E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Khaalitya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Tenets on Khaalitya and its causes in classical Indian medicine

Gopika C.1*, Nagesh KA S.2
DOI:

1* C Gopika, Final Year PG Scholar, Department of PG Studies In Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhaanta, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

2 Sri Nagesh KA, Professor & HOD, Department of PG Studies In Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhaanta, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

The Vedas and other ideas transcend ancient Indian medicine. Hairfall, also known as Khaalitya in Ayurveda, is a prevalent disease that has now evolved into a cosmetic issue. The importance of hair, as well as its cosmetic value, has been acknowledged by Ayurvedic science scholars. According to recent figures, the prevalence of hairfall in India is around 60%, indicating that it is already a triggering factor for other disorders. A comprehensive review of the conventional resources accessible can aid in the identification of some short causes of hairfall. A literary analysis of all known Ayurvedic Classics sources was conducted, with the goal of addressing the causes mentioned. All the facts which are acquired during the evaluation are reviewed, with likely categorization of reasons, depending on food, regimen and several other elements. Excessive use of salt, alkaline substances, stress, excessive exposure to wind, and other causes listed in Indian classical medicine have contributed to the enumeration of the following reasons.

Keywords: Khaalitya, Ayurveda, Hairfall

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
C Gopika, Final Year PG Scholar, Department of PG Studies In Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhaanta, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		C Gopika, Sri Nagesh KA, Tenets on Khaalitya and its causes in classical Indian medicine. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):309-313.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1673

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-02-01 2022-02-02 2022-02-09 2022-02-16 2022-02-23
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 19%

© 2022by C Gopika, Sri Nagesh KAand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)309
Gopika C. et al: Tenets on Khaalitya and its causes in classical Indian medicine

Introduction

Ayurveda dates all the way back to the Vedas. It's a vast repository of information that covers not just systemic but also localized small illnesses in great detail. Hairfall, also known as Khaalitya, has become a top runner in recent years, as well as an aesthetic issue.

As per the studies in 2018, hairfall prevalence in India is found to be 60.4%. Hairfall, in addition to being a cosmetic issue, can signal a variety of other underlying health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, infections, and a variety of other illnesses, as well as hygiene issues that both men and women encounter in today's world.

Need for the Study

Exact Kaarana for Khaalitya is not found in a single context. They are scattered in various Ayurvedic literatures. Though the Sampraapti appears to be well explained in Khaalitya, as well as the relationship between the Nidaana/Kaarana and the Roga, the specific Kaarana of the involved Dosha - Dushti is not clear even today, so it is necessary to piece together the possible causes for khaalitya from the scattered references in Ayurveda.

The link between Kaarya and Kaarana can be elicited with a thorough understanding of Kaarana. Analyzing the Nidaana/Kaarana is the first step to understand a disease and its related symptoms.

Methods

  • A detailed literary research of the causes of Khaalitya was conducted through diverse Ayurveda Classical literature, with critical analysis and categorization of reasons based on Aahaaraja Nidaanaas, Vihaaraja Nidaanaas, Maanasika Kaaranaas, and Anya Kaaranaas.
  • Analysis of the Dosha influence with the respective Gunas involved in each Nidaana for further analysis.
  • Application of various fundamental postulates in a disease w.s.r to Khaalitya.

Review of Literature

Khaalitya - Nirukti[1]

Falling of hair is known as Khaalitya.

Definition of Khaalitya

Khaalitya is a disorder that causes hair to fall out gradually, eventually leading in full hair loss.

Khaalitya is an ongoing process, which continues even after the loosening of hair follicles.

Acharyas have mentioned Indralupta, Rujya, and Chaacha as the synonyms of Khaalitya Roga.[2]

Nidaanaas of Khaalitya[3,4]


Aahaaraja Nidaanaas Vihaaraja Nidaanaas Maanasika Nidaanaas
Amla Aahara Atisevana (excessive intake of sour food) Atapa Ati Sevana (exposure to hot weather) Chinta (Over thinking)
Atisheetambu Sevana (excessive intake of cold food) Ati Bhaashya (excessive talking) Anya Kaaranaas
Atimadyapana (excessive intake of alcohol) Atimaithuna (excessive sexual indulgence) Abhyanga Dwesha (Not following oleation therapy)
Guru Ahara Atisevana (Intake of heavy food) Bhaashpa Nigraha (suppression of tears) -           
Harita Shaaka Atisevana (excessive intake of green leafy vegetables) Divaswapna (day sleep) -
Hima Aahara Atisevana (intake of cold food) Hima Sevana (exposure to cold whether) -
Lavana Ati Sevana (Intake of salty foods) Pragvata Sevana (exposure to easterly wind) -
Lavanaahaara with Ksheera Ratrijagarana (night vigil) -
- Rajo Dhuma Sevana (exposure to dust & fumes / smoke) -
- Rodhana (excessively crying) -

