Vomiting while traveling is not a disease but an illusion of the mind! Know from experts the real cause of motion sickness and 9 easy ways to prevent it. Motion Sickness Causes and Prevention – ..

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 12, 2026

Motion Sickness Causes and Prevention: Often people think that vomiting, nausea or dizziness while traveling is a sign of some serious illness. But according to medical science and neurology experts, it is not a disease but the result of lack of coordination between our body parts, which in medical language is called Motion Sickness It is said. According to statistics, every third person in the world is affected by this uncomfortable condition at one time or the other. Whether you are in a car, bus, train or on air or sea travel – this problem can happen to anyone.

Why do I feel dizzy? Understand the scientific reason behind this

When we are in a moving vehicle, different parts of our body start sending conflicting signals to the brain:

Ear Balance System: The vestibular system (balance system) present inside our ears tells the brain that the body is in motion.
Message from the eyes: On the other hand, our eyes (which often look at stationary objects inside the car or at the mobile phone) tell the brain that we are sitting still.

Due to these different and confusing signals, our mind gets completely confused and the body’s balance system gets disturbed, which leads to sudden headache, nervousness and vomiting.

Experts’ Opinion: Why does the brain feel that ‘poison’ has spread in the body?

Dr. Mohsin Wali (Senior Consultant, Sir Gangaram Hospital):

“When you look down in a moving vehicle or read a book, the eyes and ears send different messages to the brain. This confusion makes the brain think that you have accidentally consumed something poisonous. To eliminate the effects of this imaginary poison and keep the body safe, the brain immediately instructs it to vomit, so that the substance can be expelled.”

Dr. Manjari Tripathi (Neurology Specialist, AIIMS):

“Motion sickness is directly related to the vestibular system present inside our ears. When the ears, eyes and body’s sensors (receptors) send different information to the brain during travel, this lack of coordination causes certain parts of the brain (brain stem and hypothalamus) to get excited. This is why dizziness and nausea are felt.”

What to do and what not to do to prevent vomiting and dizziness while traveling?

If you are also troubled by this problem while travelling, then you can make your journey pleasant by keeping these 9 important things and precautions in mind:

Look towards the horizon: Instead of looking down at the car, look out the window far ahead. By doing this, eyes and ears receive similar signals, which removes confusion from the brain.
Right choice of seat: Always sit facing the front in the vehicle. It is best to choose the front seat in a car or bus because the outside view is clearly visible from there.
Distance from mobile and book: Completely avoid using the phone, working on a laptop or reading a book in a moving vehicle. It disturbs the coordination of eyes and brain.
Balance of food: Do not eat very heavy, spicy or oily food just before leaving for the journey. However, don’t go on a completely empty stomach either; It is beneficial to have light breakfast or snacks.
Keep the body stable: During the journey, try to minimize the movement of your head, shoulders and waist. Keep your position stable.
Support of pleasant music: Listen to your favorite and light music while travelling. According to research, good music helps in distraction and reduces the feeling of nausea.
Try not to sleep: Avoid trying to force yourself to sleep in a moving vehicle, because the possibility of sudden vomiting may increase if body balance gets disturbed while sleeping.
Abstaining from smoking: Do not smoke cigarettes or any kind of smoke (nicotine) during or just before the journey, this can worsen your health further.
Doctor’s advice and medicine: If you have a very serious problem of motion sickness, then take an anti-emetic recommended by the doctor half an hour before starting the journey.