If you suffer from motion sickness on amusement park rides, the fun is definitely ruined. The eyes, inner ears and joints perceive changes in movement and relay the information to the brain. When the carousel begins to sway, the various parts of the body send different signals that disorient the nervous system, thus causing nausea, dizziness and, in the worst situations, jet vomiting. The roller coaster is not the only attraction that causes this disturbance, the advice to follow to manage motion sickness on the rides are therefore also valid for travel by boat, train, plane and motor vehicles. To overcome the malaise, you need to take medications or change aspects of your lifestyle that can make it worse, such as nutrition and body position.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Take Motion Sick Medicines
Step 1. Get over-the-counter dimenhydrate
It is an antihistamine medicine available in pharmacies; it works by blocking the brain receptors associated with the feeling of nausea and the urge to vomit. It is available in tablets and in two formulations: one that creates drowsiness and the other does not. When you need to get motion sickness under control at the amusement park, it's best to choose the one that doesn't induce sleep. If you have to take the train or plane for a long journey, the sleep aid formulation may be your best bet.
- To avoid discomfort, you should take the first dose of dimenhydrate 30 to 60 minutes before going to the carnival. Adults and children over the age of 12 can typically take one tablet every 4-6 to avoid or treat motion sickness. Children under 12 years of age should instead take the medicine every 6-8 hours or as needed; however, you must consult your pediatrician before offering medications to young children.
- There are few other similar medicines that are used for this problem, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details to know which one is best for you.
Step 2. Buy a scopolamine patch
A prescription is required to purchase it and is usually recommended for people who do not benefit from dimenhydrate. In most cases, scopolamine is taken transcutaneously through a patch.
- Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of this medicine, which include dizziness, dry mouth, disorientation, and hallucinations.
- People with glaucoma and certain conditions cannot use scopolamine, so tell your doctor about your health.
Step 3. Apply the patch
It should adhere directly to the skin, as directed on the package. As a rule, it is applied behind the ear at least four hours before the event that could cause motion sickness. Wash the back of your ear before sticking the medicated plaster on it; then remove the protective film and place it on your skin. When finished, wash your hands thoroughly. Leave the patch in place for as long as necessary or according to the times indicated on the leaflet.
Step 4. Try ginger supplements (Zingiber officinale)
You can take this plant in its natural raw root form or as candy or pills. Ginger is available in supermarkets or pharmacies as a supplement.
If you've decided to take raw ginger before getting on a merry-go-round, just peel it off and cut it into cubes. Imagine a piece of chewing gum and try to cut the root into pieces of similar size. Remember that the aftertaste of this root is quite strong and generally unpleasant. If you don't like the taste of it, get it in the form of pills or candy
Method 2 of 2: Practice Strategies to Avoid Motion Sickness on Rides
Step 1. Eat something to stabilize your stomach
Find some snacks to nibble on before and after a carousel ride to soothe your stomach, like crackers or ginger ale. Simple, high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods are perfect for managing this ailment. Consume a product containing ginger or bread, cereals or fruit.
Spicy and acidic dishes irritate the gastric lining, making the whole apparatus sensitive to discomfort
Step 2. Sit on the most stable part of the whole ride
This changes according to the type of attraction. On the roller coaster, in general, the least "wobbly" point is the central one, while the front and rear tend to be the least stable. In cars, the best place is the front seat. On boats and airplanes always try to sit in the center.
Step 3. Keep your head and neck straight
Since motion sickness is often triggered by conflicting signals that are sent from various parts of the body, keep your head and neck straight. By maintaining alignment, you prevent your head from bouncing even more. This warning is especially important on a roller coaster to avoid head and neck injuries.
Step 4. Keep your gaze on a fixed point
If your eyes are free to move in various directions, you run a higher risk of feeling dizzy. Keep your eyes on a fixed point wherever you are. If you are in a roller coaster, it is worth staring at the carriage in front of you or just closing your eyes. If you're on a boat, stare at the horizon to keep seasickness at bay.
Step 5. Reduce movement
Simplicity is best when it comes to motion sickness. Obviously, this advice is not applicable when you are in an amusement park, since in this context it is practically impossible to perform multiple actions at the same time. However, when you are on a plane, train, ship or car, try to move as little as possible. Stop reading the book or watching the movie. Lean your back in the seat and try to relax to manage the discomfort.
Step 6. Apply pressure to point P6
In the practice of acupuncture, this point is known as Pericardium 6 and it is thought that it is possible to relieve the feeling of nausea by applying pressure. It is located on the inside of the wrist, towards the forearm about 2.5-3 cm from the center crease of the wrist itself. Many stores sell cuffs with a button that applies pressure in this region. There are scientific studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this method against motion sickness.
