Stress Free Holiday Travel

Long delays and canceled flights…traffic jams…inclement weather…crowds…all these factors and more can make traveling during the holiday season a nightmare for many people. Yet, getting together with friends and family is a big part of what makes the season so special.

“It’s possible to travel stress-free,” says ayurvedic expert Rama Kant Mishra. “Once you understand what imbalances are caused by travel, you can take steps to protect yourself and prevent the imbalances from developing.”

Imbalances caused by travel

Vata dosha in general tends to get disturbed during travel. In particular, continuous sitting disturbs Apana Vata, which controls the downward movements of elimination and purification. Traveling in fast-moving vehicles and an unpredictable routine aggravates Prana Vata, which controls mental and emotional balance. Pachaka Pitta, responsible for digestion, can also get disrupted by an irregular schedule of meals and sleep.

Steps to stay balanced

Vaidya Mishra offers these practical suggestions to maintain your physical, mental and emotional equilibrium through travel and hectic times:

Before travel (for at least a week before departure)—

Be meticulous about adhering to a regular routine.

Eat Vata and Pitta pacifying meals. For detailed food guidelines, visit the food section at http://www.mapi.com.

Do a daily self-massage with Herbal Moisturizing Oil or Relaxation Massage Oil.

Take vitality-enhancing rasayanas such as Amrit or Amla-Berry.

Eat cooked prunes and figs at breakfast to ensure regular elimination. Take Herbal Cleanse tablets if you experience constipation.

During travel—

Drink Vata Tea or Worry Tea. Avoid carbonated or ice-cold beverages.

Eat fresh fruit and light, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid “junk” foods.

Listen to soothing music, such as an appropriate Gandharva Veda melody, or meditate.

If you feel nausea, eat some fresh ginger or add some fresh ginger to Vata Tea and sip on it.

After travel—

Drink lots of warm water through the day to replenish moisture levels and assist in cleansing the channels of the body.

Eat light yet nourishing foods such as mung bean soup for a few days to allow your digestion to adjust.

A daily massage will enhance circulation and calm the mind and nervous system.

Continue to drink Vata Tea or Worry Tea, two or three cups a day.

Catch up on rest.

Vasu Nargundkar, http://www.mapi.com (source: naturalhealthweb)

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