The season has come when we are more mobile, we have a couple of destinations down on the bucket list or even have tickets booked to an exotic destination. Summer is a time for holidays and travel. And with travel, the airy Vata Dosha can get out of balance and cause some havoc on your sweet time away from home. But what are some simple ways to keep the doshas balanced while traveling?

Vata, the elementally elusive dosha according to Ayurveda, can turn even the most tranquil journey into a chaotic expedition. Whether you’re taking a short trip or embarking on a globetrotting adventure, maintaining balance is key to ward off the unwelcome travel ailments that can spoil the wanderlust spirit.

So, before you hop on that plane or embark on a road trip, equip yourself with these Ayurvedic tips to restore balance and embrace the journey at its fullest, without compromising your mental or physical well-being.

Ayurvedic Practices for Travel

In the world of wellness, the ancient practice of Ayurveda has emerged as a beacon of profound wisdom, offering a versatile array of rituals to restore balance and forge a deep connection with the self. From the cacophony of chaotic modern life, Ayurveda seeks to guide us toward balance, gently unraveling the complexities that disrupt our inner harmony.

As travelers, we wander far and wide, traversing the globe in pursuit of adventure, or just some relaxation on a lounge chair with a cooling drink in hand, away from the roar of the city. Either way, a lingering question often arises—how can one maintain their well-being during the actual trip?

That’s where Ayurveda comes in to offer a couple of tips that you can use to ward off any unpleasant Vata imbalances this season. Layered in tradition and guided by an intricate understanding of the human body, Ayurveda makes sure you have various rituals handy that are designed to nourish, heal, and rejuvenate. Consider this your self-care pack to-go, if you will.

Understanding Vata Dosha: Balance and Imbalances Explained

When it comes to travel balance, Ayurveda provides valuable insights. You know by now the impact dosha imbalances can have on your physical and mental well-being. Vata is the key dosha responsible for movement and is, therefore, easily disrupted by travel. The shift of energy and the extra movement that comes along can lead to various imbalances in the body. Understanding Vata is crucial to restoring balance and reducing the effects of jet lag and changing environments.

While it’s true that all doshas can show signs of imbalance, you will most probably recognize the most common symptoms of an aggravated Vata during travel: insomnia, gas, constipation, lower immunity, or dryness. Sounds familiar, right? Who hasn’t experienced, at least once, trouble with elimination during a holiday? Or extra dry skin and eyes? Or indigestion and heartburn (I’m looking at you, Pitta)?

Ayurvedic tips for maintaining Vata balance include sticking to a routine, staying hydrated, practicing grounding exercises, and incorporating nourishing foods into your diet. By following these rituals, you can overcome disruptions and enjoy all the wonderful aspects of a balanced Vata Dosha: inspiration, free motion of creativity, and fresh perspectives.

Hydrate 

Dry brushing 

Whether it’s a part of your daily routine or not, dry brushing is very beneficial also when traveling. It helps move lymph and support the detoxification process, which is a good way to revitalize the body and mind. Furthermore, it supports the flow of prana, leaving you energized and ready for the day. I have tried my fair share of dry brushes and finally, I came across the one from GingerChi, which happens to be the perfect travel companion. It comes with a small pouch and you can easily bring it along in your luggage.

Oils, oils, oils

Be it for self-massage, to clear the mind, or to invigorate the senses, oils are a great help when traveling. I always bring along my Osi Oils Nasal Drops as part of my daily routine as well as to fight flight congestion. What also helps against nasal congestion, especially if you are a Kapha, is putting a couple of drops of eucalyptus or mint on your pulse point. If you are predominantly Pitta, bring along rose oil (or rose water) to cool you down, and for Vata lavender oil to keep you grounded and calm.

Be mindful of your eating

If you’re anything like me, eating habits can easily go right out the window the minute you touch down in another country. I love to experiment and I love to get to know the local culture through food. It’s exhilarating to smell all the new aromas and try all types of flavour and food combinations, but, more often than not, my gut is not pleased with me when that happens.

Therefore, I need to remind myself of a couple of simple rules to avoid an irritable gut, constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.

• Avoid overeating – while very tempting, try to be mindful of when you are feeling full and don’t overeat. Always try to take a short 10-15 min walk after eating to encourage the digestive process
• Eat slowly – don’t rush through your meal, that way you give your gut the time to signal your brain when you have had enough. This way you can avoid overeating and you are actually supporting the digestive process, instead of overcharging it.
• Avoid cold drinks – cold drinks are the digestive fire’s worst enemy. Try to substitute them for room-temperature beverages if possible.
• Be adventurous with food, but don’t overdo it – it’s ok to try new foods or indulge in some you don’t usually eat at home. However, be mindful of the foods that don’t complement your constitution and try not to overindulge in these.

Simple ways to keep the doshas balanced

In closing, let me quickly list a couple of dosha-specific tips to keep an eye out for while vacationing.

Vata, you were the centerpiece of this list, but even so, there’s more attention to be paid to you while traveling. Keep warm, Vata, bring an extra blanket for the cold plane ride, or an extra sweater for a chilly evening. Also, use meditation practices to keep you grounded on your travels, or soothing music to calm those damned nerves.

My fellow Pittas, the sea is calling and the sun is hot, so don’t forget to cool off. Keep a cool mind (meditation is a good way to get you re-centered), and a cool body with lots of cooling foods and rose water/oil. Enjoy the journey, Pitta, and don’t be so hung up on little bumps in the way. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Kapha, my tip for you is to keep it moving. You can easily get too comfortable and miss on all the fun so avoid becoming sluggish by eating in moderation, avoiding heavily digested foods, and staying active. At the same time, make sure you honour your needs, meaning that it’s OK to trade a night out for a night in with a good book if that’s what’s going to recharge you. Remember, it’s your vacation too.

Hit the road

Having said this, you are now well-equipped to hit the road and enjoy your summer. And while traveling can be an exhilarating adventure, it can also be disruptive to our internal balance. That’s why the tips I shared with you are easy to adapt to your holiday schedule and most beneficial to have you creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones (yourself included).

So safe travels, enjoy and share your stories when you’re back.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

pictures: anthony delanoix, mitchell luo