What to do when seasick. Proven Strategies to Overcome Motion Sickness: A Comprehensive Guide
What can you do when seasick? Discover effective remedies for motion sickness, including natural solutions, medications, and more. Get relief from nausea, dizziness, and vomiting caused by travel.
Immediate Relief for Motion Sickness
When experiencing motion sickness, there are several immediate steps you can take to find relief. One of the most effective methods is to take control of the situation. If you’re a passenger, consider taking the wheel of the vehicle. This can help align your visual and inner ear senses, reducing your symptoms. If driving isn’t an option, try facing the direction you’re traveling, as this may also help disconnect the senses.
Focusing on a stationary object in the distance can also be beneficial. This visual stimulus can help counteract the conflicting signals from your inner ear. Additionally, changing positions, such as lying down or standing up, may provide relief. Experiment to find the best position for your mode of travel.
Ensuring adequate air circulation can also help with motion sickness. Open a window, turn on a fan, or go outdoors if possible. Consuming light, easy-to-digest snacks like crackers, and sipping water or carbonated beverages can also help curb nausea. Avoiding caffeinated drinks that can contribute to dehydration is recommended.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness
Alongside the immediate relief strategies, there are several natural treatments that may help alleviate motion sickness. One of the most well-known is acupressure. Applying firm pressure to the Nei Guan (P6) point on the inside of your wrist can provide quick relief. There are other acupressure points that may also be effective for reducing nausea and vomiting.
Aromatherapy, particularly the use of pure peppermint essential oil, has been shown to have a positive impact on motion sickness symptoms. Inhaling the scent of peppermint oil can help reduce post-operative nausea, and the same principle may apply to travel-induced motion sickness.
Medication and Supplements for Motion Sickness
If natural remedies are not providing sufficient relief, there are various medications and supplements that can be considered. Antihistamines, such as Dramamine, are a common over-the-counter option for motion sickness. These work by blocking the histamine receptors in the brain, which can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Prescription medications like scopolamine patches or oral medications may also be recommended by healthcare professionals. These work by targeting the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Certain supplements, such as ginger, vitamin B6, and meclizine, have also been studied for their potential to alleviate motion sickness. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement, as they may interact with existing conditions or treatments.
Preventing Motion Sickness
While immediate relief and natural remedies can help manage motion sickness symptoms, prevention is also crucial. One key strategy is to avoid trigger activities or situations that are known to cause motion sickness. This may include avoiding certain modes of transportation, such as boats or amusement park rides, or limiting time spent on digital devices that can cause visual-vestibular conflicts.
Additionally, maintaining good posture, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy or greasy meals before travel can help reduce the risk of motion sickness. If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventive measures, such as medication or supplements, before embarking on a trip.
Adapting to Motion Sickness
For some individuals, motion sickness may be a persistent challenge. In these cases, it’s important to explore ways to adapt and manage the condition. One approach is to gradually expose yourself to motion-inducing situations, allowing your brain and body to acclimate over time. This can be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who may recommend a structured desensitization program.
Another adaptation strategy is to find alternative modes of transportation that are less likely to trigger motion sickness. For example, some people find that flying is less problematic than traveling by car or boat. Experimenting with different options and finding the right balance can help individuals with chronic motion sickness lead a more comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle.
Seeking Professional Guidance
While many of the remedies and strategies outlined in this guide can provide relief, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if motion sickness is a persistent or severe issue. They can help identify the underlying causes, recommend appropriate treatments, and monitor the effectiveness of any interventions. With the right guidance and support, individuals can find effective ways to manage and overcome motion sickness, enabling them to enjoy their travels and activities without the burden of debilitating symptoms.
Conclusion
Motion sickness can be a frustrating and disruptive condition, but with a range of strategies and remedies at your disposal, it is possible to find relief and regain control. By understanding the immediate steps to take, exploring natural treatments, and considering medication or supplements, individuals can develop a comprehensive approach to managing their motion sickness. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and to explore long-term adaptation strategies if motion sickness remains a persistent challenge. With the right tools and support, you can conquer motion sickness and enjoy your travels and activities without hindrance.
