Ayurveda and traveling - 3 ways to balance your Vata Dosha
Travelling is an activity that increases the Vata Dosha. How? Being in the air or on the road for a long time, in a different location or frequently changing locations, other types of food… Can all have quite an impact on you, on physical, mental and emotional level. As well when you go travelling or after you return home. Last month I was in Costa Rica. In the first week I really had to adapt to the climate and time zone. When I got back home in The Netherlands, I had to adapt to the time zone again. Quite exhausting though! It inspired me to think about this in an Ayurvedic way. In this article I will describe a few tips to keep the balance that could be useful before, during and after travelling.
Vata Dosha
Vata is dominated by the elements Space and Air. Activities that are dominated by Space and Air can increase Vata, which can result in an imbalance of Vata Dosha. That can result in physical and mental discomfort like lack of sleep, tiredness, digestive issues, headache and/or stress (because a few days before you’re leaving you find out that you need tot arrange a ton of stuff). So we have to keep that Vata in balance!
Digestive health
Your diet will probably be different that at home, which can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or pain. Keep your digestive system in good condition by adding fibre to your food, like psyllium husk or chia seeds. A teaspoon can already make a difference. If you experience constipation, also add a teaspoon of Ghee to your meals.
Add some oil
Frequent changing between dry airconditioned rooms and the hot and/or huid weather outside can cause congestion, headache or sore throat. Your skin might feel dry or rough. A few drops of sesame oil in the nose and ear cavities will nourish from the inside out and can prevent dryness. It can also help against headache. A regular self massage with sesame oil will make your skin soft and your mind relaxed. 🙂
Warm milk for good sleep
Do you experience jetlag or difficulty sleeping? Cook up cup of fresh organic (dairy or plant based) milk and add a bit of poppy seed, cardamom and/or nutmeg and a heaping spoon of Ghee. Make it a bit sweeter by adding agave syrup or maple syrup. Poppy seeds and nutmeg can make you feel sleepy. Drink about an hour before going to bed.
Safe travels!