Here's the scenario. My wife is returning from a two week trip to Greece and I want to help her ease out of jet lag. I thought maybe draw her a bath with some sort of lavendar oils and give her a nice massage. Anyone have some handy tips to help me along? Are certain oils in the bath better than other? Is there a certain way to massage someone that addresses jet lag specifically? Are there any jet lag websites that are good? What do YOU do after travelling in different time zones?

Any input appreciated!

For relaxing:
chamomile
lavender
marjoram
ylang ylang
(all good for insomnia)

For "waking up":
cinnamom
pepper mint
rosemary
sage
thyme
sandal

All from a book I trust.

We use a flower essence remedy called 'jet stream' which you take for a few days before jettig off and every hour you are awake udring the flight. Given that Alicia can't do this a massage certainly sounds lieka good idea, I would suggest in particular, working on her feet (thin reflexology). Keep all the movements very flowing and gentle and use a combination of lavender and rose oil.

One thing we make sure to do whenever we travel somewhere is climatize ourselves to the new timezone as quickly as possible by staying up until our normal bedtime and then going to sleep or staying up until we can't possibly stay up any longer and then getting up at our normal time even if it gives you just a couple hours of sleep the first day.

A nice warm bath, massage, and a little hanky panky never hurt anyone get over some travel soreness either!

Massage and all that is fantastic for jet lag except that I find we fall straight to sleep. I agree with Buckshot, staying up as late as possible, exercising is also a good way to stay awake. Then there is the issue of staying asleep and not waking up at 3am. Some people swear by melatonin which is an herbal supplement. It helps my wife but not me so it is hit or miss. Good luck - she will love the massage regardless!

The general rule is one day of adjustment per time zone. I don't have any great advice beyond that. Wikipedia has a decent article on Jet Lag with some practical tips, including Buck's which I try to do also.

Some of it seems related to cicadian rhythms (good band name), which are tied to light cycles (good exercise equipment name). Some people advocate use of melatonin. Here's a good article on melatonin and jet lag. But maybe a little patience, some excercise (we know what you're thinking there Ian) and allowing her body to experience natural light cycles rather than artifical ones might do just as well.

I find travelling west easier. I can stay up later and get up later. Hopefully Alicia will find that the case too. I'd guess arriving to a peaceful home and loving husband is worth more than all the remedies.

I just transferred through Munich. There's now a secrity screen, then a passport check, then a second security screen for flights into the US (the new liquid restrictions). It takes extra time. If the layover is brief there's a special line on the left for the passport check for sexy returning wives with tight, uh, connections. (That's what the sign said, but maybe my German isn't good.)

As soon as I start the flight I set my watch to the new time zone. When It's time to sleep in my new zone, I go to sleep. It does not matter what the movie on the flight is. If there are troubles getting off to sleep I am not adverse to taking a little OTC help to drift off...or a glass of wine.

Also, avoid cafinated drinks on the flight. Lots of water and juices!

another note on circadian rythms, if you stay up all night, its oft best to just go to bed at your usual time , by suffering through the day. usually after a good nights rest, your internal clock is back and working normally.

i also agree on the water thing. esppecially important for long flights, dehydration can take a huge toll on your energy levels.

best!
Nigel.

I have a lot of experience with this.

#1: Lots of exercise. It is a huge help.

#2: Lots of H2O and NO caffine.

#3: time outdoors in daylight to dusk

#4: Odwalla Superfood and / or Naked Juice Superfood.