21 Motion Sickness Remedies: Natural, Medication, and More
You can do things that may help relieve motion sickness immediately, like looking out to the horizon. Some long-term solutions, including medications and vitamins, may also help.
Any travel — automobile, plane, train, or ship — may suddenly bring on motion sickness. Motion sickness can cause symptoms ranging from mild nausea to dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.
Before starting any new medication or supplement, you should check with a doctor. Some may interact with your current medication or underlying conditions.
Changing positions or distracting yourself when you first notice motion sickness may help ease your symptoms before they become severe. The following are some tips that may provide you with some immediate relief.
Take control
If you’re a passenger, consider taking the wheel of the vehicle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that motion sickness occurs when the movement your eyes see is different from the movement your inner ear senses. These senses may connect better if you’re driving the car, reducing your symptoms.
Face the direction you’re going
If driving isn’t an option, face the direction in which you’re traveling. Again, it may help disconnect your visual sense and inner ear. On a ferry, try moving from the stern (rear) to the bow (front) of the boat. Some people report sitting in the front seat reduces symptoms. In a car, consider swapping the rear seats with someone in front.
Keep your eyes on the horizon
You may also find that focusing on a stationary object in the distance helps with visual stimulus. Again, you may need to switch or move positions in the vehicle you are traveling in.
Change positions
Some people find that lying down makes their motion sickness better. For others, standing up may be a better position. Your options will depend on your type of travel, so experiment to see what works best for you.
If you’re in a car, leaning your head against your headrest may help by lessening your head movements. In other words, you may need to experiment a bit to find the best position for you.
Get some air (fan or outdoors)
You may find that opening a window or going outdoors may help with motion sickness. If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit, turn the air vents toward you or consider using a fan to blow air on your face.
Nibble on crackers
Eating a light snack, like saltine crackers, may ease nausea. Foods that are heavy, greasy, or acidic may make your sickness worse because they’re slow to digest. You may want to pack your own snacks, which could include easy-to-digest foods like:
- cereal
- bread
- other grains
- apples
- bananas
Drink some water or a carbonated beverage
Sips of cold water or a carbonated drink, like seltzer or ginger ale, may also help curb your nausea. Skip caffeinated beverages, like coffee and certain sodas, which may contribute to dehydration that can make nausea worse. Other good choices can include milk and apple juice.
Distract with music or conversation
Switch on the radio or start a conversation to keep your mind off how you’re feeling. You may be able to distract yourself enough to feel better.
In a 2022 meta-analysis, researchers concluded that listening to music can help with post-operative vomiting, though they found little effect on nausea itself. Still, it is possible that listening to music may help a person prevent vomiting during their travels.
Put down the screen
People with motion sickness may have trouble reading books or texts on different devices. This happens due to the sensory disconnect between the inner ear and the eyes. So, if you’re focusing on something up close, you may make your symptoms worse
This can be particularly bad for video gamers or people trying out Virtual Reality (VR) technology. You may find that taking a break from the activity or switching to audiobooks, music, or napping can help.
A variety of natural treatments may also help you stop motion sickness. Remember: always ask a doctor for guidance on supplement use and dosage before starting.
Pressure points
Stimulating an acupressure point along your wrist called the Nei Guan (P6) may give you quick relief. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist, starting under the crease.
Your Nei Guan point is underneath your index finger, between the wrist tendons. Apply firm pressure on one or both wrists for a few seconds or until the symptoms pass.
There are other acupressure points that you can stimulate to help relieve nausea or vomiting. Learn more about 7 Pressure points for nausea.
Aromatherapy
Certain scents, like pure peppermint essential oil, may also be helpful. A 2016 study found that exposing people to peppermint’s scent helped reduce post-operative nausea.
There are many ways to use oils, but inhalation has the lowest interaction risk, though experts recommend diffusing for one hour or less to minimize any potential risks. Inhaling a high amount of essential oils for longer than an hour could, in theory, cause nausea.
