With the Tet holiday approaching, many people plan to return to their hometowns to reunite with their families. However, for some, the journey can be a daunting prospect due to motion sickness. But worry not! With these 13 drug-free tips to combat motion sickness, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels without any discomfort.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when your eyes and inner ear send conflicting signals to your brain. When you’re in a moving vehicle, your eyes perceive stillness while the inner ear, responsible for balance, detects motion. This conflicting information confuses the brain, leading it to believe that your body is under the influence of toxins, triggering nausea and dizziness.
Effective Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness
1 Acupressure and Massage
According to traditional medicine, applying pressure to specific points, such as the inner gate (Neiguan) and joining valley (Hegu) points, can effectively alleviate motion sickness. This method is especially useful when you don’t have access to other remedies during your journey.
Related: Acupressure for Motion Sickness – A Drug-Free Approach for All Ages
2 Take Motion Sickness Medication
A simple way to prepare for your trip is to get motion sickness medication beforehand. These are widely available at pharmacies, so you can easily purchase them before your journey.
3 Fresh Ginger
If you prefer a natural approach, ginger is an excellent option. Simply place a slice of fresh ginger on your navel and secure it with tape during your trip, or suck on a piece of ginger to achieve similar effects.
4 Tangerine Peel
This is a popular remedy among travelers. Just peel a tangerine and hold it close to your nose to mask the smell of oil and grease, effectively reducing nausea.
5 Essential Oils
During your journey, apply essential oils to your temples and Fengchi (Feng Fu) acupoint to prevent motion sickness. Alternatively, you can place two drops of essential oil in your navel and cover it with a bandage.
6 Vinegar
Did you know vinegar can do more than just flavor your food? Drinking a warm cup of water mixed with vinegar before your trip can help prevent motion sickness.
7 Look into the Distance or Wear a Mask
If you don’t have access to remedies like tangerine peel or vinegar, there’s a simple solution: look into the distance or wear a mask during your trip.
Staring into the distance sends a signal to your brain that you are moving, reducing nausea. Wearing a mask blocks out the smell of fuel and creates a more comfortable environment, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.
8 Chew Minty Gum
Chewing on some minty gum can help you relax and feel more comfortable during your journey. Opt for flavors like peppermint, orange, or lemon for the best results.
Chew Minty Gum
9 Smell Bread
It may sound unusual, but smelling bread can make your journey more pleasant. Keep a few pieces of bread handy and take a whiff when needed to reduce motion sickness.
Smell Bread
10 Avoid Traveling on a Full or Empty Stomach
It’s important to avoid traveling on a full or empty stomach if you’re prone to motion sickness. Both extremes can make you feel uncomfortable, exacerbating nausea. Instead, opt for a light snack before your journey.
Avoid Traveling on a Full or Empty Stomach
11 Refrain from Reading
It’s best to avoid reading books, newspapers, or using your phone while traveling. Engaging in these activities can increase your feelings of dizziness. Instead, try to get some rest and take a nap to feel more comfortable.
Refrain from Reading
12 Engage in Conversation
To take your mind off motion sickness, chat with your fellow travelers and share amusing stories. This will help you forget about any discomfort and make your journey more enjoyable.
Give this simple trick a try and notice the difference it makes!
Engage in Conversation
13 Take a Nap
The simplest solution is to sleep through your journey. Take motion sickness medication, get comfortable, and sleep until you reach your destination.
Take a Nap
Motion sickness can be a nuisance and affect your confidence when traveling with friends and family. But with these drug-free tips, you can overcome motion sickness and enjoy your travels to the fullest.