Don’t Let Motion Sickness Slow You Down
Kinetosis, or motion sickness, has been experienced by nearly everyone in one way or another. This phenomenon is most common among children aged two to twelve, and women, but can affect anyone regardless of age.
Two-dimensional transportation such as cars, planes, and boats is the typical source of this distress; however, even activities such as riding on a swing set or playing virtual reality games have proven to be triggers for some people who suffer from motion sickness. Even just thinking about movement may cause these disorienting symptoms!
It all begins with a feeling of nausea, followed by any combination of cold sweats, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and irritability. Salivation may also be increased or you might experience burping. This can last minutes to hours – depending on the severity.
A Possible Explanation
While motion sickness remains somewhat of a mystery, it’s believed to be caused by the disruption between your inner ear, eyes, and other sensory nerves (proprioceptive systems).
When these pathways are sending different messages to the brain, this conflicting information can lead to feelings of nausea. Many people suffer from this uncomfortable sensation on some level, yet its underlying cause is still unknown.
Take driving for example: as you’re seated in the car, your eyes could be sending signals to your brain that you’re on the move, yet it may receive conflicting messages from your ears and muscles informing them of stillness.
As a result, confusion arises within the mind, leading to disorientation and ultimately motion sickness.
Proactive Ways to Avoid Motion Sickness
Although there is no guaranteed cure for motion sickness, catching the symptoms early and understanding what provokes them can lessen their seriousness.
Trying out various remedies to prevent or mitigate your queasiness may be beneficial; here are some options you might want to consider.
Traveling
If you find yourself in a vehicle, make sure to always face the front of it and focus on an object that is far away. Try not to use your phone or read any books, as this can increase motion sickness.
Additionally, when taking turns with the car, try tilting your head along with them for best results! For extra freshness, open up some windows or sit near air vents if available. If possible, lie back and close your eyes while traveling too—even where you are sitting matters; suggest trying out the driver’s or front passenger seat first!
When traveling by air, you should sit in the wing section. For trains and buses, choose a forward-facing window seat for an optimal view.
Boats provide incredible scenery, so snag a spot on the middle upper deck to take in all of its beauty. On cruises, it’s best to select a cabin near water level at the front or center of the vessel – perfect for sleeping and close enough to access activities upstairs on the top deck!
Oils
Ginger has been known to provide relief from motion sickness. For many individuals, peppermint, mint, and citrus oils have also served as helpful remedies when taken in oil or hard candy form.
Drinks
To be in optimal health, it’s best to consume moderate amounts of water and snacks that are not too heavy. An overly full or empty stomach may worsen symptoms, so eating light is key. In addition, try your hardest to avoid spicy foods, greasy meals, and acidic dishes for the most beneficial outcome!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture and acupressure wristbands are incredibly effective at helping combat motion sickness. Traditionally, acupuncture treatments target the PC 6, ST 36, and LI 4 points bilaterally for prevention or minimization of symptoms.
Manual stimulation or electrostimulation is applied to the PC 6 point with an acupressure wristband located three fingers’ width below the inside of your arm. This has proven to be a reliable approach, which many people turn to in order to manage their motion sickness symptoms.
Habituation
To ease the symptoms of motion sickness, there are a variety of innovative habituation techniques available.
These treatments involve exposing your body to repeated motions over time—such as visual tracking or full-motion simulators—and may not be pleasant experiences; however, if undergone consistently, they can help lessen the effects considerably. For more information on these options, consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist today!
Pharmaceuticals
Over-the-counter antihistamines are a common and efficient remedy for motion sickness, though the side effects of drowsiness can be unwelcome.
For more severe cases or other options than those available without prescription, consulting with a licensed medical professional is recommended. With these medications prescribed by an expert in health care, you will find relief from your motion sickness symptoms quickly and safely.