You may find that taking sniffs from an essential oil bottle or using an essential oil necklace is more convenient in a moving vehicle.
Try natural remedies
Herbs like ginger and chamomile both have research to support their use for motion sickness and nausea.
You can often find these supplements at a local pharmacy, health food store, or online. You may find that brewing tea with these herbs may help settle your stomach.
Licorice root lozenges
People use licorice root to soothe stomach ulcer pain, stomach acid irritation, and indigestion. It may also help ward off nausea and vomiting. Experts do not know how much it helps because many supplements contain additional ingredients that may also play a role in reducing nausea.
You may purchase lozenges in a pharmacy or online. The serving size will depend on the brand you purchase.
If these self-care measures don’t work, you may want to consider trying medical options available at your local drugstore. You can find medications in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
OTC antihistamines
Antihistamines typically help with allergies. However, you may find that using OTC drugs containing dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or meclizine (Antivert) may help.
Children over the age of 2 can often safely take dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine, but you should speak with a doctor about their dosage.
You may become drowsy while taking antihistamines, so you may not want to take them if you plan to drive.
Scopolamine
Scopolamine (Transderm Scop, Scopace, Maldemar) is a prescription medication that comes in either a pill or as a skin patch. You apply the patch behind the ear for several days. However, you may notice some side effects, such as a dry mouth.
People with glaucoma or other health issues should discuss this treatment with a doctor since it may not be an option in certain cases.
Children, pregnant or nursing people, people with liver or kidney problems, or older adults should consult with their doctor due to the risk of serious side effects. There have been rare cases of lethal toxicity in children.
Promethazine
Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine drug used to treat motion sickness. It helps reduce the signals from your brain that cause you to vomit.
The dosage for adults under 65 is 25 milligrams (mg) twice daily, with the first dose 30 minutes to one hour before travel. Children between 2 and 17 years may take between 12.5 and 25 mg twice daily.
Speak with the child’s doctor if they have any medical conditions to ensure no interaction with any medication.
People who travel often for work and others who experience more severe motion sickness may want to investigate long-term solutions, like supplementation or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Take vitamin B-6
Doctors may recommend using vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, among other conditions, like anxiety.
Boosting your levels may also help with motion sickness, though more research is needed in this area.
Take 5-HTP + magnesium
According to an older 2005 study, low serotonin levels in the brain may be linked to motion sickness and migraine. Headaches may be related to the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The supplements 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and magnesiummay help raise serotonin. In a large meta-analysis, researchers found high quality evidence for giving magnesium to patients having spinal surgery in order to reduce the side effects of nausea and vomiting.
Another 2019 study found that 5-HTP given to patients before elective surgery significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting and the serotonin levels in their brains. This is more evidence that serotonin can cause nausea and vomiting.
You can find these supplements alone or in combination at drug stores or online at retailers like Amazon. Seeing results with this treatment may take some time.
Speak with a doctor before using these supplements to relieve nausea and vomiting. Taking too much 5-HTP can also cause nausea and be dangerous at high levels. Taking too much magnesium can cause you to feel sleepy and have difficulty breathing.
Invest in acupressure bands
Wearing an acupressure band can help relieve nausea. People have been wearing acupressure bands for this purpose for centuries.
This practice has few side effects and little potential harm, so doctors often recommend it to relieve motion sickness or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Acupressure bands are also one of the approaches to deal with motion sickness in air patient transport for both the patient and the crew.
These acupressure bands are often called sea bands. They’re applied to the p6 Nei-Guan point. However, more research is needed to verify and understand the effectiveness of acupressure bands.
Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback therapy uses your thoughts to control physical responses to stimuli like motion.
People with vestibular disorders that cause dizziness, vomiting, and nausea may benefit from biofeedback. It is also recommended by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a way to relieve motion sickness.
With biofeedback, you can learn to respond to early signs of nausea with breathing, relaxation, and focus exercises. A biofeedback machine can show you how you progress,
To use this therapy, a therapist connects sensors to different body parts to measure things like heart or respiration rate. You then work with the therapist to control your responses.
