SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - June 27, 2013) - Cathay Pacific Airways, the home carrier of Hong Kong recognized around the globe for its amenities and service excellence, has teamed with San Francisco-based feng shui consultant, Allison Ayer, to curate tips to help travelers enjoy a restful, harmonious and healthy summer travel season and return home feeling balanced and refreshed. Feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of health and wellbeing, is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses on Yin (earth & water) and Yang (fire), and the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water).
Travelers who share their own personal tips for harmonious travel on social media from now through July 31, 2013 using the hashtag #CXfengshui will be eligible to win one of 10 sets of Shanghai Tang for Cathay Pacific sleep suits. Join a live Twitter chat with Ayer by following #CXfengshui on July 10, 2013 at 12:00pm PDT to discuss her tips and ask questions.
"Although feng shui is widely considered to be the simple 'art of placement,' it is actually much more complex and revolves around the integration of heaven and earth and its effects on humanity," said Ayer. "The movement of chi -- breath of life, energy, spirit -- generated by humans and surrounding objects through space is beneficial. No matter how alluring it is to visit new places, travel can be taxing on the mind and body. These are simple and practical tips that everyone -- from a family traveling for a beach vacation to the executive 'road warrior' -- can implement into their travel routines."
A one-page PDF pocket guide of Ayer's feng shui tips for travel is available for download at http://us.cathaypacific.com/FengShuiTravel:
- Bring a bit of "home" with you to lodge your energy instantly in your new surroundings. Make this bit of home have a protective vibe: find a talisman that feels connected to your personal ancestors and your home. It could be a small animal figurine with which you associate strength, a travel mezuzah, prayer beads, or a token or jewelry created or owned by your grandparents.
- Pack something like a journal, camera or small watercolor kit that will intentionally allow you to utilize your alone time in a way that you wouldn't normally do because of your family or regular responsibilities.
- Open the curtains of your hotel room / beach house etc. when you arrive; if possible, open the windows. Hang up your clothes and iron them when you arrive so they are ready in the morning.
- Between flights, engage in soothing yin yoga and walking. Reapply moisturizer and drink lots of water. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and salty, fried foods as they all dehydrate and exacerbate an overabundance of yang/fire energy.
- Eat small meals, focusing on earth and water element foods and hydrate copiously. Sushi is a great food for this, with its balance of sweet rice (earth), fish and nori (water). Nourish yourself with soothing tubers like sweet potato, fruits, and cucumbers.
- If you don't like the way a hotel room feels or smells when you walk in, turn around and go get a different one. Small scented soy-based tea-lights can add great warmth and "homeyness," as well as clearing the space.
- If there is a crack under the door, stuff a towel in it to block noise and bolster your sense of security and stability of the door. Feng shui likes a solid barrier between you and the outside world, especially when you sleep. Check the locks before you go to sleep. Get a wakeup call and set an alarm so you can sleep, knowing you will wake up when needed. Have your sleep aids next to your bed so they are ready if you need them at night -- earplugs, eye-mask, etc. Keep your room and bathroom neat and tidy.
- Many people like to turn a fan on in the room to create white noise. However, a wind that blows over your body while you're sleeping robs a certain degree of generative chi from you, in the deepest time of intentional physical and energetic repair. If the fan blows directly on you, create a block of pillows or hang a towel over the fan, or simply use an app on your mobile device to create white noise.
- Before you leave home, make sure that your plants are watered, your trash is out, clutter is cleared and bathrooms/bedrooms are clean and fresh, ready to welcome you into a place of rest and rejuvenation. Clear away any tasks from your visual line as you walk in the front door, or on your way to unpacking and getting into bed.
- If you can, have flowers delivered to your home so that when you arrive, the space is redolent with pleasant aromas and revitalized, natural yang energy. Homes that sit dark for a long time will accumulate stale yin energy. Invite a friend to air out the home for you and ask THEM to bring you some flowers! Reciprocate when they are out of town.
Disclaimer : Tips provided by Allison Ayer, CFSC, and should not be interpreted as the views and suggestions of Cathay Pacific Airways. Cathay Pacific encourages passengers to consult with a physician before undertaking any sensory or physical activity.
About Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways flies daily to Hong Kong and beyond, including over 22 destinations in Mainland China, from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York JFK, and San Francisco. More information, including current fares and availability, may be found by visiting the airline's website at cathaypacific.com/us, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cathaypacificus, or Twitter handle @CathayPacificUS.
