Top 10 Effective Tips for Preventing Motion Sickness on Trains and Buses

Studies suggest that acupressure on points such as the Neiguan and Zusanli acupoints can alleviate motion sickness symptoms by regulating signals between nerve cells and vestibular hormones. Recently, researchers developed a wristband called 'Acuband,' which applies pressure to the Neiguan point to reduce motion sickness symptoms and abnormal stomach contractions, such as nausea and vomiting.

To perform acupressure, locate the acupoint, and gently press the point in small circles for 2-3 rounds. Press on points like Neiguan, located two finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the long flexor of the hand and the brachioradialis muscle. Zusanli is found on the centerline of the abdomen, just below the breastbone. Zusanli is about 0.5 cun below the xiphoid process. The Tuksanli point lies below the outside of the kneecap; measure down 3 cun, approximately the width of one finger from the outer side of the tibia. Try it to see if it works for you!

There are a variety of anti-nausea medications available today, both prescription and over-the-counter. An hour before traveling, consider taking an anti-motion sickness pill. Antihistamines have been used as a remedy for motion sickness to help control symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats when traveling in vehicles like cars, boats, or airplanes. Common antihistamines on the market include Dimenhydrinate, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine, and Meclizine, which are often used for motion sickness prevention. These medications can be taken alone or combined with other remedies to improve effectiveness. However, antihistamines may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

Anticholinergic drugs are also used to prevent motion sickness by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in digestive activity and saliva production. Scopolamine patches, which contain this anticholinergic compound, are widely used. Side effects of these medications include dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, and skin irritation. To prevent motion sickness, antihistamine pills like Dimenhydrinate, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine, and Meclizine should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before traveling. Some medications for motion sickness should be taken even earlier, such as one hour before or the evening before departure.

This patch contains tiny plastic beads that apply pressure to the wrist, preventing motion sickness. To use this method, gently press the center between the tendons about 3 cm from the wrist, moving towards the elbow. You can also apply a pain-relief patch or Salonpas patch to the navel to warm the abdominal area.

For motion sickness, instead of taking medication, you can use a scopolamine transdermal patch. This method is convenient, as it delivers medication continuously for an extended period. If necessary, treatment can be stopped simply by removing the patch. Once the patch is applied, its active ingredient is absorbed through the skin, entering the bloodstream to alleviate stimulation, reduce cramps, and prevent nausea and vomiting.

Small, enclosed vehicles or those with strong fuel odors can exacerbate motion sickness. If the windows cannot be opened, try to sit in the area with the most airflow, such as near the front of the vehicle or by the air conditioning vent. Alternatively, if no better solution is available, try to sleep during the journey. Sleeping is one of the best ways to gently ease motion sickness.

If you're traveling with friends, conversations can help distract you from the sensation of being in the vehicle. You can also bring along some snacks, a music player, sing to yourself, or bring along a few brain-teaser toys for entertainment. These will help take your mind off motion sickness. Keep in mind that your mental state is crucial—if you constantly expect to feel sick, the chances of it happening are much higher.

In addition to ginger, lemon (either as juice or slices to suck on), and citrus fruits that help alleviate nausea during motion sickness, other foods can also aid in preventing motion sickness. Before traveling, it's a good idea to eat whole grain-based foods, which help support easier digestion and can reduce feelings of motion sickness. A sandwich with vegetables or lean meats can soothe the stomach, thereby reducing the sensation of motion sickness. If you are already feeling nauseous, eating dried fruit has been proven to calm your nervous system. Furthermore, dried fruit is rich in sodium, which helps lessen motion sickness symptoms.

If you experience stomach discomfort from motion sickness, try drinking soy milk. This food can help relax the stomach and reduce dizziness and lightheadedness. Drinking two glasses of warm water before your trip can also be a great remedy for those prone to motion sickness as it helps lessen nausea. Crisp biscuits, especially salted crackers, are effective in absorbing stomach acids, which can prevent the onset of motion sickness symptoms.

When traveling by vehicle, if you experience motion sickness, try to avoid looking at nearby objects, your phone screen, or reading a book. Focus on distant points as much as possible—focusing your gaze on distant objects outside the vehicle window can help the brain accurately process the signals that you are moving. Sit upright, look forward, and aim your gaze outward. Avoid sitting in the opposite direction of travel, leaning to the side, or constantly shifting around in your seat, as this can cause dizziness. Excessive movement on the vehicle forces the stomach to work harder, continuously digesting food and increasing the likelihood of motion sickness.

