On a sunny weekend, Mr. Zhang and his family plan to drive to the countryside to enjoy a long-awaited parent-child time. The scenery outside the car window is stunning, and the air is filled with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. However, during this wonderful journey, Mr. Zhang suddenly felt a strong wave of vertigo, accompanied by nausea and dizziness, and the whole world seemed to be spinning. This sudden discomfort forced him to ask to stop, and at this moment, he realized that he might be suffering from motion sickness.
Motion sickness, an uncomfortable feeling that many people can experience during a journey, is often overlooked. It's not just a momentary dizziness, it's a kind of organ in our body under specific conditions."But what are the body organs that are "throwing tantrums"? Why does our body suddenly lose its balance and feel like the world is spinning during a smooth journey?
In their daily routines, especially when traveling in a car, boat or plane, many people experience a common feeling of discomfort – motion sickness, commonly known as "motion sickness". What is the principle behind this phenomenon? Why does our body "lose its temper" while moving?
The vestibular system: the body's balance guard
The human body relies on the vestibular system of the inner ear to maintain balance and spatial orientation. When the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, the fluid in the inner ear moves due to inertia, and this movement is captured by the vestibular system and converted into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. However, if the movement of the vehicle does not match the visual information received by the brain, such as when reading or using a mobile phone, the brain will receive conflicting signals, leading to the appearance of motion sickness.
Inner Ear and Eye: An Incongruous Duet
Motion sickness occurs largely because of the missynchronization of information between the visual and vestibular systems. The signals sent by the inner ear to the brain about the movement of the body are inconsistent with the signals that the eyes send about the external world being stationary or moving, triggering a series of reactions: nausea, dizziness, sweating, and even vomiting. It's the body's way of trying to correct the perceived inconsistencies, but it turns out to leave us feeling extremely uncomfortable.
Confusion in the brain: information processing errors
Motion sickness also involves the way the brain processes conflicting information. The brain is the center that processes and responds to information from the senses. During motion sickness, the information received by the brain from the vestibular and visual systems collides, resulting in the inability to correctly interpret the position and movement status of the body in space, thus triggering physiological responses such as dizziness and nausea.
Once we understand the physiology of motion sickness, there are some practical steps we can take to prevent or reduce its symptoms. For example, choosing a seat with a view of the exterior can help align information from the visual and vestibular systems, reducing conflict in the brain's processing of information. In addition, maintaining good ventilation and avoiding reading or using your phone while the vehicle is moving are also effective ways to avoid motion sickness. For some people, motion sickness medication can also help before traveling, but you should consult your doctor before using it.
Behind the phenomenon of motion sickness is a series of complex physiological processes. By understanding these physiological mechanisms, we can better take preventive measures to reduce or avoid the discomfort of motion sickness. Getting around is no longer a challenge, it's an enjoyable journey. By adjusting our habits and adopting scientific methods, we can overcome our body's "**** and enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey."
1.Diet is the key
A healthy daily diet is essential to prevent motion sickness. Foods rich in vitamin B6, such as bananas, avocados, and nuts, are recommended to help relieve symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Avoid greasy and spicy foods before traveling, reduce the burden on your stomach, and choose light foods such as bread and fruits to keep your stomach comfortable.
2.Get enough sleep, don't neglect
Getting enough sleep the night before your trip to get enough rest for your body and brain can effectively reduce the possibility of motion sickness. Fatigue can exacerbate motion sickness, and an energetic body is better able to adapt to the various environmental changes on the road.
3.Pre-travel medication prophylaxis
Proper use of motion sickness medicine is an effective means to prevent motion sickness. It is advisable to choose over-the-counter medications recommended by your doctor, such as diltiaro and meclizine, which can reduce the overreaction of the vestibular system. Always read the instructions before use, pay attention to the dosage and possible ***
4.Motion sickness stickers, simple and effective
Motion sickness patches continuously and stably alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness by releasing the drug **. Its convenience and effectiveness make it a top choice for many people. Attached to a clean **, such as behind the ear, it can be used up to an hour before travel and the effect lasts for several hours.
5.Seat selection is not to be underestimated
Choosing the right seat in transportation can significantly reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. In general, the middle seat is relatively stable, such as under the wing of an airplane and in the middle of a vehicle. Avoid sitting in the opposite direction of travel, and keeping your gaze in the direction of movement can reduce the confusion your brain receives.
6.Gaze adjustment is the key
Avoid reading or using your phone while the vehicle is moving. This behavior exacerbates the conflict between the brain's processing of visual information and the body's perceived motor information, which can exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. It is advisable to keep your gaze on a fixed object at a distance to help your body adjust your perceptual balance.
7.Breathing regulates and relieves tension
Deep breathing can help the body relax and reduce motion sickness caused by tension and anxiety. Before and during your trip, you can do several deep breathing exercises, inhale slowly and deeply, and then exhale slowly to help relax your body and mind.
Through the above methods, we can effectively prevent and alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Remember, being well prepared is key to avoiding motion sickness, and understanding and applying these strategies will go a long way in improving your travel experience.