Everyone is prone to getting motion sickness. Some are more prone than others, such as women who are pregnant. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, motion sickness occurs when signals to the eyes and proprioceptors don't match the signals that are being transmitted to the inner ear. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating and a feeling of uneasiness. Travelers who do not want to take medication can try nonpharmacological remedies for motion sickness.
Sit Strategically
Positioning yourself in the center of an airplane over the wing may help prevent motion sickness for those who are traveling by plane. If on a boat, being in the center cabin may be ideal. When traveling by car, driving helps prevent motion sickness in some. If this is not possible, sitting in the front may be a better choice than in the back. Knowing how your body reacts to certain modes of travel is important. By sitting strategically, you might be able to prevent a bout of motion sickness.
Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking prior to travel helps some, but it can aggravate symptoms in others. You should know what your pattern is and adjust your eating and drinking schedule accordingly. For some people, drinking caffeinated beverages may make motion sickness worse. Avoiding spicy and greasy food before traveling is recommended. Everyone reacts differently to food and drink. It is important to know your pattern and whether food and drink help or promote motion sickness symptoms.
Minimize Sensory Input
Minimizing sensory input may help with motion sickness. Many people find it helpful to close their eyes. Reading while traveling may exacerbate symptoms. Sometimes, people find that loud music also can exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. Traveling with relaxing music or no music at all may be more soothing.
Use Your Eyes
When the eyes see the same motion that the inner ear is feeling, motion sickness may be prevented or minimized. One technique might be to look toward the horizon while in the car. If on a boat, looking off into the distance might help. Rapid head motion or changes in position may exacerbate symptoms because the inner ear may not be able to adjust to what the eyes and proprioceptors are sensing.
Seek Medical Advice When Needed
In people whose symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse or when there are other issues like an infection, medical evaluation and treatment may be necessary. Motion sickness, however, is usually self-limiting.
