Well-Being for Frequent Travellers

Air travel disrupts our daily routine and subjects our bodies and minds to high speed. As exciting as it is to travel, the process can have a negative effect on our well-being. Have you experienced jet lag, dehydration or spaciness/dizziness from frequent or long-distance travel?

According to the principles of Ayurveda, air travel deranges vata dosha. Vata governs all movement in the body and when vata is functioning properly there is flexibility, creativity and flow. When vata dosha is out of balance there may be insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, constipation, dehydration and spaciness.


Jet lag occurs typically when crossing two time zones, especially when heading east. Symptoms are those of out-of-balance vata dosha and include interrupted or disturbed sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. 

During shirodhara, several things are at work to help the body and mind re-establish a proper wake-sleep cycle. First, the oil used is specifically formulated for the shirodhara process. Banyan Botanicals organic shirodhara oil contains five Ayurvedic herbs (ashwagandha, shatavari, bhringaraj, skullcap and brahmi) in a base of sesame and sunflower oils. As it flows over the forehead, it penetrates the nerves on the forehead and the scalp. The oil is deeply nourishing to the nervous system and the herbs support a rested and balanced mind.

The temperature of the oil is controlled during shirodhara. It is warmed throughout the process and this has a soothing effect on the mind. As the oil falls onto the forehead, the gentle pressure on the nerves interrupts impulse conduction allowing the mind to rest. The oil also coats the scalp reducing vata spaciness and pitta tension. Clarity and renewal result.

Oftentimes, clients fall asleep during shirodhara especially if there is some sleep deprivation or fatigue. The overall effect is one of a deep relaxation. Some may continue to sleep after the treatment. Continuing to rest for the remainder of the day is actually recommended. Others may experience a renewal of energy after shirodhara as if reserves of energy have opened up.