Step Into a Car and Feel the Nausea: 2 Simple Ways to Stay Alert and Beat Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a common issue faced by many, causing discomfort during travel. It can be a debilitating problem for those who experience it, impacting their ability to move around with ease.

Administrator

11 September, 2024

What Causes Motion Sickness

Motion sickness occurs when the brain struggles to effectively coordinate different sensory signals. While traveling in a vehicle, our eyes, ears, and body receive varying information about movement.

For instance, our eyes perceive the rapid change of scenery outside, while our ears and body sense stability inside the vehicle. This conflict between signals confuses the brain, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.

To prevent motion sickness, we need to help our brain adjust to the sensory changes and reduce sensory conflict. Stimulating our sense of smell and taste can be beneficial in this regard.

Reduce sensory conflict to prevent motion sickness.

Folk Remedies for Motion Sickness

Using Orange and Tangerine Peels

Orange and tangerine peels are rich in citric acid and volatile essential oils, which stimulate saliva production, increase stomach acid, aid digestion, and reduce discomfort. When experiencing motion sickness, the scent of orange or tangerine peels can help adjust the brain’s processing of motion information, reducing sensory conflict and alleviating symptoms.

This method is convenient, safe, and free of side effects. Orange and tangerine peels are usually readily available; simply save the peels when eating the fruit and carry them with you when traveling.

Citrus peels contain citric acid and volatile essential oils, offering multiple benefits.

Using Menthol Rub

Menthol rubs contain natural essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove, which help alleviate motion sickness with their refreshing scent. These oils stimulate the nerves, providing a refreshing sensation and reducing motion sickness symptoms.

Simply apply a small amount of menthol rub to your forehead or temples. The refreshing scent will make you feel more comfortable and reduce motion sickness symptoms. This method is also effective for relieving headaches and stuffy noses, making it practical and useful.

Additional Considerations

Apart from folk remedies, there are some other measures to prevent and alleviate motion sickness.

Choose a Suitable Seating Position

Sitting towards the front of the vehicle is the best option as this area experiences less jostling and dizziness. This reduces the conflict between body movement and external visuals, making you feel more comfortable. Avoid sitting near windows or aisles, as these areas expose you to more moving scenery, increasing visual stimulation and information conflict.

Maintain a Stable Head Position

Refrain from bending down to read books or use your phone, and minimize looking at fast-moving objects outside the window. This reduces visual stimulation and information conflict. Focus on static objects, such as the seat in front of you or the ceiling of the vehicle, or simply close your eyes to maintain consistency between visual input and body sensations. If you need to read or use your phone, opt for simple content that doesn’t disrupt your sense of bodily stability.

Ensure Good Ventilation

Proper ventilation improves breathing, increases oxygen levels, and reduces dizziness. The smell of gasoline or strong odors can upset the stomach and increase nausea. Pleasant scents like pineapple or coffee can stimulate the sense of smell, prompting the brain to release feel-good chemicals, improving mood and bodily state.

Divert Your Attention

Shifting your focus can reduce the discomfort of motion sickness, allowing your brain to concentrate on other things and reducing information conflict. Listen to music, engage in conversation with fellow travelers, or simply close your eyes and relax to avoid stress.

Frequently asked questions

Motion sickness occurs when there is a conflict between what the body senses and what the eye sees. This can happen when an individual is in a moving vehicle, such as a car, boat, or plane, and the inner ear senses motion but the eyes do not register the same movement.

Symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, and disorientation.

Anyone can experience motion sickness, but it is more common in women, children, and individuals who are prone to migraines or have inner ear problems.

To prevent motion sickness, it is recommended to keep your head still and focus on a stationary object. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can also help. Additionally, sitting in the front seat of a car or near a window can reduce the risk of motion sickness.

To stay alert and beat motion sickness, it is recommended to take frequent breaks and get fresh air. Drinking ginger tea or using acupressure wrist bands can also help relieve symptoms. Maintaining a comfortable temperature and avoiding heavy meals before traveling can also reduce the chances of motion sickness.