Pulling the suitcase out of the cupboard and dusting it off, already I can feel the lump forming in the back of my throat. My stomach suddenly starts churning at the thought of standing in line at the airport amongst hundreds of fellow travellers waiting to check in their luggage and make their way through customs. Most people squeal at the thought of an upcoming overseas holiday, most people… but not me.
For as long as I can remember, holidays have meant sitting in the car, plane or boat with a sick bag in my right hand and bag of ginger jellies in my left. Just the thought of having to sit there for more than 30 minutes in motion makes my heart pump and head spin. More often than not the thought of even driving to the airport gives me rushes of anxiety and sweaty palms….
Motion sickness and its symptoms occur when conflicting messages are sent to the central nervous system (such as reading a book in the car- the inner ears and skin receptors sense the motion, but the eyes only register the stationary pages of the book) sending the nervous system into a confused frenzy.
These symptoms can include things like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and sweating, leading to dehydration and further complications.
Motion sickness affects some people more than others, especially women, and children aged between 3 and 12 years.
Avoiding motion sickness in the first place is more effective than trying to treat it once you have it. Some of the following behavioural techniques can help in preventing motion sickness from occurring;
- Close your eyes or gaze elsewhere (avoid reading and playing games)
- Minimise head and body movements
- Get a seat or cabin in the middle of a boat or plane to minimise body movement
- Sit in or near the front of a car
- Get some fresh air- avoid overheating
- Stay calm and relax
- Avoid alcohol and heavy, greasy meals. Have a snack or light meal before travelling and smaller, more frequent meals during long trips.
So why am I again about to torture myself I hear you ask….because finally, after 23 years I have been provided an answer with amazing results!
Here at Custom Made Medicine, we provide many solutions to having a relaxing, stress free travel, from providing essential nutrients allowing the relaxation of the central nervous system, transdermal creams and capsules, we will make sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons!
Written by R.Mortimer
(Former Sufferer)