Adjusting to High Altitude &
Suggestions to Prevent Altitude Sickness

When you visit the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico at 7,000 feet above sea level or go skiing or hiking in the Rockies or another high mountain range, you run the risk of experiencing altitude sickness as well as dehydration. As the altitude increases, the barometric pressure decreases. This causes the oxygen pressure to drop as well. This is known as oxygen deprivation. It is not easy to predict who will, or will not, experience symptoms. If you are one of the unlucky ones, it could ruin your entire trip.

Symptoms can include: tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, & trouble sleeping.

We used to live near Santa Fe, New Mexico and people came from all over the world to visit this enchanted place. Groups and individuals came to us specifically for guided hikes to sacred sites, majestic waterfalls, or to visit native pueblos. They also came to experience powerful ceremonies like sweat lodge. The first thing I would ask them when they said they would be visiting from out of town was, "Where do you live?"

If you live at sea level, or any location below 5,000 feet, do not plan any strenuous physical activity like a hike, skiing, or participating in a sweat lodge within the first day or two of your arrival to Santa Fe, NM. Regardless of your level of fitness, you need to give your body time to acclimate. Even world class athletes have altitude adjustment issues and are quickly winded doing anything at the high elevation. Just walking down the street can be exhausting until your body is used to utilizing less oxygen.

Rest and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust the first few days.

There are two products that I recommend to help your body before and after you arrive.

The first is Thrive - a roll-on aromatherapy product enhanced with a flower essence I made from a local native plant called the Prickly Pear Cactus. The Prickly Pear thrives in the high and dry climate of Santa Fe and it can assist you to do the same. You simply shake the bottle and then roll it on to the back of your neck and pulse points like cologne or perfume and it assists your body in acclimating. Thrive also helps when you are under any type of physical or mental stress. It is fabulous after a sweat lodge when your body is in "recovery."

Start using Thrive three to four times a day starting a week or more before your journey and continuing every day at high altitude.

 

Thrive - 1/3 oz. Dancing Dolphin Roll-on. Made with the finest olive, jojoba, and red raspberry seed oils, enhanced with Dancing Dolphin Flower & Gem Essences and the therapeutic quality essential oils of: Cedarwood, Rosemary, Thyme linalol, Spikenard, Turkish Rose and Melissa. $17.95

Visit this link to read more about the Dancing Dolphin Aromatherapy Roll-Ons by Debbie "Takara" Shelor

 

Xooma Xtreme X2O water enhancement for better hydration, helping you alkalinize, and mineralize for optimal health.

The second product is Xooma Xtreme X2O. This water enhancement product helps you to hydrate, mineralize, and become more alkaline. All of those are beneficial all of the time - not just at high altitude. I drink it everyday.

Caution: These suggestions are for travelers visiting moderately high altitude (5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level). They are not intended to handle severe altitude conditions (greater than 10,000 feet above sea level) faced by mountain climbers. Failure to apply the proper precautions at extreme altitude can result in severe conditions and potentially death. Visit this site for more information about extreme high altitude.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We do not diagnose or treat mental, emotional, or physical illness or disease. The information contained herein is for educational and informational purposes only. You are responsible for your own well being. For serious conditions, seek the assistance of a trained health care professional.

 

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