This therapy is less commonly used in primary care, but you can ask your doctor for a referral or search the BCIA directory for certified therapists.
Your symptoms should subside when the motion stops. Motion sickness doesn’t lead to long-term complications. You may even get used to motion on a longer journey, like a cruise, after several days.
If your job requires frequent travel, or if the potential for being sick makes you anxious before trips, make an appointment with a doctor. Prescription medications or long-term options may help you overcome motion sickness.
The following sections provide answers to your frequently asked questions about motion sickness.
Is motion sickness psychological?
Motion sickness is not psychological. Experts suggest it occurs when what you see does not match what your inner ear is feeling. However, some experts suggest that psychology could play a role in motion sickness. The theory is that previous sickness may trigger memories and possibly worse responses.
Can you train yourself not to be motion sick?
According to a 2021 study, you may be able to train your mind to no longer become motion sick. However, additional studies are needed to fully prove the effectiveness of training the mind to stop motion sickness.
Motion sickness is an acute issue that occurs in some people when traveling. It can occur in cars, boats, planes, or any moving vehicle.
You can take steps to help alleviate your nausea and prevent vomiting. Solutions can include taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, using pressure points, focusing on a fixed point, and other methods.
If natural solutions do not work, you may want to talk with a doctor about your symptoms. They may be able to recommend additional therapies or prescribe medication to help
21 Motion Sickness Remedies: Natural, Medication, and More
You can do things that may help relieve motion sickness immediately, like looking out to the horizon. Some long-term solutions, including medications and vitamins, may also help.
Any travel — automobile, plane, train, or ship — may suddenly bring on motion sickness. Motion sickness can cause symptoms ranging from mild nausea to dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.
Before starting any new medication or supplement, you should check with a doctor. Some may interact with your current medication or underlying conditions.
Changing positions or distracting yourself when you first notice motion sickness may help ease your symptoms before they become severe. The following are some tips that may provide you with some immediate relief.
Take control
If you’re a passenger, consider taking the wheel of the vehicle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that motion sickness occurs when the movement your eyes see is different from the movement your inner ear senses. These senses may connect better if you’re driving the car, reducing your symptoms.
Face the direction you’re going
If driving isn’t an option, face the direction in which you’re traveling. Again, it may help disconnect your visual sense and inner ear. On a ferry, try moving from the stern (rear) to the bow (front) of the boat. Some people report sitting in the front seat reduces symptoms. In a car, consider swapping the rear seats with someone in front.
Keep your eyes on the horizon
You may also find that focusing on a stationary object in the distance helps with visual stimulus. Again, you may need to switch or move positions in the vehicle you are traveling in.
Change positions
Some people find that lying down makes their motion sickness better. For others, standing up may be a better position. Your options will depend on your type of travel, so experiment to see what works best for you.
If you’re in a car, leaning your head against your headrest may help by lessening your head movements. In other words, you may need to experiment a bit to find the best position for you.
Get some air (fan or outdoors)
You may find that opening a window or going outdoors may help with motion sickness. If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit, turn the air vents toward you or consider using a fan to blow air on your face.
Nibble on crackers
Eating a light snack, like saltine crackers, may ease nausea. Foods that are heavy, greasy, or acidic may make your sickness worse because they’re slow to digest. You may want to pack your own snacks, which could include easy-to-digest foods like:
- cereal
- bread
- other grains
- apples
- bananas
Drink some water or a carbonated beverage
Sips of cold water or a carbonated drink, like seltzer or ginger ale, may also help curb your nausea. Skip caffeinated beverages, like coffee and certain sodas, which may contribute to dehydration that can make nausea worse. Other good choices can include milk and apple juice.
Distract with music or conversation
Switch on the radio or start a conversation to keep your mind off how you’re feeling. You may be able to distract yourself enough to feel better.
In a 2022 meta-analysis, researchers concluded that listening to music can help with post-operative vomiting, though they found little effect on nausea itself. Still, it is possible that listening to music may help a person prevent vomiting during their travels.