Additionally, there are a few things you can do to prevent motion sickness: Sit in a position where your eyes can align with your inner ear’s perception of movement (such as near a window). Choose a stable seat with minimal shaking. Avoid reading if you’re prone to motion sickness, and don’t sit facing the opposite direction of travel. Avoid talking to other passengers if you're feeling motion sick, and refrain from bringing strong-smelling, spicy, or greasy foods when traveling.

Many people often worry about traveling by bus, coach, or passenger cars, and the main reason is that over 30% of passengers suffer from motion sickness. For commercial vehicles, operators usually choose vehicles with spacious interiors, high ceilings, and moderate performance. This is because for those prone to motion sickness, riding in a vehicle with a high ceiling or a fast sports car can be an unsettling experience. Therefore, multi-purpose MPV vehicles or mid- to large-sized sedans are preferred for passenger transportation.

Additionally, automatic transmission cars offer a smoother ride compared to manual transmission cars. However, in the case of manual cars, the driver needs to have exceptional driving skills to ensure a smooth journey, minimizing jerks and bumps. A small tip for drivers is to avoid speeding and maintain a steady pace without sudden acceleration or deceleration to help prevent motion sickness for passengers. So, if you're planning to travel by a commercial vehicle, keep in mind the tips shared by Mytour!

Many people mistakenly believe that not eating before boarding a train or car will help reduce dizziness and nausea due to an empty stomach. However, this is a misconception. Don't let yourself get too hungry before embarking on a journey, as it can irritate your stomach lining. Many students think that fasting will prevent motion sickness, but that's not the case. Being hungry makes you more likely to experience motion sickness, so it's best to eat something small before getting in the vehicle. However, avoid overeating, as a full stomach can lead to more discomfort and increase the chances of motion sickness.

It’s recommended to have a light meal before traveling, such as some bread with eggs, or a salad with chicken or biscuits. Avoid eating too much, which can make your stomach feel bloated and uncomfortable. Also, avoid acidic foods like fried dishes, foods with high oil content, or coffee. Stay away from carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Keep an eye on the type and amount of food and drinks, especially alcohol, before and during your trip. Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, or foods that can make you feel overly full. Strong-smelling, spicy, or fatty foods can worsen motion sickness symptoms.

Fresh ginger is not only a great food for health, but it is also an incredibly effective remedy for motion sickness. You can place a piece of fresh ginger or a slice of raw potato on your belly button, then secure it with a bandage during travel. It can also be applied to the Nei Guan acupoint or sucked on to achieve similar effects.

Like tangerines, fresh ginger is a natural remedy that helps effectively combat motion sickness. Cut a slice of fresh ginger and hold it in your hand; while seated in a car, place it near your nose to inhale its pungent aroma. Alternatively, you can attach a piece of ginger to your belly button with tape. Additionally, ginger tea is another beneficial method. Ginger helps ward off cold winds and prevents vomiting. Using ginger to prevent motion sickness is highly effective and poses no risk of side effects. About thirty minutes before your journey, wash a piece of ginger, slice it into small pieces, and chew it thoroughly, swallowing the juice. During the trip, you can suck on a small slice of ginger under your tongue if needed.

Oranges and tangerines are often used as desserts after meals. Not only are they a refreshing treat that detoxifies the body, but their peels also offer many benefits, especially for motion sickness. Orange and tangerine peels are among the most effective remedies for motion sickness, with essential oils inside the peels providing relief. You can use them by gently squeezing the peel to release the essential oils and inhale deeply about 10 times, 30 minutes to an hour before your trip.

If you feel it’s not enough, you can bring 1 or 2 additional orange or tangerine peels with you to the car to mask the smell of the air conditioning, reducing the chance of nausea. Alternatively, you can roll up a small amount of fresh orange or tangerine peel and place it in your nose; the oils from the peel will be released, helping to alleviate nausea and vomiting. If orange peels aren’t available, lemon peels or other citrus fruits can be used instead. Remember to take a tangerine with you on the trip. The essential oils and the mild fragrance from the tangerine peel will help prevent motion sickness and provide a soothing effect.