The Ayurveda Experience Blog
Have you ever wondered why flying in an airplane can cause symptoms like 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 an imbalance in the air and space elements inside our bodies, known as Vata dosha in Ayurveda.
When our body is out of balance, physical and psychological symptoms can easily manifest. The qualities of Vata dosha include dryness, lightness, coolness, roughness, subtly, and mobility. Vata dosha is a subtle bio-force behind anxiety, dry skin, diarrhea, and constipation. If we listen to the subtle clues that our body gives us when it cries out for attention, we can often correct our imbalances 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 traveled 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. 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 aisle 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.
I have benefited so much from the Ayurveda teachings I have received from Vedika Global, and have a deep desire to share them with the world. Please pass this blog along to others to help me do this.
Best of wishes to you, and safe travels!
About Brittany
Brittany Barrett is a Vedika Global Certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, who cured herself from ulcerative colitis with Ayurveda. In studying at Vedika Global, she experienced firsthand the effectiveness and transformational power of this 5000 year old system of healing and, to her amazement, watched her body heal completely from her so-called incurable disease. Brittany loves peeople, and have a deep desire for them to feel happy, healthy and worthy of love. Using Ayurveda as her guide, she has found she can help people get there. Visit her website, Daily Ayurveda, for more.
Photo: Morguefile.com
