Preventing Airsickness on Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tour rides are exhilarating, and the scenery is spectacular. If you are prone to motion sickness, however, your first ride may be challenging. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent motion sickness so that you can fully enjoy your time in the air.
Take an Antihistamine
Why some people are prone to airsickness and others are not is a mystery; however, regardless of the reasons, the symptoms are typically the same. They are very unpleasant and include nausea, dizziness, increased salivation, hyperventilating, headache, and vomiting.
For many people, the anticipation of riding in a helicopter or other aircraft is enough to set off a myriad of symptoms, which may be the result of a fear of flying, rather than motion sickness. To prevent airsickness, take an over-the-counter antihistamine an hour or so before boarding the aircraft. While antihistamines are typically used to treat allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing, they are one of the most effective medications in the management of motion sickness.
They act on the "vomiting center" part of the brain known as the medulla oblongata to suppress nausea. While antihistamines may make you drowsy and less aware of the beautiful scenery, you'll be able to relax and focus on the exhilarating feeling of being in the air.
Acupressure
If you are seeking non-pharmaceutical methods of relieving motion sickness, then acupressure may be your solution. Simply applying pressure to the Nei Guan pressure point may help short-circuit the motion sickness signals your brain is sending to the rest of your body. To find the Nei Guan pressure point, turn your hand over so that your palm is facing upward, and then measure three finger breadths under your wrist.
You will then feel two tendons. Apply firm pressure between your two tendons, massaging the area for about a minute or so, or until you feel better. You should begin to feel relief from your nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In addition to relieving motion sickness, massaging this pressure point may also help you regain your composure should you get a sudden panic attack.
Acupressure may also help you be less sensitive to in-flight helicopter noises such as whirling propellers and engine noises. People who are sensitive to noise may be more susceptible to airsickness. Your helicopter pilot will give you noise-canceling headphones to wear, which will help block out some of the noise so that you feel more comfortable. You can also purchase pressure bands, which are elasticized wrist bands with a strategically placed bead in the center that will put pressure on the Nei Guan pressure point when you wear it.
Ginger
Ginger is another effective method of quelling airsickness symptoms. While you can consume raw ginger before your flight, the taste may be too strong or spicy for you to tolerate, and ginger tea may not be effective.
Because of this, ginger capsules may be a better option. You can purchase ginger capsules at most pharmacies or grocery stores; however, make sure to look for brands without too many other ingredients. While ginger can help stop the nausea and vomiting that accompany airsickness, you should talk to your doctor before taking it.
Ginger may interact with anticoagulant medications, raising your risk for abnormal bleeding. In addition to relieving nausea and vomiting, ginger may also stabilize your equilibrium, making you less susceptible to the dips and turns of air flight.
If you are anticipating a helicopter adventure, consider the above airsick strategies. Scenic helicopter rides should be fun, exhilarating, and relaxing; however, if you become airsick, your experience may be unpleasant. If you become queasy despite your best efforts at preventing motion sickness, tell your pilot. He or she may have some effective tips and tricks that may quickly improve your symptoms.
Share
