Motion Sickness: Everything You Need to Know and How to Overcome It
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In this article, learn about motion sickness, explore its causes, discover five natural remedies for temporary relief, and learn seven effective strategies to tackle it for good.
Let's dive right in..
Ever wondered why some people get that queasy feeling when they hop on a bus or a boat?
Well, that’s what we’re diving into today: motion sickness.
What exactly is it? Why does it happen? And more importantly, how can we kick it to the curb?
Don’t worry; we’ll break it down for you in simple terms.
Let’s get started!
What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is that lousy feeling you get when your body and your brain seem to disagree about the motion you’re experiencing.
It usually happens when you’re traveling in a vehicle or engaging in activities like sailing, flying, or even riding a bike. You might start feeling queasy, and before you know it, you’re reaching for the nearest barf bag.
Why Does it Happen?
Now, here's the science-y part explained in simple terms.
You see, your body has sensors to keep track of its balance and position.
One of the main culprits behind motion sickness is a clash between your eyes and your inner ears.
But, Why would they ever fight?
Well, imagine you’re reading a book in the car or looking at something inside a moving vehicle; your eyes send a message to your brain that everything is still and steady.
But at the same time, your inner ears, which are responsible for detecting motion and balance, sense the bumps, turns, and movements of the vehicle. So, they send a different message to your brain that suggests we’re in motion.
Now, your brain, when it receives conflicting messages like this, it gets confused. It doesn’t know which signal to trust. This confusion leads to that lousy feeling of motion sickness, with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and the urge to vomit.
This disagreement between what your eyes see and what your inner ears sense creates a sensory mismatch, resulting in the unpleasant sensations of motion sickness.
How long can Motion Sickness last?
Here’s the deal!
Motion Sickness may only last for a few minutes or a short duration during the motion itself. However, for others, it can persist for hours or even longer after the motion has stopped.
Typically, motion sickness symptoms subside once the motion ceases, and your body has a chance to regain its equilibrium. However, in certain cases, the effects may linger for a while as your system readjusts.
Factors such as the intensity of the motion, individual susceptibility, and overall health can influence the duration of motion sickness.
Pro Tip
If you find yourself experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and appropriate treatment options.
5 Natural Remedies to Tackle Motion Sickness Temporarily
Let’s get started!
1. Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including nausea. It’s believed to work by soothing the digestive system and reducing inflammation.
You can try ginger in various forms – fresh ginger slices, ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger supplements.
2. Peppermint, the Cool Soother
Known for its refreshing aroma and cooling properties, peppermint has been used for ages to alleviate nausea.
Whether you opt for a cup of peppermint tea, a peppermint-infused tablet, or even just inhaling its delightful scent, peppermint can provide a sense of relief from that dreaded motion sickness.
3. The Power of Acupressure
This ancient practice involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve various ailments, including motion sickness.
One point to focus on is called the P6 point, located about two finger widths above your wrist crease on the inner forearm.
Applying firm but gentle pressure to this point for a few minutes may help alleviate your symptoms.
Pro Tip
You can also try acupressure wristbands, which apply constant pressure to this point and are readily available in pharmacies and online stores.
4. Fresh Air and Focused Breathing
When you feel motion sickness creeping in, try to get some ventilation by cracking a window or stepping outside if possible.
Fresh air can do wonders for your overall well-being, helping to alleviate that queasiness.
Additionally, practicing slow, deep breaths can help you relax and maintain a sense of calm during your journey.
Last but not least!
5. Mind Over Matter
Distractions can work wonders in taking your focus away from motion sickness.
Engage in conversations, listen to your favorite tunes, or immerse yourself in an entertaining audiobook or podcast.
By shifting your attention elsewhere, you might just trick your brain into forgetting about the unpleasant sensation of motion sickness.
6 Ways to Cure Motion Sickness Permanently
Let’s dive deeper!
1. Choose Your Seat Wisely
Be like Sheldon, and choose your spot!
When traveling by car, train, or bus, try to sit in a spot where you’ll experience minimal motion.
Always try to opt for a seat near the front, close to the driver or conductor.
This will help you feel more connected to the motion and reduce the disparity between what you see and what your body senses.
2. Keep Your Eyes Occupied
One of the key culprits behind motion sickness is focusing too much on things that exacerbate the mismatch between your senses.
To combat this, keep your gaze fixed on a stable point in the distance, such as the horizon or a distant landmark.
Avoid reading, watching videos, or anything that requires intense visual concentration.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Light
Heavy or spicy foods can irritate your stomach and increase the likelihood of motion sickness.
Opt for light, bland snacks like crackers or pretzels that won’t upset your delicate digestive system.
Stay hydrated throughout your journey by sipping on water or non-caffeinated beverages.
Dehydration can intensify motion sickness symptoms, so keep that water bottle handy!
4. Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies
For some individuals, over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief from motion sickness.
Medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine can help ease symptoms, but consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or take other medications.
5. Anti-Motion Sickness Glasses
Anti-motion sickness glasses are designed with a specific purpose in mind: to rebalance the sensory information received by your eyes.
These glasses typically feature liquid-filled frames or lenses that contain a fluid with properties to counteract the conflicting signals between your eyes and inner ear.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a widely recognized approach for managing various conditions, including motion sickness.
By working with a therapist trained in CBT, you can address any negative thoughts, beliefs, or fears associated with motion sickness.
CBT aims to reframe your mindset and develop coping mechanisms, empowering you to overcome motion sickness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion,
Motion sickness can be a real buzzkill when you’re trying to enjoy a road trip, a boat ride, or even a thrilling roller coaster adventure.
So, next time you’re on the move, don’t let motion sickness ruin your fun.
Give these remedies and strategies a try, and may your journeys be smooth and nausea-free!
Bon Voyage!
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