Hirsutism is the growth of excessive body hair in places it is usually absent, or very fine, in women. It can be seen in areas typical to male hair growth such as facial hair on the chin and upper lip, or body hair on the chest and back. The hairs tend to be dark and coarse.

Hirsutism develops as a result of a hormonal imbalance when a women has high levels of male sex hormones. The most common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Certain medications and genetic factors can also be a cause.

Nirgundi, also known as Chinese chastetree, is used for its balancing effect on PCOS, the prime cause of hirsutism. Ashoka is one of Ayurveda's top uterine tonics and supports healthy function of the ovarian and endometrial tissues. It also helps clear congestion in the reproductive tissues, and toxic accumulation (ama).

Disclaimer: 'Hirsutism' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.

DIET REMEDIES FOR 'HIRSUTISM'

AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTS

Symptoms Tell A Story

The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.

V = VATA, P = PITTA, K = KAPHA

BIOCHARACTERISTIC	FOODS TO AVOID	DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
HEAVY ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY	AVOID HEAVY FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE HIRSUTISM	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Heavy' guna.

To learn more about the symbols above, click on them.

SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE CAUSES

ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 4

If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development.

Biocharacteristics of the 1,304 People Reporting Hirsutism

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE BODY?

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.

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