As you will already know (especially if you have experienced it), jet lag is the result of travelling across several time zones in a short time period; it disrupts our body’s natural rhythm to leave us feeling fatigued, disoriented, and struggling to adjust into our new schedule.
Among several jet lag treatments available – some little more than modern-day quackery – a novel solution has been quietly gaining attention – and that is the integration of banya into our post-travel recovery routine.
There is a lot of differing advice about the best way to get over jet lag; certainly, jet lag recovery is an important topic for many travellers as it can have a significant impact on our ability to function, whether that is in a business meeting after a long-haul flight or even just the desire to relax and enjoy our holiday upon arrival. Many a holiday has had the first few days ruined by the curse of jet lag; and once we have returned home, the same can leave us feeling that we need another holiday to get over the one we have just taken!
Similarly, most journeys undertaken are round trips and methods for beating jet lag can be just as important when we get back home again.
Understanding the Mechanics of Jet Lag
Jet lag is a common phenomenon experienced by many travellers and is caused by a disruption in the body’s natural circadian rhythm (otherwise known as the internal body clock). This disruption occurs when we cross multiple time zones in a short space of time, and is caused by the misalignment of our internal biological clock and the external time cues of our new destination, such as sunrise, sunset, mealtimes, etc.
The body’s circadian rhythm is regulated by a complex interaction between external environmental factors, primarily the natural light-dark cycle, and internal biological processes. When we take flights too quickly across time zones, the external cues such as daylight exposure and meal times abruptly change, and confuse our body’s internal clock.
As a result, our body then struggles to adapt to the new time setting, leading to a range of symptoms collectively known as jet lag. These symptoms may include some or all of the following: fatigue, insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, gastrointestinal disturbances, and a general feeling of disorientation.
Factors influencing the severity of jet lag include the number of time zones crossed, the direction of travel (eastward or westward), individual differences in adaptability, and the duration of the journey. Understanding these factors can help us to better manage and alleviate the effects of jet lag during and after travel.
The Impact of Jet Lag
Jet lag can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. It disrupts our daily routine and diminishes the quality of life post-travel. The effects of jet lag extend beyond mere tiredness and can manifest in disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.
As a result, this can impede our productivity, affect mood stability, and even disrupt digestion, which leads to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Furthermore, jet lag can prolong the adjustment period to the new time zone, hindering us from fully engaging in our holiday activities (or business) immediately upon arrival. Managing these repercussions effectively is crucial for a swift recovery and an enjoyable travel experience.
The Therapeutic Potential of Banya
Banya can offer a unique yet surprisingly effective remedy in the form of a jet lag recovery massage. To start with, in a banya session, even the initial treatment of heat and steam can play a pivotal role in your jet lag recovery. The heightened temperature induces sweating, facilitating the expulsion of toxins and kick-starting the body’s detoxification process. The comforting warmth and moisture within the banya also help alleviate muscular tension, which many experience after many hours of being cooped up in a cramped airline seat.
Detox may play an important role in helping to reset the internal clock. A thorough detox, plus a decent following sleep, helps you reset in a way similar to “turning a computer off and on again” – which seems to fix most PC issues.
To maximise the detox effects, consider taking a Parenie treatment at the banya as a part of the steam room experience – this thermal spa treatment is the most effective way to drive built-up toxins from the body.
Once your body has been properly relaxed in the heat and steam, a jet lag recovery massage can really get to work on you, as spa and massage is considered by many to be the best way to get over jet lag.
A massage relaxes the muscles thoroughly, letting all physical stresses go and sets you up perfectly for an excellent night’s sleep. For beating jet lag, a solid night’s sleep must be considered as important as anything else that we have suggested here.
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Banya – The Anchor of Jet Lag Recovery
Spa treatment generally can be viewed as a vital element of the best way to get over jet lag. The intense heat in banya stream room stimulates blood circulation, increasing oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues and organs. This enhanced circulation aids you in combatting fatigue and gives you a palpable boost – a revitalised sensation that helps you counteract the weariness induced by your jet lag.
The complementing banya experiences may include specialised jet lag recovery massage, which is meticulously designed to target the fatigue and muscle tightness commonly experienced after extended flights. Tailored massages incorporate techniques that heighten circulation, alleviate muscle soreness, and induce a state of deep relaxation, which all go towards beating jet lag.
Once you have enjoyed your jet lag treatment, head home (or to your hotel) and enjoy a blissful night’s sleep. You may well find yourself falling asleep even during your treatment – this is fine! Many people find spa treatment so relaxing that they doze off during jet lag recovery massage; rather than frown on it, your therapist may even tell you it’s even beneficial. At the very least, it’s a good sign that the spa treatment is working for you and has induced a state of relaxation usually denied by jet lag.
Maximising Banya Visits for Optimal Jet Lag Recovery
To optimise the effect of your banya visits for jet lag recovery, pay particular attention to the following:
Schedule your banya session promptly upon arrival, in order to expedite your adaptation to the new time zone.
Make sure you take on adequate hydration before, during, and after your banya spa treatment, to counter the dehydration that will result from sweating in the steam room.
Combine banya sessions with gentle physical activities or stretching exercises to enhance relaxation and alleviate muscular tension.
Make Banya a part of your Regular Jet Lag Recovery Treatment
While jet lag remains an inevitable aspect of long-haul travel, integrating banya visits into the post-travel regimen (both going and on your return) can substantially hasten your recovery process.
The fusion of sauna heat, steam therapy, and specialised massage offers you a holistic approach to mitigating the debilitating effects of jet lag, enables you to swiftly acclimatise to your new time zone and fully enjoy your travel experiences.
Whether travelling for business or leisure, when you plan your next journey, make sure that you incorporate banyavisits into your itinerary each way to effectively combat jet lag, and ensure a more enjoyable, revitalised, and fulfilling travel experience.
Jet lag treatment does work – and of all the possible therapies, many seasoned travellers will swear that banya is the best way to get over jet lag.
Banya No.1 – Chiswick recommends you to book Essential package for jet lag recovery.