Sampraapti of Khaalitya Roga

Vrudda Pitta, together with Vata, reaches Romakoopa and causes hair loss, whilst Shleshma, together with Shonita, causes Avarodha of the Romakoopa channels, preventing hair regeneration, and this condition is known as Indralupta, Khaalitya, or Ruhya.[5]

Discussion

Khaalitya Nidaana and Dosha Sambandha


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Probable Dosha vitiation by Aahaaraja Nidaana

SN Nidaana Vitiated Dosha and Dooshya Vitiated Guna Type of vitiation Karma manifested
1.          Amla Aahaara Ati Sevana Kapha Pitta Rakta Snigdha Ushna Laghu Kapha Vruddhi Pitta Vruddhi Rakta Dushti Snigdhata Shithilatha Bhrama Kandu Trut
2.          Lavana Rasa Ati Sevana Pitta Kapha Sneha Ushna Guru Pitta Vruddhi Kapha Vruddhi Stambhana Snehana Swedana Trut Daaha
3.          Kshaara Aahaara Atisevana Vata Pitta Rooksha, Sookshma Sara Drava Vata Vruddhi Pitta Vruddhi Rookshana Langhana Daaha Paaka
4.          Guru Aahaara Kapha Guru Snigdha Manda Kapha Vruddhi Stambhana Agnimandya Gaurava Avipaaka
5.          Harita Shaaka Ati Sevana Vata Rooksha Laghu Sheeta Vata Vruddhi Rookshana Langhana Graahi
6.          Hima Aahaara / Dravya Vata Sheeta Rooksha Laghu   Vata Vruddhi Stambhana Rookshana Jeevana Hrudya
7.          Atimadyapaana Vata Pitta Rooksha Teekshna Ushna Laghu Drava Sookshma Vata Vruddhi Pitta Vruddhi Rookshana Langhana Swedana Dhaatukshaya  
8.          Lavana Aahaara with Ksheera Tridosha, Rakta Sheeta Ushna Snigdha Teekshna Guru Drava Manda Tridosha Vruddhi Rakta Dushti Stambhana Agnimadhya Dhaatukshaya Avipaaka

Probable Dosha vitiation by Maanasika Kaarana and Anya Kaarana

Maanasika Vikaara Chinta
Dravya Manas
Dosha vitiated Vata
Guna vitiated Chala
Type of vitiation Vata Vruddhi
Karma manifested Chintyam
Anya Kaarana Abhyanga Dwesha
Dravya Taila
Vitiated Dosha Vata
Guna vitiated Rooksha, Laghu 
Type of vitiation Vata Vruddhi
Karma manifested Rookshana

Probable Dosha vitiation by Vihaaraja Nidaana

SN Nidaana Vitiated Dosha and Dooshya Gunas vitiated Type of vitiation Karma manifested
1.          Atapa Sevana Vata Pitta Rooksha Teekshna Ushna Drava Vata Vruddhi Pitta Vruddhi Swedana Langhana Glaani Trut Krushneekarana
2.          Praagvaata Sevana Vata Laghu Sheeta Rooksha Vata Vruddhi Rookshana Langhana Shoshana
3.          Ratri Jagarana Vata Rooksha Vata Vruddhi Rookshana Langhana Abalata Dukha Kleebata Ajnaana
4.          Dhooma Atisevana Vata Laghu Rooksha Sookshma Sheeta Vata Vruddhi Langhana Chalatwa Rookshana Stambhana
5.          Hima Sevana Vata Sheeta Vata Vruddhi Stambhana
6.          Baashpagraha Vata Chala Avarodha Vata Vruddhi Stambhana
7.          Diva Swapna Kapha Pitta Snigdha Guru Sneha Kapha Vruddhi Pitta Vruddhi Snehana Brumhana Sukham Pushti Bala Vrushata
8.          Ati Maithuna Vata Rooksha Chala Vata Vruddhi Langhana Rookshana Swedana Shoshana
9.          Ushanjala Shiro-Snaana Pitta Ushna Drava Pitta Vruddhi Swedana Tarpana Daaha
10.       Ati Pralaapa Vata Rooksha Chala Vata Vruddhi Rookshana Chalatwa

