How To Avoid Motion Sickness?

Mar 4

4 min read

Have you ever felt dizzy and nauseous during your road trip? Surely, you get a thought about “how to cure motion sickness permanently?”

Well, you are not alone - many people struggle with motion sickness. It can be an awful feeling that can ruin your fun experience.

Motion sickness occurs when your eyes and inner ear sense different movements, causing you to feel dizzy, nauseous, or even throw up.

You can experience it while traveling in a car, on a train, plane, boat, or even on a ride at an amusement park. While motion sickness can make travel uncomfortable, there are ways to prevent and treat it.

Who’s More Likely to Get Motion Sickness?

Some people are more likely to experience motion sickness than others:

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of motion sickness are -

Your skin might look pale, or you could feel sleepy or produce extra saliva.

Yawning a lot is often one of the first signs of motion sickness, and some people may also become more irritable.

How to Overcome Motion Sickness?

Changing your position or distracting yourself when you start feeling motion sickness can help stop it from worsening. Here are some quick tips on how to eliminate motion sickness -

Take Control

If you’re a passenger, try switching to the driver’s seat. As per CDC, motion sickness usually happens when your eyes and inner ear sense different types of movement.

Driving the car yourself can help your brain connect these signals better and reduce discomfort.

Face Forward

If driving isn’t an option, make sure you’re facing the direction you’re moving in. This can help balance what your eyes see and what your body feels.

On a boat, move toward the front instead of the back.
In a car, sitting in the front seat may help more than sitting in the back.
On a train or bus, pick a seat facing forward rather than backward.

Try Acupressure for Quick Relief

Applying pressure to a specific point on your wrist, called the Nei Guan (P6) point, may work as a motion sickness-supportive therapy. Here’s how to find it:

Place three fingers from your right hand on your left wrist, just below the crease.
The Nei Guan point is located under your index finger, between the two wrist tendons.
Press firmly on this spot for a few seconds or until you feel better. You can do this on one or both wrists.
Other pressure points may also help with nausea and vomiting. Exploring acupressure techniques could provide additional relief.

Well, here is how to follow the best motion sickness cure -

Try Aromatherapy for Nausea Relief

Certain scents, like peppermint essential oil, may help reduce nausea. A 2016 study found that inhaling peppermint could ease post-surgery nausea, and it may work for motion sickness, too.

Inhaling essential oils is a simple, low-risk way to ease symptoms.

Use OTC Antihistamines

Some over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications can also help with motion sickness treatment. Antihistamines like:

✔️ Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

✔️ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

✔️ Meclizine (Antivert)

These medications work by calming the signals that cause nausea. However, they may cause drowsiness, so avoid taking them if you’re driving.

For children over age 2, dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine are generally safe, but it’s always best to check with a doctor for proper dosage.

Food Intake

You need to be careful about foods, drinks, and alcohol before and even during travel. Don't smoke, drink, or eat food that "doesn't agree with you."

Foods with strong odors, or those that are spicy, heavy, or rich in fat, can worsen the symptoms of nausea or motion sickness cause.

Do Positive Self-Talk

Believe it or not, you can talk yourself out of motion sickness! A study found that simply telling sailors they wouldn’t get seasick helped prevent it. Before your trip, try saying out loud:

✔️ “I won’t get carsick this time.”

✔️ “I can handle this ride just fine.”

Using positive affirmations and controlled breathing techniques can help keep your mind calm and reduce nausea.

Try Ginger Before Traveling

Ginger is a natural remedy that may help as a cure for motion sickness. Some studies suggest it can reduce nausea when taken in advance.

How to use it:

✔️ Take 1 to 2 grams of ginger about 30 minutes before your trip.

✔️ You can use ginger tea, capsules, or chews.

Important: If you take prescription blood thinners, check with your doctor before using ginger supplements.

Take Charge to Reduce Motion Sickness

Not being in control of the vehicle can make motion sickness worse. The driver is less likely to feel sick because their brain anticipates the car’s movements. If possible, drive the car yourself to prevent nausea.

If you’re a passenger:

✔️ Sit in the front seat rather than the back.

✔️ Look at the horizon to help your brain adjust.

✔️ Engage in conversation to distract yourself.

✔️ Open a window for fresh air.

✔️ Avoid reading while moving.

Align Your Senses for Relief

Motion sickness happens when your eyes and inner ear send different signals to your brain. To help with preventing travel sickness:

✔️ On a boat – Lie down to stabilize your senses.

✔️ On a train – Sit in a forward-facing seat.

✔️ In a car – Keep your eyes on the horizon instead of looking down.

By making sure your body and brain perceive movement the same way, you can reduce queasiness and feel better during travel.

Wrapping Up

If you find that motion sickness is not getting under control, even after so much effort, get advice from a healthcare professional.

A doctor can provide some better recommendations, prescribe the right medication, or check the underlying causes to prevent motion sickness in the future.

Stay COMFORTABLE, PREPARED, and TAKE CONTROL of your journey better.

FAQs

Is motion sickness psychological?

Motion sickness has both physical and psychological components. It is caused by a mismatch between the signals your brain gets from the eyes, body, and inner ear. However, some psychological factors such as stress or anxiety can make the symptoms even worse.

Does chewing gum help with motion sickness?

Yes, chewing gum can help ease motion sickness.

Does closing your eyes help with motion sickness?

Yes, closing your eyes can sometimes help reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. However, it does not work for everyone, and it may make things worse for most people.