Put down the screen
People with motion sickness may have trouble reading books or texts on different devices. This happens due to the sensory disconnect between the inner ear and the eyes. So, if you’re focusing on something up close, you may make your symptoms worse
This can be particularly bad for video gamers or people trying out Virtual Reality (VR) technology. You may find that taking a break from the activity or switching to audiobooks, music, or napping can help.
A variety of natural treatments may also help you stop motion sickness. Remember: always ask a doctor for guidance on supplement use and dosage before starting.
Pressure points
Stimulating an acupressure point along your wrist called the Nei Guan (P6) may give you quick relief. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist, starting under the crease.
Your Nei Guan point is underneath your index finger, between the wrist tendons. Apply firm pressure on one or both wrists for a few seconds or until the symptoms pass.
There are other acupressure points that you can stimulate to help relieve nausea or vomiting. Learn more about 7 Pressure points for nausea.
Aromatherapy
Certain scents, like pure peppermint essential oil, may also be helpful. A 2016 study found that exposing people to peppermint’s scent helped reduce post-operative nausea.
There are many ways to use oils, but inhalation has the lowest interaction risk, though experts recommend diffusing for one hour or less to minimize any potential risks. Inhaling a high amount of essential oils for longer than an hour could, in theory, cause nausea.
You may find that taking sniffs from an essential oil bottle or using an essential oil necklace is more convenient in a moving vehicle.
Try natural remedies
Herbs like ginger and chamomile both have research to support their use for motion sickness and nausea.
You can often find these supplements at a local pharmacy, health food store, or online. You may find that brewing tea with these herbs may help settle your stomach.
Licorice root lozenges
People use licorice root to soothe stomach ulcer pain, stomach acid irritation, and indigestion. It may also help ward off nausea and vomiting. Experts do not know how much it helps because many supplements contain additional ingredients that may also play a role in reducing nausea.
You may purchase lozenges in a pharmacy or online. The serving size will depend on the brand you purchase.
If these self-care measures don’t work, you may want to consider trying medical options available at your local drugstore. You can find medications in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
OTC antihistamines
Antihistamines typically help with allergies. However, you may find that using OTC drugs containing dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or meclizine (Antivert) may help.
Children over the age of 2 can often safely take dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine, but you should speak with a doctor about their dosage.
You may become drowsy while taking antihistamines, so you may not want to take them if you plan to drive.
Scopolamine
Scopolamine (Transderm Scop, Scopace, Maldemar) is a prescription medication that comes in either a pill or as a skin patch. You apply the patch behind the ear for several days. However, you may notice some side effects, such as a dry mouth.
People with glaucoma or other health issues should discuss this treatment with a doctor since it may not be an option in certain cases.
Children, pregnant or nursing people, people with liver or kidney problems, or older adults should consult with their doctor due to the risk of serious side effects. There have been rare cases of lethal toxicity in children.
Promethazine
Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine drug used to treat motion sickness. It helps reduce the signals from your brain that cause you to vomit.
The dosage for adults under 65 is 25 milligrams (mg) twice daily, with the first dose 30 minutes to one hour before travel. Children between 2 and 17 years may take between 12.5 and 25 mg twice daily.
Speak with the child’s doctor if they have any medical conditions to ensure no interaction with any medication.
People who travel often for work and others who experience more severe motion sickness may want to investigate long-term solutions, like supplementation or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Take vitamin B-6
Doctors may recommend using vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, among other conditions, like anxiety.
Boosting your levels may also help with motion sickness, though more research is needed in this area.
Take 5-HTP + magnesium
According to an older 2005 study, low serotonin levels in the brain may be linked to motion sickness and migraine. Headaches may be related to the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The supplements 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and magnesiummay help raise serotonin. In a large meta-analysis, researchers found high quality evidence for giving magnesium to patients having spinal surgery in order to reduce the side effects of nausea and vomiting.
Another 2019 study found that 5-HTP given to patients before elective surgery significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting and the serotonin levels in their brains. This is more evidence that serotonin can cause nausea and vomiting.
