October 18, 2025 | 09:25 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Some people often feel nauseous or dizzy when traveling in various vehicles, whether it’s a short trip within the city or a longer journey, such as going home for the holidays. This uncomfortable condition is commonly referred to as motion sickness.
According to Healthline, motion sickness occurs when the brain receives motion signals that do not align with what the inner ear senses.
This mismatch confuses the nervous system in interpreting the body’s position while the vehicle is moving. As a result, the body may respond with sudden nausea, dizziness, and other physical discomforts.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can arise while traveling in a car, on a boat, or on a plane. Beyond nausea and dizziness, some individuals may experience cold sweats or the urge to vomit. While common, motion sickness can be managed with simple preventive measures to ensure a more comfortable journey.
Causes of Motion Sickness
As reported by Alodokter, the primary cause of motion sickness is the discrepancy between visual signals and inner ear sensations.
When the eyes detect motion but the inner ear does not, the brain struggles to reconcile the conflicting signals. This confusion triggers the body’s response of nausea, dizziness, and imbalance.
Motion sickness is more likely to affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to movement or who travel in confined spaces with poor ventilation.
Stale air, strong odors, or lack of fresh airflow can exacerbate symptoms. Maintaining a flow of fresh air throughout the journey is therefore key to preventing motion sickness.
Ways to Overcome Motion Sickness
1. Choose a stable seat position
Selecting the right seat can significantly reduce motion sickness. In a car, sitting in the front seat often feels more stable, while on an airplane, the wing area experiences less turbulence. This reduces the perception of motion and minimizes discomfort.
2. Inhale fresh air or direct the AC towards your face
Breathing fresh air can help relieve nausea and discomfort. If opening a window is not possible, directing the air conditioning or ventilation towards your face maintains a flow of fresh air, keeping your body calm and refreshed during travel.
3. Listen to music during the journey
A study from the Henan Institute of Science and Technology in China found that music can be a natural remedy for motion sickness. Music helps the body relax and maintain focus, thereby reducing symptoms. Soft, cheerful tunes have been shown to be particularly effective.
4. Consume ginger
According to Halodoc, citing the Study of the Effect of Ginger on Motion Sickness and Slow Wave Dysrhythmias Induced by Circular Vection published in the American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, ginger has proven effective in relieving nausea and supporting digestion. Ginger candies or warm ginger drinks taken before travel can help prevent motion sickness.
5. Apply pressure on the wrist
As noted by Healthline, stimulating the Nei Guan (P6) acupressure point on the wrist can reduce nausea. Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the inside of the wrist, starting below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure.
6. Consume light snacks and stay hydrated
Eating easily digestible foods such as biscuits, bread, bananas, or apples before or during travel can help stabilize the stomach. Drinking water or non-caffeinated beverages also prevents dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
7. Take motion sickness medication
If other strategies are insufficient, antiemetic medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine can help prevent motion sickness, according to Healthline. Always consult a doctor before use, particularly for children, pregnant women, or individuals with underlying medical conditions.
By understanding the causes and implementing these simple strategies, travelers can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with motion sickness and enjoy a smoother, more pleasant journey.
Aprilian Rodo Rizky contributed to the writing of this article.
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