FEAR OF FLYING AND NIGHT TIME SUFFOCATION WITH ANXIETY IS OFTEN RELATED TO VATA AND PRANA IMBALANCE IN AYURVEDA WHICH AFFECTS NERVOUS SYSTEM CALMNESS AND SLEEP
ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA HALF TEASPOON TWICE DAILY AFTER FOOD WITH WARM MILK OR WARM WATER HELPS CALM NERVES REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE SLEEP
BRAHMI VATI ONE TABLET TWICE DAILY AFTER FOOD WITH WARM WATER SUPPORTS MENTAL CLARITY REDUCES INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS AND ANXIETY
JATAMANSI CHURNA HALF TEASPOON AT NIGHT WITH WARM MILK PROMOTES DEEP SLEEP AND REDUCES NIGHT TIME ANXIETY
SITZ OR FOOT BATH IN WARM WATER WITH FEW DROPS OF LAVENDER OR CALMING HERBS BEFORE SLEEP HELPS RELAX NERVES AND REDUCE SUFFOCATION SENSATION
DAILY HABITS TO SUPPORT ANXIETY REDUCTION DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES OR PRANAYAMA LIKE ANULOM VILOM 5-10 MINUTES DAILY AVOID CAFFEINE AND HEAVY MEALS BEFORE SLEEP MAINTAIN REGULAR SLEEP ROUTINE SLEEP BEFORE 11 PM MEDITATION OR GUIDED RELAXATION BEFORE FLIGHT
PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING CARRY WARM HERBAL TEA LIKE GINGER OR LEMON BALM LISTEN TO CALMING MUSIC OR GUIDED MEDITATION KEEP YOUR BODY WARM AND COMFORTABLE
CONSISTENT USE OF HERBS DAILY ROUTINE AND BREATHING TECHNIQUES CAN HELP YOU FLY SAFELY AND REDUCE FEAR SUFFOCATION AND NIGHT TIME ANXIETY
What you experienced during the long flight is a fear based breath disturbance that usually starts after one strong episode and then keeps repeating through memory and anticipation Your description shows anxiety linked breathing fear rather than a physical lung or heart problem and the fact that you are able to calm yourself by slow breathing is a very positive sign
In Ayurveda such fear comes when the nervous system becomes sensitive and over alert due to travel stress sleep disturbance long sitting and unfamiliar surroundings The body remembers the first episode and recreates the same sensation during night time when the mind is quiet
This condition is manageable and can safely travel back to Mumbai with proper preparation
Start the following medicines at least three weeks before travel and continue during the journey
Ashwagandha capsule five hundred mg one capsule after breakfast and one after dinner with warm milk
Brahmi capsule after dinner with milk
Jatamansi tablet or capsule two hundred fifty mg one at night after dinner
Saraswatarishta fifteen ml with equal water after dinner
On the day of travel take one Ashwagandha capsule and one Brahmi capsule after breakfast During flight sip warm water frequently Avoid coffee cold drinks and very cold air exposure
Before sleep apply a few drops of warm sesame oil to the soles of feet and scalp
Inhale for four counts exhale for six counts for ten minutes morning and night
This fear is not dangerous and it does not mean you will suffocate Your body has already shown it can recover on its own With this support your confidence will return and the journey back will be safe and peaceful
HELLO,
You are experiencing fear of flying, along with night- Time panic, suffocation feeling, and disturbed sleep. This usually happens when the mind suddenly becomes alert with fear, even though there is no real danger
FROM AN AYURVEDIC VIEW This condition is mainly due to Vata dosha imbalance, especially -Prana vata- controls breathing, mind, fear, nervous ssytem -Udana vata- controls chest, emotions, upward movement
WHEN VATA BECOMES AGGRAVATED -thoughts become excessive and uncontrollable -fear arises without reason -sleep becomes light or broken -sudden feeling of suffocation, palpitations restlessness occur
This is not a heart or lung disease, but a functional mind-body imbalance. That is why medical tests are usually normal, yet smptoms feel very real and frightening
TREATMENT GOALS -calm the mind and nervous system -balance vata dosha -improve sleep quality -remove fear response from subconscious mind -prevent panic during flight -restore confidence and sense of safety
INTERNAL MEDICAITONS
