I am a family doctor, and every summer, as the number of holiday trips increases, my clinic receives a wave of patients seeking help due to motion sickness. Motion sickness, medically known as motion sickness, is a common physiological reaction that can turn an enjoyable trip into an ordeal.
I remember one time a young mother came to my clinic with her 8-year-old son. The family had planned to drive to their grandparents' house in the countryside for the weekend. However, less than half an hour's drive, the little boy began to feel dizzy and nauseous. When he arrived at his destination, he couldn't even enjoy his favorite pie because of the motion sickness that had left him exhausted from the journey.
Physiological mechanisms of motion sickness
Motion sickness, or motion sickness, occurs when there is a conflict between our sensory systems. When the movements felt by our inner ear (the sensory organ responsible for balance) are inconsistent with what our eyes see or what other sensory organs in our body feel, the brain struggles to process this mismatched information, triggering motion sickness.
Our inner ear has a part called the vestibular system, which senses the movement of the head and the balance of the body through three semicircular tubes and two capsular pouches (utricle and balloon). When the vehicle accelerates, decelerates, or turns, the system perceives the actual physical movement. However, if our eyes are focused on a stationary interior space, such as reading a book or looking at a phone screen, the visual input reports that the body is not moving. This inconsistency between visual and vestibular sensation can confuse the brain, leading to the typical symptoms of motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting.
In addition, motion sickness may also be linked to our neurotransmitters, specifically involving serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals play a role in regulating mood and sensory input. Changes in these transmitters may exacerbate or trigger a nausea response during motion sickness.
Two common conditions that lead to motion sickness
1. Sensitivity of the balance system of the inner ear
A central cause of motion sickness is the sensitivity of the inner ear balance system to motion. The inner ear is not only responsible for hearing, but also the main part of the body's balance. It helps us maintain balance by sensing the movement and position of the head. When the vehicle is bumpy or makes frequent turns, the signals transmitted by the inner ear may not match the environmental information seen by the eyes, causing motion sickness.
Practical check-up: You can do a simple self-test to assess the sensitivity of your inner ear. Try turning your head a few times quickly and then stop suddenly. If you experience significant vertigo or instability, it may be a sign that your inner ear is more sensitive to movement and therefore more prone to motion sickness in mobile vehicles.
2. The influence of psychological factors
In addition to physiological factors, psychological state can also significantly affect the occurrence of motion sickness. Emotions such as anxiety, fear, or excessive nervousness can exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness. If you're already worried about motion sickness before your trip, this anticipatory anxiety may make the experience of motion sickness even more intense.
Practical checks: Observe your psychological expectations and emotional responses to travel. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, before your trip may help reduce motion sickness. At the same time, maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding excessive attention to the possibility of motion sickness can also help alleviate symptoms.
How to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness
Choose the right location
Where you sit in the vehicle can affect your motion sickness symptoms. In general, sitting close to the driver can reduce motion sickness, as there is more of the view ahead, reducing the conflict of information between the vision and the inner ear.
Car: Try to sit in the front seat, as close to the front windshield as possible.
Public transport: Choose a forward-facing seat on the bus or train and try to sit close to the central axis, where there is minimal shaking.
Adjust the visual focus
When motion sickness occurs, your visual focus is important. Fixing on distant stable objects, such as distant mountains or horizons, can help the brain better process motor perception and reduce sensory conflicts.
Avoid reading or using your phone: this can cause your gaze to focus closely, increasing the likelihood of motion sickness.
If you're in the car, try to find a distant object outside the window as the focal point.
Breathing and relaxation techniques
By controlling your breathing and doing some simple relaxation exercises, you can help your body reduce its physiological response to motion sickness.
Take a deep breath: Taking deep breaths can help relieve tension, which may exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. Deep breathing can also help stabilize heart rate and blood pressure.
Relax your muscles: Try to gradually relax all parts of your body, starting with your feet and working your way up to your head. This relaxation method relieves tension in the body and reduces motion sickness.
environmental factors
Adjusting your environment settings can also help alleviate motion sickness.
Proper ventilation: Make sure there is fresh air circulation in the car. The stuffiness or undesirable smell in the car can increase the feeling of motion sickness.
Avoid heavy food: Avoid eating greasy or excessive foods before traveling. A relaxed stomach will reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.
Employing these non-pharmacological methods can help you better manage your motion sickness symptoms and make your journey more enjoyable. While trying these strategies, it is advisable to consult a doctor or professional for further help if motion sickness is still seriously affecting your life.