You can find these supplements alone or in combination at drug stores or online at retailers like Amazon. Seeing results with this treatment may take some time.
Speak with a doctor before using these supplements to relieve nausea and vomiting. Taking too much 5-HTP can also cause nausea and be dangerous at high levels. Taking too much magnesium can cause you to feel sleepy and have difficulty breathing.
Invest in acupressure bands
Wearing an acupressure band can help relieve nausea. People have been wearing acupressure bands for this purpose for centuries.
This practice has few side effects and little potential harm, so doctors often recommend it to relieve motion sickness or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Acupressure bands are also one of the approaches to deal with motion sickness in air patient transport for both the patient and the crew.
These acupressure bands are often called sea bands. They’re applied to the p6 Nei-Guan point. However, more research is needed to verify and understand the effectiveness of acupressure bands.
Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback therapy uses your thoughts to control physical responses to stimuli like motion.
People with vestibular disorders that cause dizziness, vomiting, and nausea may benefit from biofeedback. It is also recommended by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a way to relieve motion sickness.
With biofeedback, you can learn to respond to early signs of nausea with breathing, relaxation, and focus exercises. A biofeedback machine can show you how you progress,
To use this therapy, a therapist connects sensors to different body parts to measure things like heart or respiration rate. You then work with the therapist to control your responses.
This therapy is less commonly used in primary care, but you can ask your doctor for a referral or search the BCIA directory for certified therapists.
Your symptoms should subside when the motion stops. Motion sickness doesn’t lead to long-term complications. You may even get used to motion on a longer journey, like a cruise, after several days.
If your job requires frequent travel, or if the potential for being sick makes you anxious before trips, make an appointment with a doctor. Prescription medications or long-term options may help you overcome motion sickness.
The following sections provide answers to your frequently asked questions about motion sickness.
Is motion sickness psychological?
Motion sickness is not psychological. Experts suggest it occurs when what you see does not match what your inner ear is feeling. However, some experts suggest that psychology could play a role in motion sickness. The theory is that previous sickness may trigger memories and possibly worse responses.
Can you train yourself not to be motion sick?
According to a 2021 study, you may be able to train your mind to no longer become motion sick. However, additional studies are needed to fully prove the effectiveness of training the mind to stop motion sickness.
Motion sickness is an acute issue that occurs in some people when traveling. It can occur in cars, boats, planes, or any moving vehicle.
You can take steps to help alleviate your nausea and prevent vomiting. Solutions can include taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, using pressure points, focusing on a fixed point, and other methods.
If natural solutions do not work, you may want to talk with a doctor about your symptoms. They may be able to recommend additional therapies or prescribe medication to help
How to cope with the symptoms of seasickness – Friendly regatta
“What if I get sick?” – this is what travelers most often worry about when they want to try yachting.
We have good news!
Seasickness is not a disease at all. The fact is that while moving on a yacht, the brain receives conflicting information: muscles, ligaments and joints “inform” that the body is motionless, and the receptors of the inner ear – that the body is swaying and moving. This conflicting information causes motion sickness symptoms, the most common of which are dizziness and nausea.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say for sure whether this particular person will get “seasickness” – science has not yet found an answer to this question – but it is important to know that:
- usually the body quickly adapts to rolling , training of the vestibular apparatus) can increase resistance to seasickness
- there are effective remedies and actions that will certainly help to cope with motion sickness
1. The best way is to stand at the helm and look into the distance, at the horizon line.
2. Lemon and ginger. You can periodically chew or dissolve – and discomfort will pass
3. Non-carbonated water. Drink it by the sip, often, often.
4. Eat sour, salty, bitter foods: fruits (green apples, citrus fruits), vegetables, nuts, dark chocolate, biscuits/crackers.
5. Suck on mint or lemon drops.
6. Once an hour, wipe the neck, face and temples with a damp towel
- 7. Massage the point P6 (Neiguan) located on the inner surface of the forearm 3 fingers above the wrist.
