Travel by Air

Vata people typically experience constipation from disruption of their routines.  External application of*Trifolia with vegetable oil can be great help for all types who experience constipation.  Dry skin is expecially prevalent with exposure to high altitude, pressure changes, wind and sun.  Eating a rich diet, full of foods with high oil content, is helpful, and frequent oiling of the skin will counter this natural tendency toward dry skin and constipation.  The rush and stress of travel naturally creates anxiety for Vata people, which can result ultimately in a spaced-out, disconnected feeling.  Compresses, inhalations, and washing the face with a hot, damp hand towel treated with a few drops of essential oils, can ease the anxiety and provide more centering.

Essential Oils for Balancing Vata

• Angelica – grounding, toning, immunity
• Grapefruit – energizing
• Anise – stomach problems, equilibrium
• Lavender – balancing
• Cypress – grounding
• Rosewood – grounding
• Geranium – balancing
• Sandalwood – grounding
• Ginger – balance
• Vetiver – grounding

Pitta people typically experience irritability and anger.  They take more seriously the last minute rush, have less patience with long lines, customs officials and taxi drivers.  The rising fire of their irritation can make their skin more sensitive and they may experience inflammations, eruptions and a sour body odor that accompanies increased perspiration.  Ultimately, their resistance to wasted time, discourtesy or inefficiency will produce fatigue.  Frequent snacks before, during and after travel can help maintain blood sugar levels and moderate mood swings.  Grounding oils like Yarrow, Geranium, Rose, and Sandalwood can counter the Vata nature of travel, while the calming and cooling oils like Mint, Lavender and Chamomile will keep anger and irritability to a minimum.  A cool damp washcloth imbued with essential oils can be used every few hours to relax the Pitta people.  Luke warm or cool essential oil baths before and after travel are important, as is oiling the skin with coconut oil.  Adding a drop of mint or lavender to a cold cup of water is easy, even at 20,000 feet.

Essential Oils for Balancing Pitta

• Chamomile – anti-inflammatory, calming
• Mint – cooling, reawakening, calming stomach
• Cumin – digestion
• Fennel – digestion, equilibrium
• Rose – balancing, calming
• Geranium – calming, balancing
• Yarrow – anti-inflammatory, balancing, connecting
• Lavender – calming, balancing
• Lime – detoxification

Kapha people most often experience swelling and water retention, and occasionally constipation.  The hustle, bustle and movement is stressful to the Kapha people who prefers to stay at home.  Their resistance to change can make them tired and lethargic.

Warm teas with with a drop of Juniper, Cypress or Orange can keep the digestion moving.  Hot essential oil baths upon arrival complete the balancing act.

Essential oil mixture with Mustard and Canola oils are suitable to apply onto the skin.  Another alternative is an alcohol-based essential oil mixture or essential oil water mixture apply onto the skin since the water will not be absorbed by the skin and will evaporate.  Strips of cloth or even cotton socks can be soaked in these mixtures adn wrapped on the feet periodically for compression and increased fluid movement.  Upward movement massage of the feet helps to move the lymph and blood, and as much walking as possible is beneficial to keep everything fluid.

Essential Oils for Balancing Kapha

• Angelica – immune stimulant
• Grapefruit – stimulant
• Basil – digestive, mental stimulant
• Juniper – fluid retention, stimulant
• Bergamot – refreshing, stimulant
• Orange – fluid retention, stimulant
• Cardamon – digestive, especially in coffee
• Rosemary – fluid retention, decongestant
• Eucalyptus – stimulant, fluid retention, decongestant
• Thyme – digestive, stimulant, immune builder
• Ginger – balance, digestive, stimulant

*Trifolia – (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphasia_trifolia)

Book Ref: Ayurveda and Aromatherapy The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller and Dr. Bryan Miller

 image: aromatherapyessentialoilnews.com