Common Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss

Naturopathic Medicine

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:12:00 GMT

Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive medical system that combines many of the traditional nature based medical systems of the world. It focuses on the entire human being to identify the source of ailments and then tries to utilize the body’s own ability to heal by focusing on various natural treatments.

Since Naturopathic medicine combines so many different approaches it has several different remedies or hair loss. Some of the easier ones to try include:

Diet: Various fresh raw juices are sometimes given to stimulate hair growth. One combination of juice that is sometimes prescribed includes carrot, beet, spinach, nettle, and alfalfa juices mixed with onion juice.
Herbal rubs: One herbal rub that is sometimes prescribed suggests massaging the scalp nightly with a combination of one part rosemary oil and two parts almond oil.

For information on these and other naturopathic remedies for hair loss contact:

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
601 Valley Street, Ste.105
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 298-0126
FAX: (206) 298-0129
Web: www.naturopathic.org/index.html
email: 74602.3715@compuserve.com

Homeopathy

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:11:00 GMT

Homeopathic medicine is an alternative medical system developed in Germany which is now practiced all over the world. It cures ailments by prescribing dilutions of natural substances which trigger the body’s own natural healing processes. The homeopathic medicines Sepia, Arnica, and Acidum nit are often prescribed to stimulate hair growth. They come in liquid form and are generally consumed with water. For information about homeopathic medicine and for referrals to professionals in your area contact:

National Center for Homeopathy
801 North Fairfax, Suite 306
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: (703) 548-7790
FAX: (703) 548-7792
Web: www.healthy.net
email: nchinfo@igc.apc.org

Ayurvedic Medicine

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:10:00 GMT

Ayurvedic medicine is the ancient herbal medicine of India which has been around for almost five thousand years. Two Ayurvedic herbs are generally prescribed to stimulate hair growth — Ashwagandha and Amla. These herbs are generally eaten in the fashion of pills. Two oils are also recommended for rubbing on the scalp regularly, bhringarag oil and brahmi oil.

Information about Ayurvedic medicine and products dealing with hair loss and other health problems can be obtained by contacting:

The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM)
584 Milltown Road Brewster, New York 10509, USA
tel/fax: 914-278-8700.
Web: www.niam.com
email: drgerson@erols.com California College of Ayurveda
135 Argall Way, Suite B, Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-4300
FAX: (530) 265-4003
http://www.ayurveda-college.com
Email: cca@oro.net

Aromatheraphy

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:09:00 GMT

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine which uses essential oils of various plants to create medically beneficial effects on the body. Aromatherapists recommend four essential oils to deal with hair loss: lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage. The rubbing of these essential oils on the balding parts of the head is prescribed as a possible way to fight hair loss.

For more information on aromatherapy and how to find essential oils and an aromatherapist in your area you can contact:

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
P.O. Box 1722
Boulder, Colorado 80308-0622
Phone: (415) 731 - 4634
FAX: (415) 564 - 6799
WEB: www.eskimo.com/~hhnews/naha

Acupuncture

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:08:00 GMT

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of medicine that treats many ailments by attempting to restore the inner imbalances that have caused them. Acupuncture identifies an elaborate system of points on the body called accupoints that relate to inner forces. By manipulating these points on the body with needles and other devices balances are restored and various ailments are cured.

A trained acupuncturist will know which accupoints to manipulate to stimulate hair growth. There have been individuals who have claimed success in growing hair after acupuncture treatment. There are others who have felt that it was no benefit to them and a waste of money. For information about acupuncture and how to find an accredited acupuncturist in your area contact: American Association of Oriental Medicine
433 Front St.
Catasauqua, PA 18032
Phone: (610) 266-1433
Fax: (610) 264-2768
Web: www.aaom.org
Email: AAOM1@aol.com

merican Academy of Medical Acupuncture
5820 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90036
Phone: (213) 937-5514
www.medicalaccupuncture.org

General Alternative Treatments

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:06:00 GMT

Various alternative medicines offer general suggestions to promote hair growth. You can act on many of these by yourself, but it is recommended that they only be tried in consultation with a trained professional. Experience reveals those who have benefited from these suggestions, and others who have not. The ones who have benefited have been people who have a strong belief in alternative medicines, and the ones who did not were generally skeptical. The faith you put into these alternative self-help practices seems to play a large part in their effectiveness. If you are a person who has a strong preference for and trust in alternative medicines then some of these treatments may benefit you. However, this book makes no claim for them other than that they have worked in the personal experience of some people.

