha Kaleshu Trishu Na advised. Chareta || 1. Shishira Ritu- there is no much difference in Pravruta Sharata Vasanteshu Gatameghe Hemant and Shishir Ritu. It is adviced to stay in Nabhastale |…. warm houses i.e, house having lesser room Na Syuh Shweta Na Kapilah Keshah temperature. This prevents excess aggravation of Smashruni Va Punah || Vata Dosha in the body. Na Cha Keshah Pramuchyante Vardhante Vata Dosha and Asthi Dhatu have inverse Cha Visheshatah |” Ch. So. 5/56-58 relation with each other as explained in 6. Shiroabhyanga- Daily oleating the scalp hair „Ashrayashrayee Sambandh of Dosha Dhatu and will prevent from headache, alopecia; premature Mala‟. Also Asthi Dhatu Mala is Kesha. So to hair greying and hair fall. This practice maintain the health of Kesha, it is necessary to strengthens the scalp, hair follicle roots and keep homeostatic balance between Vata Dosha ultimately makes hair grow really long and extra and Asthi Dhatu. dark. Shiroabhyanga enlightens the sensory 2. Vasant Ritu- In this sseason the aggravated receptors, makes the skin shine and glow. It also Kapha Dosha starts melting and impairs the gives a peaceful sound sleep in the night. digestive fire and thus creates a lot of body “Nityam Snehardra ShirasahShirashoolam ailments. Hence in this season it is advised not to Na Jayate || consume heavy (Guru), sour (Amla), sweet Na Khalityam Na palityam Na Keshah (Madhur), and oily (Snigdha) food. Also, the Prapatanti Cha ||

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afternoon short snaps of sleep (Diwaswaap) post 1. Nityam Snehardra Shirasam – lunch is contraindicated15. Daily oiling of hair Benefits of daily oiling of hair This season is said to be ideal for treating are diseases of Kapha Dosha by VamanaKarma. 1. Headache doesn‟t occur. Khalitya, Palitya, Kesha Prapatan etc can be treated 2. No falling of hairs. by this procedure. 3. No graying of hairs. 3. Grishma Ritu- in this season, due to scorching, 4. The roots of hairs are strengthen, they grow long. heat the body turns week, perspiration is 5. Hairs grow black in colors and with good health. excessive, which leads to fluid loss and impaired 2. Nasya Karma - Nasal drops digestion. Pungent (Katu), sour (Amla) and salty Benefits of Nasya Karma- The hair doesn‟t (Lavan) food consumption is contraindicated in grey, and also doesn‟t fall. The hair growth is proper this season. with extralong and black in color. Nasya Karma not Kshara and Lavan Rasa consumption in excess only has the impact on Scalp hair (Shirastha Kesha) quantity is one of the causes of Khalitya but also on the beard and moustache. (Alopecia) as explained in Charak Samhita. 3. Rasayanas for hair - Immunemodulatory 4. Varsha Ritu- in this season due to rains the medicine for health of hair. digestive fire becomes more impaired and leads  Brahma Rasayana is said to be – „Palitaamaya to many diseases. Honey is advised to be the best Varjitah‟. Brahma Rasayana effect on hairs states in this season. Honey is Tridoshahara. It cures that graying of hair never ever occurs. So to maintain all the three Doshas and maintains good health. the beauty of black long healthy hair, Brahma 5. Sharad Ritu- in this season the body gets Rasayana can be the best medicine. aggravated with Pitta Dosha. VirechanaKarma  Narasimha Ghruta - „Keshair Bhangaanga Neelai‟ is said ideal for the cleansing of Pitta Dosha Narsimha Ghruta is good for maintaining colour of from the body in this season. Rakta Mokshan is hairs as black as a Bee (Bhunga -which wonders also considered best in this season which around flowers). That is it prevents graying of hairs eliminates impurities (Dosha) which are and maintains the normal colour of hair i.e. blackish. accumulated in the blood.  Churnam Shwadanshtra Amalaka Amrutanam – Lihyaan Sa Sarpir Madhu Bhaga C)Sadavrutta Mishram…..Samaah Shatam Jeevati Krushna Keshah It is the practice of Good Conducts. Practicing || Powder of Shwadanshtra, Amalaki, Amruta with and nurturing good conduct has two benefits- good Ghruta and Madhu if taken as Rasayana, it prevents health (Aarogya Laabh) and control over senses graying of hairs and maintains its health until 100 (Indriya Vijay). years of age.  Praise the God, Cow, Gurus, Brahman, 4. Hair applications Siddha Purush, and Teachers  Formula for regrowth of hair-  Worship the Agni (lord of Fire). „Loma Sanjanana Yoga‟ Ash made out any  Bathing in the morning and evening daily. of these body parts (Skin, body hair, horn, and bone)  Cleanse external openings (eyes, ears nose, of a four legged animal, is mixed with oil. Applied- mouth, rectum and urinary orifice) regularly. This formulation can be applied to see its result on  Cut down the excess growth of nails, hair, scalp where hair growth is obliterated due to scar beard, moustache twice a month. formation.  Always wear clean, washed and untorned  Removal of unwanted hair- „Loma Shatan clothes daily. Upaya’. Apart from the above basic principles of Various applications are mentioned in healthy habits, few therapies are mentioned in Sushruta Samhita for the removal of unwanted hairs Ayurveda for healthy hair. Therapies on body.  Shanka bhasma + Hartal Bhasma in the ratio 2:1, mix with Kanji. Email id’s:- [email protected],[email protected] I Mob.08999250451 Page No. website :- www.aiirjournal.com 26