Discussion

Two phases of Sampraapti are described, which were fully comprehended by the Samskruta Vyaakarana Prayoga of the present continuous tense term Prachyaavayati. It also implies that this is a continuous process that continues even after the hair follicles loosen. We were able to decipher that the sutra's Adhikarana is Indralupta Roga by employing Tantrayukti. We can identify the Samprapti in two stages based on the Sootra; in the verse "Pittam Vaatena Saha Moorchitam" (represents the first stage of Samprapti), Pitta (Pradhaana Dosha) becomes


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vitiated, and Vata (Anubandha Dosha) becomes vitiated. The term Prachyaavayati represents the hair is made to fall from the Romakoopas. As a continuation, the second stage is explained with the involvement of Shleshma, which is the Pradhaana Dosha along with Shonita (Anubandha Dosha) which obstructs the Romakoopas, thereby creating a blockage. The indulgence of Vata, Pitta and Kapha i.e., all three Doshas has been held responsible for the production of Khaalitya.

Conclusion

Khaalitya is a significant aesthetic issue that affects people of all ages and genders. There are many sources of hairfall according to Ayurveda. Khaalitya pathogenesis is a two-stage procedure that continues after the hair follicles have become loose. Pitta and Vata cause hair follicles to relax from hair roots, whilst Kapha and Rakta cause hair follicles to become obstructed. There are both self-contained and systemic causes. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in food, regimen, and psychological status, as well as other factors. As analogous Dosha vitiation has already occurred, history of previous illness, particularly the history of Dandruff, plays an inextricable role in the manifestation of Khaalitya. Other reasons, such as aversion towards oil application, are more

powerful in causing Khaalitya to develop, as it produces an excess of dryness in the scalp. As Ati-Chintana immediately leads to Dhaatu Kshaya, Maanasika Vikaara, like Chinta, plays a crucial part in Khaalitya. Excessive exposure to direct wind causes Rookshata, Laghutwa, and Chalatwa, while excessive exposure to cold weather causes Sheetata, vitiating Vata Dosha and resulting in Khaalitya. As it does the Kapha Prakopa, day time sleep is proven to be a stronger cause of Khaalitya manifestation. Excessive usage of heavy meals, salty foods and cold foods/ drinks also can lead to Khaalitya due to the vitiation of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata Doshas respectively. Head bath with hot water and late sleep/ awakening at night, exposure to sun and smoke, excessive speaking, excessive sexual activity, control of tears were discovered to be causes in Khaalitya among the Vihaaraas. Other dietary causes revealed as causative factors in Khaalitya include excessive usage of sour foods, pickle/ vinegar added foods, leafy vegetable usage and salty foods along with milk and excessive consumption of alcohol. Family history of hairfall, or paternal side hairfall, has a role in the manifestation of Khaalitya.

Reference

  1. Radhakanta D., editor. Shabdakalpadruma dwitheeyakanda, ed: 3. Delhi: Naga publishers; 2003.p.150.
  2. Paraadakara shastri H. S, editor, Ashtanga hrdaya of Vagbhata with the commentaries of Sarvangasundara of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri, Uttarasthana; Shirorogavijnaaneeyam Adhyaaya: chapter 23, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit samsthan, 2016; p.858.
  3. Paraadakara shastri H. S, editor, Ashtanga hrdaya of Vagbhata with the commentaries of Sarvangasundara of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri, Uttarasthana; Shirorogavijnaaneeyam Adhyaaya: chapter 23, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit samsthan, 2016; p.858.
  4. Acharya J.T, editor, Charaka Samhita by Agnivesa with the Ayurveda Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta, Chikitsasthana; Trimarmeeya Chikitsa adhyaaya: chapter 26, Varanasi: Chaukhamba publications, 2018; p599.

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  1. Paraadakara shastri H. S, editor, Ashtanga hrdaya of Vagbhata with the commentaries of Sarvangasundara of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri, Uttarasthana; Shirorogavijnaaneeyam Adhyaaya: chapter 23, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit samsthan, 2016; p.858.

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