This section will briefly review the following alternative treatments and provide you contacts that can give you more information about them:

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
c) ayurvedic medicine
Homeopathy
Naturopathic medicine

Multivamins

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:06:00 GMT

It is argued that everyone should take a multivitamin every day. Regardless of our diets we may become deficient in many things. As noted earlier hair loss can be associated with a generally deficient diet and poor overall nutrition. This is where a multivitamin can be a valuable asset in fighting hair loss.

There are too many multivitamins out there. Which is the right one? Before making your decision it is important to discuss a few things in your life with your medical doctor or dietician. The important points to consider are: (1) your activity level, (2) your stress level, and (3) your medical condition or conditions.

Not every multivitamin is perfect for everyone. You must individualize your multivitamin choice. If you are very active or have a stressful life, you will likely need a higher dose multivitamin. If you are sedentary and very relaxed or you have some contra-indication to high dose multivitamin you should take a lighter one. This can only be discussed with your healthcare and dietary guide. A good example is if you have a history of renal stones. In this case your vitamin C dosage should be lower, and you should have a higher water intake. The general advice is to try a time released multivitamin. This will slowly release the vitamin ingredients over a period of time and the absorption of all the vitamins will be better.

Vitamin C

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 04:02:00 GMT

Vitamin C is also an excellent vitamin for good skin and hair care. Like Vitamin E it is an antioxident and works in a similar fashion to Vitamin E. Although it is not likely to allow for the new growth of lost hair it should help to maintain hair. A dosage of 500 mg to 1000 mg taken orally on a daily basis is ideal to maintain hair. It should be stressed that a good water intake to accompany the intake of vitamin C is necessary to avoid the development of kidney stones.

Sources: Vitamin C can be found in the following foods naturally:

Broccoli
Cantaloupes
Cauliflower
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons
Kale
Mangoes
Peppers including sweet, red, and green
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes

Toxicity: Possible reactions to vitamin C include:

Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Sleep disturbance
Nausea
Vomiting

If any other symptoms or signs are displayed that concern you, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.

Vitamin E

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 03:59:00 GMT

Vitamin E, is an important vitamin that is known for its anti-aging affect. Vitamin helps to preserve youth because it acts as an antioxidant. It prevents oxidation of free radicals in the body and thus protects tissues against oxidation, which is associated with aging. It is generally helpful in the upkeep of skin and hair. To help maintain existing hair it should be consumed daily. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for Vitamin E is 10 milligrams per day for adults. It is often recommended in liberal dosages of 100 milligrams per day. For hair loss 400 to 800 milligrams of Vitamin E per day are ideal. You should consult with your doctor to determine the best amount for you

Sources: Common sources of Vitamin E include:

Wheat germ
Almonds
Hazel nuts
Sunflower seeds
Oils, especially cold—pressed vegetable oils
Safflower oil
Corn oil
Cotton seed oil

Toxicity: Possible reactions to Vitamin E include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Itchiness
Fatigue

If any other symptoms or signs are displayed that concern you, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.

Saw Palmetto

dr_antonio_alvi_armani — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 03:58:00 GMT

Saw Palmetto is a herbal product that is helpful in dealing with hairloss. There is some evidence to show that it does slow hairloss. It is made from an extract of the berries of a palm tree native to the South Atlantic coast. It is also often used to treat an enlarged prostrate. It works in ways similar to Proscar or Propecia by inhibiting the activity of 5 alpha-reductase. This blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone that enlarges the prostrate and also causes genetic hair loss.