Prachhan Karma with Lepa and Shirodhara – An Effective Treatment of Indralupta – A Case Study

Abstract

Hairs play an important role in personality and always remained the center of attraction. Beautiful hairs are considered as parameter of beauty, people are very conscious about hair, and they are always in search of good remedy for maintaining their hairs. Indralupta (Alopecia Areata) is acquired skin aliment that can affect all the hair bearing skin including scalp, beard which is characterized by localized areas of non-scarring hair loss which can be compared with Alopecia Areata. Hair loss is one of the most common problem people faces, the cause of being today’s lifestyle. The prevalence rate of Alopecia Areata is 0.7% in India.[1] Modern medication (steroids and minoxidil) has adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting and continuous intake of steroid leads to diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Many curative and preventive steps are mentioned in Ayurveda by Acharya Sushruta such as Nasya (instillation of medicine by nostrils), Rasayana (path of essence), Murdha taila, Siravedha (bloodletting by puncturing), Prachhan, Lepan (pack), and Shiroabhyanga. Snehan (oil Massage), Swedan (sweating), Shaman, and Shodhana chikitsa told by Sushruta for Indralupta. Among these, Prachhan karma helps to stimulate the hair follicles. Prachhan karma (bloodletting by puncturing), followed by Lepa (pack) and Shirodhara (medicated liquid flow over head) with medicine having Keshya, Balya, and rejuvenating property gives good results in Indralupta. Due to limitation and side effects of minoxidil and steroids some safe and effectual medication from other medical science are expected. Here is a case of Indralupta (Alopecia Areata) successfully treated with Prachhan karma followed by Lepa and Shirodhara with Ayurvedic Medicine.