Aayushi International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (AIIRJ) PEER REVIEW IMPACT FACTOR ISSN VOL- VI ISSUE-XI NOVEMBER 2019 e-JOURNAL 5.707 2349-638x

 Bhallatak Oil + Snuhi Ksheer. in Ayurveda are aimed at keeping the features under  Shyonak Bhasma + Hartal Bhasma + Shami normal physiological conditions i.e. Prakrit Avastha. Beej + Kadali + Lavan, mix with water. “We are what we eat” but it‟s better to say “We are  Tail of domestic lizard + Kadali + Hartal what we digest”. So beautification begins with Bhasma + Ingudi Beej Bhasma, mix with oil proper nutrition,efficient digestion and assimilation and water and dry under sunlight. of nutrients by the body and regular elimination. Applied – These hair applications can be made Therefore the concept of beauty in Ayurveda doesn‟t use in removal of unwanted hair growth over only consider the external appearance of a person, chin in females with PCOS. but also includes life style and therapeutic  To maintain hair forever black a procedures for the promotion of one‟s overall health formulation from the book thereby granting beauty to the body. Chikitsaprabhakar (Streerog Prakaran) Mix Triphala and Loha Bhasma with water, References: add equal quantity of coconut oil, add ¼ water and 1. Hazra J, Panda AK 2013 Concept of Beauty and heat, then add Bhringraj Swaras, than store within an Ayurveda Medicine. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res 4: air tight bottle to keep it underground for one month. 178. doi: 10.4172/2155-9554.1000178. 2. Apply this oil on scalp hair, than the head should be Dr.Ganesh Garde, editior. SarthVagbhata. Sharirasthan. Chapter 3. Varanasi: covered with leaves of banana overnight. Next day Chowkhambha Surbharati publication; 2009. hair is washed with Triphala Decoction. p.142.

2. Kashyap Discussions 3. Dr. Ganesh Garde, editior. SarthVagbhata, 1. The features of hairs are different in various Sutrasthan. Chapter 11, Varanasi: Chowkhambha Saara Prakruti. Twak Saara Purush is Surbharati publication; 2009. p.34 characterized by unctuous, smooth, soft, clear, 4. Dr. BrahmanandTripathi and Dr. Ganga fine, less numerous, deep rooted, tender hair and SahayPandey, editors. Charak Samhita of lustrous skin and Meda Sara exhibits Snigdha Agnivesha, Sutrasthan. Chapter 28. Delhi: Nakha, Kesha, Loma etc as it gets Snigadhata Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan; 2006. p.548 from Meda Dhatu. 5. Dr. BrahmanandTripathi and Dr. Ganga 2. The practice of Abhyanga as mentioned in SahayPandey, editors. Charak Samhita of Dinacharya seems to be useful in maintaining Agnivesha, Chikitsasthan. Chapter 15. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan; 2006. p.326 health of hair. 6. Sharangdhar samhita 3. „Murdhni Taila Dharan‟ i.e. application of oil on 7. Dr.Ghanekar, commentator. Sushruta Samhita, the scalp is advised in Hemanta Ritu by Charaka Sutrasthan. Chapter 15. New Delhi: Acharya. MaeherchandLachmandas Publication; 2013. 4. Practicing these daily and seasonal regimes p.140 (Shiroabhyang, Kshour Karma, Nasya Karma 8. Dr.BrahmanandTripathi and Dr. Ganga etc) will help in maintaining good health of body SahayPandey, editors. Charak Samhita of as well as hairs. Agnivesha, Sutrasthan. Chapter 17. Delhi: 5. Various Rasayana medicines are mentioned in Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan; 2006. p.351 these classical texts for the good health of hair. Dr.Ghanekar, commentator. Sushruta Samhita, Uttartantra. Chapter 8. New Delhi: Maeherchand

Lachmandas Publication; 2013. p.210 Conclusion 9. Dr.BrahmanandTripathi and Dr. Ganga Hair is one of the most ornamental parts in a SahayPandey, editors. Charak Samhita of human body. It gives a personality to a person. The Agnivesha, Vimansthan. Chapter 5. Delhi: Kesha, Bala, Varna etc features are inherited by Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan; 2006. p.698 virtue of one‟s Prakriti i.e. the features bestowed to 10. Dr.Ganesh Garde, editior. SarthVagbhata. human at athe time of birth. This inherited Prakriti Sutrasthan. Chapter 2. Varanasi: Chowkhambha cannot be changed. Hence all the therapeutic efforts Surbharati.

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