The Ultimate Ayurvedic Guide to Blissful Travel

There's no question that holiday travel is one of the greatest highlights of life; memories are made, new experiences and fun are had, and a chance to relax, rejuvenate and restore is given to us - if we do things right!

Harnessing the simple principles and practices of Ayurveda can help us stay in balance during our travel adventures, so that we don't feel like we need a holiday from our holiday once we return home, feeling more exhausted than we did to begin with. Think of these tips as your secret weapon on any trip.

 Travel & Vata Dosha

Travel, be it by plane, car, or any mode of transportation, has the potential to disrupt Vata dosha in the body, according to Ayurveda. Vata, governed by the elements of air and space, is naturally prone to imbalance when exposed to the irregularity and movement inherent in travel. The constant change in environments, time zones, and climates can disturb Vata's inherent qualities, leading to symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and digestive irregularities. The dry, cold, and mobile nature of Vata is exacerbated during travel, often causing dehydration, fatigue, and difficulty in maintaining a regular routine. Ayurvedic practices emphasize the need for Vata-pacifying strategies during travel, such as staying hydrated, maintaining a consistent daily routine, and incorporating grounding practices to counterbalance the disruptive effects of movement and change.

Part 1: Pre-Travel and In-Flight Routine

Altitude Struggles: Navigating the Dry Skies

Aeroplane travel has a sneaky way of sapping vitality, acting like a moisture vacuum on your body. With cabin humidity levels plummeting as low as 1%, these flying vessels turn drier than the Sahara Desert, depleting your body's moisture and accelerating the ageing process. Altitude shock, the rapid ascent in pressurization during flights, adds insult to injury, leaving you dehydrated and dry. Chronic exposure to such conditions can lead to sub-clinical dehydration, affecting your skin and the crucial lymphatic system responsible for toxin drainage and immune function.

Effective Strategies for In-Flight Bliss

• Pre-Hydrate: Two to three days before takeoff, prioritize warm-hot water intake (about 2-3L, depending on body weight). Sip hot water every 10-15 minutes during the flight to enhance hydration and support the lymphatic system.
• Lubricate with Abhyanga: Perform Ayurvedic Self-Abhyanga before and after your journey, or treat yourself to an Abhyanga upon arrival. This not only counters dryness but aids lymph movement and blood circulation. Don't forget to use oil as a moisturizer during the flight.
• Nasya Magic: Embrace Nasya, an Ayurvedic technique involving nasal lubrication, to boost immunity. Sniff drops of Vital Veda/Raju Nasika herbalized oil or Anu Tailia every hour. Apply a couple of drops in your ears to tackle cabin pressure.
• Caffeine and Alcohol Break: Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol during the flight, as they intensify dehydration.
• Sip Hot Water Frequently: Keep a thermos handy for regular hot water refills, contributing to overall hydration.
• Meditate More: Harness the harsh flight environment by meditating to buffer against jet lag, ensuring a more joyful journey. Consider Vedic Meditation for added benefits.
• Bliss Adaptogenic Blend: Elevate your nervous system's resilience with Bliss Original. This immune-boosting, nervous system-supporting Rasayana will keep you calm and enhance your in-flight sleep. Plus, the single serve sachets make travelling with Bliss so convenient.
• Move Regularly: Combat stiffness by walking up and down the aisles or performing simple yoga stretches in designated areas.

Part 2: Jet Lag Resilience

Post-Landing Practices for Ultimate Well-being

Now that you've touched down, it's time to counteract jet lag's impact.

• Daily Ayurvedic Massage: Nourish your nervous system by applying herbalized oil. Self-massage helps pacify sensory neurons in the skin, promoting deep relaxation.
• Sunrise & Sunset Connection: Watch local sunrise and sunset to sync with natural circadian rhythms, regulating hormones like melatonin.
• Ashwagandha Power: Counter stress and jet lag impact with Ashwagandha, a potent adaptogen. Consider therapeutic combinations for maximum benefits and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Support Your Lymph: Prevent swelling by addressing lymph congestion. Dry body brushing and lymphatic massages once landed can work wonders.

By incorporating these Ayurvedic strategies, you can transform your air travel experience into a blissful journey, arriving at your destination refreshed, vibrant, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit. Safe travels!