Many people feel dry, anxious, bloated, or constipated when flying – according to Ayurveda, this is due to a temporary Vata imbalance. Air travel involves a lot of movement, dry air, irregular food and sleep – all things that increase Vata.
But with a few simple tricks, you can keep both body and mind calm, supple, and harmonious, even at 10,000 metres.
Drink warm water + Vata-soothing herbs
Fill a flask before your flight and completely avoid cold water and ice. Use herbs like cumin, fennel, tulsi, ginger, lemongrass, liquorice root, cardamom, or ashwagandha. They will keep you warm, supple, and calm from the inside out.
Nasal oil
Drip a few drops of oil into your nostrils before flying. It lubricates the mucous membranes, calms the nervous system, and reduces the risk of both anxiety and constipation. (The oil also affects the large intestine and root chakra according to Ayurveda.)
Full body oil massage before travel
Apply warm sesame oil (or according to your dosha) to your feet, ears and scalp before flying. This will help to ward off Vata effects.
Warm, wholesome & comforting meal
Avoid cold, raw, and processed foods – they increase Vata. Opt for something warm, like stews, and eat before you set off – this gives your stomach and system a gentler start.
Deep breaths & grounding
Before you go on board, take a few minutes and take deep, mindful breaths. Sit down, feel your feet on the ground or floor, and “ground” yourself. This will help calm your nervous system and reduce restlessness.
Shilajit
A classic Rasayana (rejuvenating herb/mineral) that strengthens the nervous system, immune system, and energy. Perfect for avoiding jet lag and the feeling of having “aged ten years” after a long flight.
Triphala
Triphala balances all three doshas and is often used as a mild, non-habit-forming laxative, especially when travelling.
Men:
For some, particularly with strong Vata or a dry system, Triphala can worsen sluggish bowels or gas formation, especially if taken too close to flying, in capsule or powder form, without having being tested beforehand.
Tips:
• Try it out in a calm environment a few days before your trip to see how your body reacts.
Combine with a warm beverage or e.g. sesame oil/ghee if you tend towards dryness or gas.
• Alternative: a teaspoon of sesame oil orally before bedtime, if the bowel needs more oily lubrication.
Essential oils
Bring small bottles and use as needed.
• Lavender – calms and soothes anxiety
• Frankincense – strengthens the immune system and provides inner peace
• Vetiver – supports sleep during flights
Geranium – balances and softens the mind
Gua Sha or Kansa Wand
Feel free to use it at the hotel or while travelling to stimulate the lymph, reduce swelling and activate the body's marma points. It helps the body release stagnation and calm the nervous system.
- Upon returning home: returning routine
When you are free or have come home: eat a warm, nourishing meal (e.g., soup), apply sesame oil to your feet, go for a calm walk, breathe or meditate. Restore your routine and give yourself structure and rest.
In short: stay warm, lubricated, calm and present – that's how you travel in Vata balance.
But with a few simple tricks, you can keep both body and mind calm, supple, and harmonious, even at 10,000 metres.
Drink warm water + Vata-soothing herbs
Fill a flask before your flight and completely avoid cold water and ice. Use herbs like cumin, fennel, tulsi, ginger, lemongrass, liquorice root, cardamom, or ashwagandha. They will keep you warm, supple, and calm from the inside out.
Nasal oil
Drip a few drops of oil into your nostrils before flying. It lubricates the mucous membranes, calms the nervous system, and reduces the risk of both anxiety and constipation. (The oil also affects the large intestine and root chakra according to Ayurveda.)
Full body oil massage before travel
Apply warm sesame oil (or according to your dosha) to your feet, ears and scalp before flying. This will help to ward off Vata effects.
Warm, wholesome & comforting meal
Avoid cold, raw, and processed foods – they increase Vata. Opt for something warm, like stews, and eat before you set off – this gives your stomach and system a gentler start.
Deep breaths & grounding
Before you go on board, take a few minutes and take deep, mindful breaths. Sit down, feel your feet on the ground or floor, and “ground” yourself. This will help calm your nervous system and reduce restlessness.
Shilajit
A classic Rasayana (rejuvenating herb/mineral) that strengthens the nervous system, immune system, and energy. Perfect for avoiding jet lag and the feeling of having “aged ten years” after a long flight.
Triphala
Triphala balances all three doshas and is often used as a mild, non-habit-forming laxative, especially when travelling.
Men:
For some, particularly with strong Vata or a dry system, Triphala can worsen sluggish bowels or gas formation, especially if taken too close to flying, in capsule or powder form, without having being tested beforehand.
Tips:
• Try it out in a calm environment a few days before your trip to see how your body reacts.
Combine with a warm beverage or e.g. sesame oil/ghee if you tend towards dryness or gas.
• Alternative: a teaspoon of sesame oil orally before bedtime, if the bowel needs more oily lubrication.
Essential oils
Bring small bottles and use as needed.
• Lavender – calms and soothes anxiety
• Frankincense – strengthens the immune system and provides inner peace
• Vetiver – supports sleep during flights
Geranium – balances and softens the mind
Gua Sha or Kansa Wand
Feel free to use it at the hotel or while travelling to stimulate the lymph, reduce swelling and activate the body's marma points. It helps the body release stagnation and calm the nervous system.
- Upon returning home: returning routine
When you are free or have come home: eat a warm, nourishing meal (e.g., soup), apply sesame oil to your feet, go for a calm walk, breathe or meditate. Restore your routine and give yourself structure and rest.
In short: stay warm, lubricated, calm and present – that's how you travel in Vata balance.
