E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Shiropichu therapy

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

The efficacy of Shiropichu therapy with coconut oil in treating Alopecia Areata w.s.r. to Indralupta - A Case Study

Bhawade AA1, Mane SS2*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.5.55

1 Anil A Bhawade, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchakarma, DMM Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India.

2* Sunita S Mane, Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Smt Sumitrabai Thakare Ayurveda College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India.

Alopecia areata, characterized by sudden hair loss in localized patches, has profound psychological and social implications. Ayurveda describes a similar condition, Indralupta, which arises due to imbalances in Pitta and Vata doshas, compounded by obstruction of Kapha. This article presents a case study highlighting the use of Shiropichu, an Ayurvedic therapeutic technique involving the topical application of coconut oil pads on the scalp, to manage alopecia areata. Coconut oil, renowned for its nourishing, cooling, and antimicrobial properties, was used for Shiropichu therapy. The case study demonstrates significant improvement in scalp health and hair regrowth, indicating the potential of this therapy as a non-invasive, holistic treatment for alopecia areata.

Keywords: Alopecia areata, Indralupta, Ayurveda, Case Report, Hair regrowth treatment, Scalp nourishment

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sunita S Mane, Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Smt Sumitrabai Thakare Ayurveda College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Bhawade AA, Mane SS, The efficacy of Shiropichu therapy with coconut oil in treating Alopecia Areata w.s.r. to Indralupta - A Case Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(5):348-350.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4389/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-04-14 2025-04-26 2025-05-07 2025-05-17 2025-05-27
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 13.36

© 2025 by Bhawade AA, Mane SS and 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].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(5)348
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Anil AB et al. Shiropichu therapy with coconut oil in treating Alopecia Areata

Introduction

Alopecia areata is a disorder causing localized, non-scarring hair loss. It affects individuals of all ages and genders, often triggering psychological distress due to its unpredictable nature and aesthetic impact. Modern treatments, including corticosteroids and immunotherapy, are often associated with side effects and limited effectiveness in certain cases.

In Ayurveda, Indralupta,[1] a condition resembling alopecia areata, is attributed to aggravated Pitta and Vata Doshas, which weaken the hair follicles, and Kapha obstructing follicular regrowth. This imbalance disrupts the nourishment and growth cycle of hair. Shiropichu,[2] a therapeutic intervention, involves applying oil-soaked cotton or gauze pads to the scalp to nourish hair follicles, pacify Dosha imbalances, and promote regrowth.

Coconut oil, a widely used Ayurvedic remedy, is celebrated for its cooling properties that pacify Pitta, its unctuous nature that nourishes Vata, and its antimicrobial action that addresses infections and inflammation. This article explores a case study of Shiropichu with coconut oil[3] in managing Indralupta.

Case Report

A 29-year-old female patient presented with a history of patchy hair loss on the scalp over four months, accompanied by mild scalp inflammation and dryness. The condition began suddenly and progressively worsened, leaving circular bald spots visible. Ayurvedic assessment revealed dominance of Pitta and Vata Doshas, with Kapha obstruction leading to follicular inactivity.

Diagnosis

Based on clinical observations, history, and Prakriti analysis, the patient was diagnosed with Indralupta (alopecia areata).

Treatment Protocol

The following steps were undertaken for therapeutic intervention:

1. Use of Coconut Oil for Shiropichu

2. Shiropichu Application Procedure

  • A sterile cotton pad was soaked in warm coconut oil.

  • The pad was placed directly on the affected patches and secured using a soft bandage.
  • The oil-soaked pad was left in place for 30 minutes daily to ensure deep penetration into the scalp tissues.

3. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:

  • A Pitta-pacifying diet emphasizing cooling, hydrating foods such as coconut water, cucumber, and leafy greens was prescribed.
  • Stress management techniques, including Pranayama and meditation, were recommended to control Vata

Duration of Treatment: The therapy was conducted daily for 8 weeks, with progress monitored weekly.

Results

By the end of the fourth week, the patient reported reduced scalp inflammation and improved hydration. Visible hair regrowth was observed in the bald patches by the sixth week, with complete restoration in the affected areas by the eighth week.

The patient experienced enhanced scalp health and no adverse effects. Follow-up assessments confirmed sustained improvement over three months post-treatment.

Discussion

The case study highlights the efficacy of Shiropichu with coconut oil in managing Indralupta. Key mechanisms include:

1. Pacification of Pitta and Vata Doshas: Coconut oil’s cooling and nourishing properties balanced the aggravated Doshas, reducing inflammation and supporting follicular health.

2. Stimulation of Hair Follicles: The fatty acids and bioactive compounds in coconut oil rejuvenated hair follicles and encouraged regrowth.

3. Antimicrobial Action: Lauric acid in coconut oil provided protection against microbial infections, ensuring a healthy scalp environment conducive to hair regrowth.

4. Enhanced Absorption: The prolonged contact facilitated by Shiropichu maximized oil penetration, delivering nutrients to deeper tissues.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(5)349
Anil AB et al. Shiropichu therapy with coconut oil in treating Alopecia Areata

This therapy offers a sustainable, natural alternative to conventional treatments for alopecia areata, with the added benefit of addressing underlying Doshic imbalances.

Conclusion

Shiropichu with coconut oil is a promising Ayurvedic approach in managing Indralupta (alopecia areata). This case study demonstrates its efficacy in promoting hair regrowth, reducing inflammation, and restoring scalp health through dosha pacification and follicular nourishment. Given its simplicity, accessibility, and minimal side effects, this therapy has the potential for broader application in dermatology and trichology. Clinical trials and research are recommended to establish its standardization and global acceptance as a holistic treatment for alopecia areata i.e., Indralupta.

References

1. Sudarshan Shastri, Upadhyaya Y. Madhava Nidanam of Madhavakara. Part 2 (Uttarardha). Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2006. Chapter 55, p. 203. Shloka 28–29 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Gupta A. Ashtanga Hrudaya of Vagbhata. Vidyotini Hindi commentary. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashana; 2007. Sutrasthana, Adhyaya 22, p. 134. Shloka 23–25 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. Sharma PV. Dravyaguna Vijnana. Vol. 2. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2006. Adhyaya 2, p. 120 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

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J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(5)350