Health issues to consider during the holidays

PRIYA DHINGRA suggests tips and remedies for a safe and relaxing getaway

At this time of year many of you are preparing for that long awaited holiday overseas…. It could be an exciting trip to a new place that we have planned out carefully and eagerly anticipated. A long deserved holiday finally giving us a chance to unwind and relax, perhaps experience a new place and culture… For most readers who have migrated to Australia it could well be a longed for reunion after many months or years with dearly loved family and friends; A safe, familiar, home environment that we have yearned for and missed.

Most of us have a wonderful time once we get there but many can also relate to the little niggling issues that can accompany the trip. There are many issues that you may deal with as you plan a break.

Here are the things I come across frequently as a health practitioner.

Fear of flying

A surprising number of people dislike planes/ flying. It can be due to feeling claustrophobic on a plane, that is a dislike/ fear of enclosed places. This can vary from a mild anxiety reaction to panic attack of feeling terrified.

Sometimes there is a known experience that has triggered the fear, but more often it is for no reason at all. Mild cases can be helped a great deal using rescue remedy or emergency essence. These are Bach flower and Australian Bushflower remedies and are very helpful. I have prescribed these to countless people for a number of reasons. In more severe cases a specifically chosen Homeopathic remedy or Australian Bushflower combination is the best to deal with the fear and underlying causes that may be contributing.

Travel Sickness

There are many effective Homeopathic remedies available to combat travel sickness, so don’t suffer. They are ideal for children, who may not be able to use allopathic travel sickness medicine. Talk with your Homeopath who will provide you with an appropriate remedy.

Jet lag

To help you get trough jet lag Australian Bushflower remedies offer a combination that helps to deal with hydration, to negate affects of electromagnetic radiation experienced in a plane - at a height of 39,000 ft the radiation level is estimated to be 64 times that at sea level. These also help to adjust to change in time zones. As one who makes regular trips to London, I - and many clients - have tried using these. Most would not travel without them now as they are remarkably effective in adjusting to the new time zone. That is invaluable as you can quickly get on with enjoying your holiday.

As they are made from Australian Bushflowers essences, there is no risk of side effects and they are completely safe.

Stomach upsets

Travelling to new soils also means different gut bacteria to deal with, thanks to uncertain food preparation hygiene. Whilst on holiday most of us eat a larger quantity of food, and that too richer foods. It is a good idea to carry remedies to deal with those stomach upsets such as Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea, Diarrhea, vomiting.

Homeopathic remedies can be used as a preventative if you know are prone to a delicate stomach or are feeling unsure of the venue you ate at.

there could be grief and/or sadness to deal with. For others, the anxiety and stress could relate to family relationships, in-laws or friends and seeing those people can bring up buried emotions, as unresolved, sadness, anger and bitterness. Everyone has their own issues to dealwith but help is available using Homeopathy and flower remedies to help you ride the wave more smoothly. As a result, in this preparation time, sleep can be affected and tempers can fly, leaving us feeling anxious or stressed out. There are absolutely fabulous and effective Homeopathic/flower remedies available to help you if it is all too much. If you have been visiting family/ friends, leaving can be very emotional, even traumatic. It may involve ill health of a relative, uncertainty of when the next meeting time may be and many other personal issues.

Anxiety, stress

These are probably the biggest ones to deal with. The anxiety can be just related to getting ready in time and remembering all those things to pack and making sure all is ok to leave safely. Despite our planning and organisational skills, things do not always go according to plan. There can be unexpected events and organisational issues (remember we are human after all), in the lead up to departure time.

For some it is the first time they are visiting after losing a relative or friend so s the Australian summer rolls around, it is important to take care of our skin. The face is the part of the body that is the most exposed to the elements at any given time and it needs some TLC to keep the skin firm and supple and in good condition.

It is not uncommon to feel very lonely and isolated when you return home. You may even find yourself questioning your life. It can be easy to ‘crash’ at these times. Please don’t sink … GET HELP.

The great thing is that help is at hand for all these types of issues using Homeopathic and Australian Bushflower remedies which are free from side effects, don’t make you feel groggy and are completely safe.

NOTE: (Australian Bushflower remedies are similar to Homeopathic ones.)

Choose a Homeopath who is approved by the Australian Register of Homeopaths (AROH), to get a rebate from your private health fund.

A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, such as steam, exfoliation and extraction. While stereotyped as a woman’s domain, more and more men are finding the benefits of facials in maintaining a fresh face which begets a healthy mind and body.

Facials can be a delicious pampering session at salons involving creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massages. But clear, healthy, lustrous skin requires a few minutes of care everyday. A skincare routine should ideally start in the pre-teen years and be followed regularly for the best results. Also, a healthy balanced diet and an efficient digest-absorb-assimilate cycle inside your body are crucial for vital, healthy skin.

According to Ayurveda, the first requirement for healing oneself and others is a clear understanding of the three doshas. Inside the body, there are three doshas which govern its chemical and physiological activities. These three doshas are Vata (from ether and air), Pitta (from fire and an aspect of water), and Kapha (from water and earth).

Three simple twice-a-day steps

Ten minutes is all it takes each morning and evening to care for facial skin.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the process of removing surface grime, makeup and impurities; it stimulates your skin and prepares it for nourishment. Cleanse your face and neck each morning and night. Choose a nonsoap cleanser appropriate for your skin type. If you have dry Vata skin (space or air predominant skin), choose a rich, nourishing cleanser that won’t strip the natural oils from the skin, with ingredients like oatmeal, almond meal and cream. If you have sensitive fire predominant skin, choose a gentle herbal cleanser that will purify without irritating the skin.

Sandalwood in fine oatmeal with a little cooling milk and rose water makes a gentle Pitta-pacifying cleanser. For oily earth or water predominant skin, a stimulating product that contains oil-balancing herbs such as lavender, lemon, neem and tulsi helps cleanse and clarify.

Prepare your cleanser if you are starting with a dry mix. Then splash your face with lukewarm water to open the pores. Never use hot water on your skin; it will cause your skin to literally wilt. Using your fingertips or a soft washcloth, gently apply the cleanser to your face and neck in smooth upward strokes. The skin surface should get stimulated without being pulled or stretched. Rinse off with warm water, and finish with a final splash of cool water. If you wear make-up, two cleansings of the face at night may be appropriate to make sure all of it is cleansed off.

Toning

Toning removes any lingering impurities or greasy residue and helps balance the pH of the skin. It closes the pores and stimulates circulation, helping to prepare the skin to absorb nutrition from the moisturiser that follows. Choose a toner appropriate for your skin type, and look for toners without alcohol, colours or artificial fragrance. Rose, sandalwood and cucumber based toners are good choices. If your toner is a spritzer, close your eyes and gently mist on face and neck. Dab any excess gently with a ball of cotton. Alternatively, apply the toner to the face and neck with a ball of cotton, using smooth, gentle upward strokes.

Moisturising