HAIR LOSS

It is important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider regarding the benefits and risks of different options for improving hair growth and reducing hair loss.

1. Conventional Hair Loss Treatments
2. Naturopathic Hair Loss Treatments

1. CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES

For hair loss due to heredity, age, and hormones, the topical medication Rogaine (minoxidil) has been used for both male and female pattern baldness. Expect to wait 6 months before you see results. The oral medication Propecia (finasteride) is effective in some men. This medicine can decrease sex drive. When either medication is stopped, the former baldness pattern returns.

Hair transplants performed by a physician are a surgical approach to transferring growing hair from one part of the head to another. It is somewhat painful and expensive, but usually permanent.

Hair weaves, hair pieces, or changes of hair style may disguise hair loss. This is generally the least expensive and safest approach to hair loss. Hair pieces should not be sutured to the scalp because of the risk of scars and infection.

2. NATUROPATHIC APPROACH TO HAIR LOSS

The naturopathic approach to hair loss involves identifying the cause of hair loss from a holistic and a scientific perspective using various medical tests. Once the root cause is established, the treatment that consists of natural therapies is used to treat the root cause and prevent further hair loss.

WHAT SHOULD ONE EXPECT AT OUR NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Our approach is to identify the root cause of your hair loss issues and treat it naturallly. The assessment will include a comprehensive initial naturopathic consultation followed by appropriate laboratory testing for hormonal imbalances,, nutritional defiiciences and any testing that may be required to identify what is causing the hair loss, identify what type of hair disorder you may have and reveal any underlying diseases. A physical exam will be performed as well. In the case of hirsutism and alopecia, hormone testing will be recommended. The assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally. Most of our services and testing is covered by extended health insurance plans.

We will determine which assessment tools are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to your health needs. The primary goals of treatment are to treat the underlying cause, regrow the hair when possible, and correct damaging grooming practices.

You will be given a comprehensive treatment plan* for which may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Having a well-balanced diet and avoiding potentially damaging hair treatments can help prevent some types of hair loss.

If you would like to get to the root cause of your hair loss issues and would like to treat it naturally, please call us at 416 913 4325 to schedule an initial naturopathic appointment. Alternatively, you can also email us at [email protected]

HEALTH TIPS FOR HAIR LOSS

Nutrition

Reduce your intake of pro-inflammatory foods (saturated fats, dairy products, and other animal products) and eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, essential fatty acids, and, in particular, protein (non-animal sources of protein include nuts, legumes, and soy).

A diet that contains whole foods, particularly the outer skin of plants such as potatoes, cucumbers, green and red peppers, and sprouts can give strength to hair because they are rich in the mineral silica. Foods that are high in iron, such as lean meats, are important for people with a known iron deficiency.

Physical Medicine

Stress reduction techniques can increase blood flow to the scalp.

Massage

Therapeutic massage increases circulation and reduces stress. Scalp massage using essential oils of rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, and cedar wood may be helpful in increasing circulation. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 1 tbsp. of jojoba or grapeseed oil. Massage into scalp daily.

Ayurveda

Bhringaraj oil or brahmi oil are applied to the scalp regularly to stimulate hair growth. The Ayurvedic herbs ashwagandha and amla are also reported to stimulate hair growth.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, hair loss and premature greying is linked to kidney deficiency syndrome. Other symptoms of kidney deficiency are weakness and fatigue and low back weakness. Kidney energy is believed to naturally decline with age, but people with early or accelerated hair loss may have particularly weak kidney energy. Kidney tonics or acupuncture is usually recommended.

Prevention

Some forms of hair loss can be prevented by minimizing stress, eating a healthy diet and using sensible hairdressing techniques, and, if possible, switching to medications that do not cause hair loss. Hair loss from fungal infections can be prevented by keeping hair clean and by never sharing hats, combs or brushes with other people. Hair loss from hereditary-pattern baldness can sometimes be prevented by medication.

* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.

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