1) BRAHMI VATI= 1 tab twice daily after meals for 6 weeks -strengthens brain and nerves, reduces fear anxiety racing thoughts, improves mental stability
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp with warm milk at night for 8 weeks =natural anti anxiety and adaptogen, reduces stress hormones, improves sleep and confidence
3) JATAMANSI CAPSULES= 1 cap with warm water at bedtime for 6 weeks =excellent for night Panic, fear dreams, calms palpitations and suffocation feeling, acts deeply on subconscious fear
4) SARASWATARISHTA= 15ml with equal water after dinner for 2 months =classical medicine for anxiety and insomnia, nourishes mind and improves sleep cycle
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= BRAHMI TAILA -Area= head, neck, soles of feet -Time= at night before sleep 10-15 min =directly pacifies vata, reduces fear, restlessness, promotes deep sleep
2) FOOT MASSAGE -apply warm oil to soles daily at night -very effective for anxiety and insomnia
PRANAYAM -Anulom Vilom=10 rounds -Chandra bhedana= 5 min =especially helpful during panic or fear
YOGA -Shavasana -Balasana -Paschimottanasana
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -Sleep by 10-10:30 pm AVOID= coffee, tea, energy drinks, late nights, exces mobil use befor esleep -maintain fixed daily routine -keep light dim at night -avoid sleeping immediately after heat thinking or phone use
DIET -warm, freshly cooked food -rice, wheat, moong dal -ghee, milk warm -vegetable soups, khichdi
AVOID -cold food and drinks -dry,packaged , junk food -fasting or skipping meals
HOME REMEDIES -warm milk + 1 tsp ghee at bedtime -NUTMEG= a pinch with milk at night 2-3 times/week -chew fennel or clove during anxiety or flight -apply ghee in nostrils= 2 drops each in nostril in morning
DURING FLIGHT- PRACTICAL AYURVEDIC SUPPORT -avoid caffeine before travel -carry clove/fennel -practice slow breathing -keep mind occupied with calming music or mantra -Remember= this fear will pass, it it temporary
This condition is completely manageable and reversible It is not dangerous, not a sign of weakness, and not permanent
With proper Ayurvedic treatment and lifestyle correction -fear reduces significantly in 1-2 weeks -sleep improves -confidence returns -travel become comfortable again
Ayurveda treats the root cause, not just symptom You can travel safely and peacefully back to India
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Start with Manasmitra vatikam 1-0-1 after food with water Brahmi vati 1-0-1 after food with water Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with warm milk. Do Nasya with Brahmi grith 2 drops in both nostril once daily Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins twice daily Learn Rajyoga meditation and practice, will help overcome fear. Anxiety .
Hello
This condition can be understood as Vata-Pitta aggravation with Manovaha srotas involvement, leading to Chinta (anxiety), Bhaya (fear), Nidranasha (sleep disturbance) and panic-like symptoms.
🌿 Ayurvedic Treatment Plan
Internal Medicines
✔ Saraswatarishta – 20 ml twice daily after meals → Calms the mind, improves mental strength, reduces fear & anxiety
✔ Ashwagandha churna – 3 g twice daily with warm milk or water → Reduces stress, stabilizes nervous system, improves confidence
✔ Brahmi Vati – 1 tablet twice daily after meals → Enhances mental calmness, reduces overthinking
✔ Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) – 500 mg at night after dinner → Induces sound sleep, reduces panic & nighttime suffocation feeling
External Therapy
✔ Abhyanga (oil massage) Massage head, neck, chest, soles & spine with • Warm sesame oil or • Ashwagandha oil → Daily in the evening or before sleep (15–20 minutes)
🧘 Yoga, Pranayama & Meditation
Pranayama (Daily – 15–20 min)
✔ Anulom Vilom – 10 rounds ✔ Bhramari – 5–7 rounds (very effective for fear & panic) ✔ Deep abdominal breathing – 5 minutes
⚠ Avoid fast or forceful pranayama (like Kapalbhati) at night
Yoga Asanas
✔ Shavasana ✔ Balasana ✔ Viparita Karani (legs up the wall – 5 min) ✔ Sukhasana with breath awareness
Meditation
