Want to beat the jet lag?
Author: Maharishi Ayurveda Date Posted:24 July 2017
Recently a mother, son and daughter experienced five days of disturbed sleep after a long flight home from London. Waking each night at 2-2.30am is not much fun, especially when school starts again.
The symptoms they were experiencing of dry, itchy skin, feeling fatigued and spaced out indicated Vata dosha had become imbalanced. In addition sensitive eyes and waking early in the morning indicated Pitta dosha had in turn become imbalanced.
Traveling by air for a number of hours disturbs Vata dosha in us all and those who have a predominance of Vata in their body type of nature can feel these symptoms more strongly. This is because Vata dosha is made of space and air with qualities of movement, dry, light , subtle, penetrating and changeable. These qualities naturally increase when one is taken into the air, moved at high speed while enclosed in a dry air-conditioned space. Vata’s desire for stability is challenged as the lofty experience increases a need for grounding.
Preparation for Flying
Be sure to get a minimum two nights in a row of quality sleep - asleep by 10pm - prior to your day of travel. Apply Vata Massage Oil over the body and leave it on for 20 minutes prior a bath or shower on the day of travel. See also oil massage instructions. Take Stress Relief 2-4 tablets prior bed for 7 days prior travel. Have a warm meal using vata pacifying foods prior travel.
While flying
Drink Vata Tea sipping every 30 minutes or so. Have room temperature or warm water and avoid cold or chilled water.
Take Stress Relief 1 tablet every 4 hours
Eat only when hungry and take 1 Digest Tone prior eating.
Have a small amount of Vata massage oil and gently massage your feet with it when you get on the plane and every 4-6 hours if you have a longer flight. Wear comfortable socks. Relax, meditate and enjoy the journey. Have a comfortable pillow and wear clothing that keeps your head warm. Enjoy the in-flight entertainment!
After flying
As soon as you can, apply Vata massage oil over the whole body and soak in a bath for 15-20 minutes while sipping a Vata Tea. This helps to ground the air and space qualties within you. Be sure to have a warm soup or casserole meal that contains Vata settling food choices as soon as you can. Bring your wake/sleep cycle back into rhythm with your destination local time by going to bed in the evening (or early evening) local time.
Herbals to help
To support sleep take Deep Rest 2 tablets at bedtime along with a cup of Tranquilitea
Go to bed by 10pm or even earlier for the first week or two.
Place some sesame oil over the scalp also for a deeper more restful sleep. If you have a tendency for waking in the night or feeling flushed then Pitta Hair Oil will be best for you. Apply a little at bedtime and make sure your head is not in a draught.
Aid normal digestion + soothe the nervous system
30 minutes prior meals (3 times a day) for 7 days take Stress Relief 1 tablet along with Herbal Digest 2 tablets. After meals (3 times a day) take Worry Free 1 tablet. At bedtime take 1-2 Digest Tone to aid easy and regular elimination.
Be sure to have regular meal times and to favour Vata settling foods until you feel fully grounded once again. If in a warmer climate then favour a combination of Pitta and Vata foods.
Wishing you the bliss of balance…
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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