Ayurvedic Travel Tips

Have you ever wondered why flying in an airplane can cause symptoms such as anxiety, increased thirst, dry skin, diarrhea and/or constipation? Whenever we travel by plane, the fast speed of the airplane combined with the high altitude cause a VATA (air and space) imbalance in our bodies. When our body is out of balance,  physical and psychological symptoms can easily manifest. Click HERE to read more about the qualities of Vata and how it works in our bodies. If we listen to the subtle clues that our body gives us when it cries out for attention, we can often correct the imbalance before symptoms arise.

Here are some simple things you can do to help counter balance the increase in Vata dosha that can occur when traveling.

1. When the beverage cart rolls down the isle, skip on the ice cold bubbly soda and opt for hot water or tea instead. This will help to open up your channels and also improve your digestion.

2. Instead of eating dry and crunchy Vata increasing foods such as crackers or pretzels, bring your own snacks. I recently travelled to New York  and brought a hard boiled egg and some organic vegetables cooked in ghee and spices for a mid flight snack. It was delicious and very grounding! 

3. Bring some raisins with you in case you do get constipated on your trip. You can soak 15 raisins in a cup of warm water for 10 minutes and eat them before going to bed to help ensure a bowel movement in the morning.

4. Some people get anxious before traveling and this can cause excessive movement in the bowels. If you have diarrhea, you can bring some dry ginger powder with you and take a quarter of a teaspoon at night with warm water before bed and in the morning. This will simultaneously balance Vata and stop the diarrhea. 

5. Bring layers and keep that little fan off! Help to bring Vata down by dressing appropriately and keeping your body at a comfortable warm temperature.

6. Get plenty of rest before and after you travel. When we don't have a proper grounding nights sleep, this can cause our Vata to increase even more. 

7. Sit in the isle seat! During long flights it is good to get up and stretch every once in a while. When we sit in one place for too long, our muscles get stiff and sore which can further aggravate Vata. 

Thanks so much for  reading! If you enjoyed this post please "like it" on Facebook and or share it with your friends. I write these posts because I have benefitted so much from the teachings I have received, and have a deep desire to share them with the world, and you can help me do this by sharing within your community. 

Best of wishes to you, and safe travels! :)

---