✔ 10–15 minutes guided meditation or mantra chanting (Om, Gayatri mantra, or calming music) ✔ Visualize a safe and smooth flight journey daily
🍲 Dietary Guidelines
Recommended
✔ Warm, freshly cooked food ✔ Milk with a pinch of nutmeg at night ✔ Ghee, almonds (2 soaked), dates ✔ Herbal teas – Brahmi, chamomile
Avoid
❌ Coffee, tea, alcohol ❌ Late-night heavy meals ❌ Cold, dry, packaged food ❌ Excess screen time before bed
🌙 Lifestyle Advice
✔ Fixed sleep-wake routine ✔ Avoid overthinking about flight at night ✔ Read calming literature before sleep ✔ Gentle evening walk ✔ No mobile/laptop 1 hour before bed
✈️ Before Flight (Mental Preparation)
✔ Practice pranayama daily till travel ✔ Carry calming music / guided meditation ✔ Avoid caffeine before flight ✔ Sit comfortably, focus on breathing, not thoughts
🌸 Expected Benefits
• Reduced fear & panic • Sound sleep without suffocation • Improved confidence during flight • Calm and stable mind
Thanks
Hello I can imagine how scary that must’ve felt—being up in the air, suddenly struggling to breathe, panicking, and then just lying awake at night replaying it all in your head.
It’s rough. But let me reassure you: what you went through points to anxiety or a panic episode, not some hidden physical problem. You’re not alone; lots of people actually face something like this on long flights for the first time.
Here’s the good news: you can totally handle this. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be fine flying back to Mumbai.
YOUR CONCERN
- Long-haul flight (9.5 hours) from India to Netherlands - Around 6 hours in, you suddenly felt like you couldn’t breathe—panic kicked in for about half an hour - Since then, the fear keeps coming back - Waking up anxious at night, can’t sleep well - No other physical symptoms - Return flight’s on 12.02.26 - You’ve tried deep breathing, which helps a little
WHY THIS HAPPENS (AYURVEDA + MODERN MEDICINE)
Ayurveda sees this as: - Vata getting out of balance (especially Prana Vata) - Stress and being in a new place - Disturbed Manovaha Srotas - Something like Chittodvega, Bhaya, or Udavarta
From a modern angle, it’s a panic attack or flight anxiety. Triggers?
- Sitting for hours - Changes in cabin pressure - Exhaustion - Feeling “trapped” in the air
Important: Oxygen levels on planes are safe. You feel like you can’t breathe, but your body’s getting all the oxygen it needs.
MOST IMPORTANT THING
Panic makes you feel like you’re suffocating, but you’re not. Your body is actually fine.
This is NOT: - A heart problem - A lung disease - Dangerous or life-threatening
You can travel safely—you just need a plan.
AYURVEDIC SUPPORT (SAFE & EFFECTIVE)
1. Brahmi Vati (plain): 1 tablet twice daily after food. Calms the mind, eases fear, helps sleep. 2. Ashwagandha Churna or Capsule: ½ tsp powder or 1 capsule at bedtime with warm milk. Reduces anxiety, steadies the nerves. 3. Jatamansi Churna or Capsule (really important): 250 mg at bedtime. Great for panic, fear, and night-time waking.
Stick with these at least until you’re back home.
BEFORE & DURING THE FLIGHT: WHAT TO DO
Before boarding: - Skip coffee, tea, and alcohol - Eat something light - Take 1 Brahmi Vati
During the flight:
- If fear hits, sit upright - Put one hand on your chest, the other on your belly - Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 2, breathe out for 6 - Tell yourself: “This is anxiety. I am safe.” - Get up and walk every hour or two - Sip warm water
Try not to:
- Overthink things - Keep checking the oxygen mask - Google symptoms mid-flight
AT NIGHT:
- Drink warm milk before bed - No phone after 9 pm - Soft lighting, gentle music or a mantra - Jatamansi + Ashwagandha really help
WHERE TO GET AYURVEDIC MEDICINES IN THE NETHERLANDS:
- Indian grocery or Ayurvedic shops in big cities - Online Indian Ayurveda sites that deliver internationally - Local Indian community groups - Look for brands like Baidyanath, Himalaya, Dabur, Arya Vaidya Sala
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR (JUST IN CASE):
- Chest pain - Fainting - Ongoing breathlessness, even at rest
Otherwise, what you’re dealing with is anxiety—not something dangerous.
