Motion sickness can be an unpleasant experience when traveling home during the Tet holiday, especially on long trips. Below are some measures that can help you alleviate discomfort from motion sickness.
When traveling by train, car, or plane, the movement can stimulate the inner ear, including the cochlea and vestibule, in some individuals who are sensitive. This stimulation does not align with visual signals when observing movement, subsequently affecting the stomach and causing motion sickness.
Wearing a mask is an effective way to prevent motion sickness. (Illustrative image: Freepik).
Individuals who are more susceptible to motion sickness include children aged 2-12, women, especially during pregnancy, menstruation, or when using hormonal medications, migraine sufferers, and those with a weak psychological state who believe they are prone to motion sickness.
According to Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ, Head of the Day Treatment Unit at Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy Campus 3, symptoms of motion sickness, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea… can be improved through acupressure.
To perform acupressure, bring together your thumb and index finger; the acupoint is located in the gap between the muscles between the first and second metacarpal bones. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to press firmly on the point, applying as much pressure as possible.
Above the wrist crease, in the dip between the ulna and the carpal bone, wrap your right hand around your left wrist, then press firmly on the point with your right thumb while simultaneously massaging it for about 5-10 minutes.
You can also press the temple area by making circular motions around the midpoint between the outer corner of the eye and the eyebrow arch. This action helps improve blood circulation, enhances local metabolism, and promotes mental clarity and alertness, reducing fatigue.
In addition to acupressure, Dr. Vũ suggests that individuals can consume fresh sweet potatoes after cleaning them, chewing and swallowing the pulp. Alternatively, use fresh ginger after peeling it, sucking on a piece about the size of a finger joint, followed by sipping warm water, and occasionally chewing slowly and swallowing the juice.
Before traveling, 30 minutes before departure, and when the vehicle starts moving, use your fingertips to gently press or massage the acupoints mentioned above to prevent motion sickness. It’s important to avoid drinking alcohol, overeating, or going on an empty stomach; you should eat at least 60 minutes before boarding.
Additionally, doctors recommend that individuals can take anti-motion sickness medication 30 minutes prior to travel, following the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Before boarding, it is advisable to have a light meal; avoid overeating or being overly hungry. During the journey, wearing a mask can help block unpleasant odors, reducing discomfort for your sense of smell. To mask vehicle odors, you can sniff orange, tangerine, lemon peels, or bread.
For those prone to motion sickness, it is better to sit in the front seat to minimize bumps, and focus on distant objects ahead as much as possible, avoiding looking around.
Sleeping is also an effective method to forget the feeling of motion sickness. During the journey, avoid reading books or using your phone.
