Got the Holiday Travel Blues? Ayurveda to the Rescue!

Many of us will be traveling this holiday–by the end of travel, we will likely feel exhausted and out of whack, but then need to jump right into the whirl of holiday festivities.  At some point during or after our visit, we might be bloated, constipated or even sick.

This is because travel specifically disrupts the flow of Vata in our systems.  Vata is responsible for the smooth flow of movement, regulation and elimination.  Travel is especially hard on Vata because it often requires that we sit in one position for a long time, carry heavy suitcases and bags, move quickly and then stop, and stand in long lines—all of which are specific causes for disruption of Vata, especially for its function of eliminating wastes.  Thus, many find their bowel function discombobulated during or after travel.

If we are flying, these causes can be especially pronounced and jetting through the air at high speed is a sure recipe for extreme Vata aggravation.

Then, when we get to our destination we engage in parties and gatherings where it’s easy to overeat and overdo, talk a lot and loudly, and eat a lot of foods that are dry—crackers and chips—and also those that are heavy and rich—desserts, cream sauces, etc.  We stay up late and get up early.  These things aggravate the flow of Vata even more.

So what to do?  Continue reading “Got the Holiday Travel Blues? Ayurveda to the Rescue!”