WHEN WILL YOU START TO FEEL BETTER?
- Sleep: 7–10 days - Fear: 2–3 weeks - Confidence flying: gets better as you prepare
You’re not weak. You’re not sick. You’re not unsafe to travel. Your mind just had a panic response, and now it needs some kindness and steadying. With these steps, you’ll be able to fly home calmly and safely.
Take care, Dr Snehal Vidhate
Thanks a lot really good suggestion Mat you sucessful in your career and reach to great heights
Thank you I m glad i could help you 😊
Do follow small small steps before and during flights
Anxiety and other disorders related to the mind can only be treated when you make up ur mind to get rid of them.
❌ Try and avoid the trigger factors as much possible. Anxiety is a state of mind which you can surely control by altering your thoughts…
Just note the patterns n timings of the feeling and make yourself busy in that time… If you have nothing to do at that time simple do some physical activity or go for a walk or if it is possible for you concentrate on your breath.
🧘♀️ Anulomvilom and Bhramari Pranayam will help. But you have to do it early in the morning only.
❌ Donot get yourself into any addictions.
❌ Donot drink tea or coffee or aerated drinks.
❌ Reduce screen time… No screen in darkness and 1 hour before you sleep. Consume audio form of data rather than visuals before you sleep. Filter the content of data you consume…
✔️ Drink a glass of buffalo milk daily before you sleep; it will help you get a sound sleep.
✔️ 100 steps after both meals are must.
✔️ Eat only home cooked food… Avoid outside food, packed and processed food.
✔️ Prefer natural liquids like fruit juice, coconut water, lemon juice, kokum sharbat over packed ones.
💊 Medication: 💊
Panchendriya Vardhan Tailam 2 drops in each nostril early in the morning empty stomach.
Cap. Memorin(S.G.Phytopharma) 2 caps twice a day before food.
Syp. Prasham 4 tsp at bed time with lukewarm water. Tab. Manasmitra Vatak 2 tabs at bed time
✈️ Safety for Your Upcoming Flight
- Medical check-up before travel: Since you had breathing difficulty once, it’s wise to consult a physician in the Netherlands before your return flight, just to rule out lung or heart issues.
During flight: - Stay hydrated (warm water, herbal teas). - Avoid heavy meals before boarding. - Practice slow breathing (inhale 4 counts, exhale 6 counts). - Keep a small calming aid (like lavender oil or tulsi tea bag) with you.
- Mental preparation: Remind yourself that the episode passed safely last time, and you now have tools to manage it.
Rx 1.Manasmithra vatkam 1 tab twice daily with warm milk after meals 2.Brahmi vati 1 tab at bedtime with water 3.Ashwagandha capsules 1 cap twice daily with warm milk after meals
🍵 Gentle Home Remedies - Warm milk with nutmeg (jaiphal) at bedtime – mild natural sleep aid. - Tulsi tea in the evening – calming, balances Vata. - Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame oil on feet before bed – grounding and reduces nighttime anxiety. - Pranayama: Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) for 5–10 minutes before sleep.
Warm Regards DR. ANJALI SEHRAWAT
Your symptoms are signs of Vata Dosha aggravation. 1. Immediate Night Solution (For Sleep & Suffocation) Foot Massage: Every night before bed, massage the soles of your feet with Warm Ghee or Sesame Oil for 5 minutes.
Nutmeg (Jaiphal) Milk - Add a tiny pinch of grated Nutmeg (Muskaatnoot) to a cup of warm milk and drink it before sleep.
2. Start taking Ashwagandha capsules (available at health stores in Amsterdam) twice daily starting today.
Marma Therapy (Emergency Button): Point: Talahridaya. When you feel fear rising, press the exact center of your palm with your thumb. Hold for 1 minute while breathing deeply.
3. The In-Flight Protocol (Mumbai Return) Nasya (Nasal Lubrication): Before boarding and every 3 hours on the plane, apply a little Ghee or Butter inside both nostrils with your little finger. Chew Cardamom: Keep a few pods in your pocket and chew one slowly if you feel uneasy.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
