Last year on our golf trip, the ladies were whispering about constipation and dragging out the laxatives. While not a subject that most people want to discuss, Constipation while traveling can be uncomfortable.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, and changes in routine.
Changes in diet: Traveling often means eating different foods than you are accustomed to, which can lead to constipation. Eating foods high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, while not getting enough fiber, can slow down digestion. Factor on the likelihood of a few alcoholic drinks by the pool to complicate the mix.
Dehydration: Traveling can cause dehydration due to the dry air in airplanes, hot weather, or not drinking enough water, making elimination more difficult.
Lack of exercise: Sitting for long periods of time during travel can lead to reduced physical activity, and slow down the gut.
Stress also affects digestion and can slow food processing. As the sympathetic nervous system is activated, digestion slows. So, using facial reflexology points to stimulate blood flow to the intestinal tract can be a helpful way to support digestive health on the move.
Reflexing two areas on the face can help with digestion and constipation. This week’s video highlights a point under the nose, where it meets the face (stomach, liver, colon) and the area around the lips (large and small intestine). Apply gentle pressure to each to increase blood flow, stimulate digestion and promote elimination naturally without harsh laxatives.