Homeopathy to Treat Hair Loss

Homeopathy: A Tailor-Made Natural Hair Loss Treatment

Unlike conventional drugs and hair loss treatments and surgeries, homeopathy is not ready-made for everyone; it is custom-made for you.

Traditional hair loss treatments such as medication, surgery or hair replacement systems seem to be the only hair loss solutions that are suitable choices for everybody. But one of the hardest things to understand about homeopathy is that it's never the same remedy for two different people. Dr. Rohit Jain, an online consultant and homeopathic doctor with 11 years of clinical experience treating patients from more than 50 countries worldwide explains, "One remedy may be prescribed for general bodily imbalances, and another remedy may be prescribed simultaneously for specific, acute symptoms like hair falling out. On the subsequent visit the remedies may be changed depending upon the progress of the patient. It's really a designer medicine designed specifically for you and your hair loss."

"The primary goals at the clinic are to identify and treat the underlying root cause of your hair loss," says Toronto naturopath Sushma Shah, N.D. If you are experienced in using homeopathic remedies and especially if you already work with a qualified homeopathic doctor for other health issues or to stay healthy, then approaching a homeopath about your hair loss or thinning may improve your condition.

Is homeopathy as a hair loss treatment for me?

Homeopathy to treat hair loss is a good choice if:

• you want to try non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical, natural remedies
• you believe in the principals of homeopathy already
• you believe in a whole-body approach to health
• you have used homeopathy in the past or are currently using it
• you rely on alternative therapies for your health issues

How does homeopathy as a hair loss treatment work?

Dr. Jain states that homeopathy, a therapeutic system used for more than 200 years, works on the theory that "like cures like." In the late 18th century German scientist Samuel Hahnemann discovered the principle that any substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can actually stimulate healing and cure those who are experiencing similar symptoms. However, homeopathic medicines are given in highly diluted forms and are therefore extremely safe, with no side effects. Homeopathy is a holistic system of healing that aims to treat the whole person, not just the physical symptoms.

According to homeopathy, mind and body are very much linked and physical problems cannot be effectively cured without understanding and then strengthening a person's "constitution." Homeopaths believe that if a person's constitution is strong, he will not succumb to bacteria and viruses or weaknesses. But conventional medicine claims that we get sick because of infections, so its treatments are aimed at killing those bacteria or viruses, without regard to their effect on the body's overall health. In homeopathy, treatment is aimed at raising the overall immunity of the person so that her body can fight for itself. "We have heard reports of constitutional homeopathic treatment being helpful in some cases, especially when hair loss is part of an overall health problem," says Sharon Stevenson, executive director of the National Center for Homeopathy.

What can I expect from homeopathy?

With homeopathy your treatment is decided after a qualified homeopath "takes your case." A consultation with a qualified homeopath will invest a great deal of time and care in asking questions to uncover your constitution. Dr. Jain will ask about not only your hair loss and heredity but also how you are affected by environmental factors such as weather and temperature, the types of foods you like or dislike and your moods and feelings; a thorough medical history will be taken in order to establish a complete picture of you. Your current symptoms are then taken into consideration in order to prescribe the correct remedy at the right strength. Subsequent consultations may take place to follow the progression of symptoms or feelings, and treatments may be adjusted along the way as your condition improves or changes, Dr. Jain explains. "In homeopathy, there are 176 remedies for alopecia or hair loss. The homeopath has to analyze your case systematically to choose the right medicine for you."

How to take homeopathic remedies

According to the classic Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines (2004), authors Stephen Cummings, M.D. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H., one of America's leading advocates for homeopathy and the author of 10 books on homeopathy, list the basics for caring for homeopathic remedies.

• Avoid putting anything in your mouth (including toothpaste) 15-20 minutes before or after taking your remedy, because homeopathic remedies get absorbed through the inner linings of the mouth. You may drink water.
• Avoid strong substances such as coffee and mint while taking homeopathic remedies, because these may antidote the remedy prescribed and counteract its effect.
• Avoid touching remedies, as this may inactivate them. Just tip remedies into the lid and slip them under your tongue until they're dissolved.
• Store remedies away from strong light, strong temperature variations and strong smells.

Complications of homeopathic remedies

There are no complications in taking homeopathic remedies, because they have no chemical or physical effects on the body and are not employed against any particular area or organ of the body. A homeopathic remedy is chosen because it matches the totality of the patient. Side effects, such as tissue destruction, do not occur with homeopathy.

The bottom line on homeopathy and hair loss

This type of treatment works best in those who have the time and patience to follow the practitioner's plan exactly to provide a whole-body approach to their hair loss. Herbal remedies, stress-reduction such as yoga and improving your nutrition also will be suggested parts of treatment for your hair loss.
 
Find a homeopathic practitioner

You can begin your search by asking friends and family or by searching a national database such as www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org. Take your time to interview and consult with several practitioners and ask about their training and education and especially about their beliefs about and treatment experiences with hair loss issues.