Or buy an acupuncture bracelet for motion sickness (like TravelDream or SeaBand). The use of such bracelets is safe.
8. In extreme cases, you can resort to the use of drugs. The most commonly used active ingredients are dimenhydrinate (Dramina, Ciel, Avaimarin), meclosine (Bonin) and Kinedryl. We do not recommend resorting to pills at the first symptoms of motion sickness, if they are not pronounced. Many drugs affect the central nervous system and cause drowsiness. Pay attention to the side effects of drugs: they are often incompatible with alcohol (or increase its effect) and are not recommended when driving.
9. If all else fails, lie down in the cabin and try to sleep.
It is also important for well-being on a yacht to rest and get enough sleep. Therefore, on the first day of travel with the Friendly Regatta, after a safety briefing and a welcome dinner, we do not leave the port, but spend the night on yachts. This allows the body to calmly adapt to pitching in a dream, when consciousness does not interfere.And for us, the organizers, it helps to make sure that a person gets enough sleep by the time they go to sea. A good rest is a guarantee of a comfortable sea voyage.
For beginners in yachting, we advise not to make very long passages. 4-5 hours, no more. And preferably with breaks: go ashore, walk or swim in the sea.
To prevent seasickness 1-2 weeks before swimming, increase the amount of fluid consumed – at least 1.5 liters of non-carbonated clean water per day. Minimize alcohol and carbonated drinks. Before the trip and during it, do not eat fatty and spicy foods, refrain from sweets.
What not to do while traveling by sea:
- do not travel hungry, but do not overeat
- do not drink alcohol
- do not read a book, do not look at a smartphone while the yacht is moving
By the way, if you get motion sickness in land transport, this does not mean at all that you will have symptoms of motion sickness on a yacht.
However, if you suspect that you have “seasickness”, we advise you to consult a doctor (otolaryngologist, vestibulologist) before traveling for advice and prescribing medications, if necessary.
Also today it is possible to conduct special medical studies – videonystagmoscopy or videonystagmography. This is an assessment of the state of the vestibular system through the study of oculomotor functions (today the most reliable method). Such studies are carried out in the detection of vestibular pathology. In the vast majority of cases, motion sickness is not associated with disorders in the vestibular apparatus. The human body, as a rule, gets used to pitching by itself.
Therefore, the most important thing is a positive attitude. Don’t focus on the bad feelings. They will soon pass. Get busy on deck, watch the birds and the surrounding landscape, chat, smile!
And your sea journey will be easy and joyful. So you want to repeat.
How to deal effectively with seasickness – INTERPARUS
Seasickness… this phrase puts many people into a stupor, and sometimes it can bring them to tremors in the knees. Everything around starts to wobble. Jump. The legs give way and become wadded. The head turns into a heavy ball stuffed with sawdust, and the stomach feels like an extra organ at all … In a word, the sensations cannot be called pleasant.
Seasickness: How to deal with and prepare for this illness
It is strange and inexplicable that even experienced sailors and yachtsmen suffer from motion sickness .
But no matter what you do for your favorite pastime! Yes, sailing is like that. Requires sacrifice.
So, let’s figure out what “What” is – this seasickness and what it is eaten with.
It’s not a secret for everyone that the process of “motion sickness” of people occurs due to a mismatch of realities . This is when the inner ear or, as the common people say, the “maze” and the central nervous system cannot recognize the signals that come from the vestibular apparatus and the organs of vision. That is, this conflict is formed during pitching, when a person is inside the ship and does not see the horizon.
Interestingly, on catamarans has three times less motion sickness than on a monohull . Of course, this is due to the fact that the body is wider, the surface is more stable, and the swing amplitude is erratic. While on an ordinary yacht it is monotonous. And people, as a rule, are most sensitive to cyclic movements, repeating approximately every six seconds.
Seasickness: How to deal with this illness and prepare to meet it
But what to do if this problem overtook you too?
Of all the tips to fight the disease, we can note such as:
- try to occupy yourself with something. Just relax. It is best to take hold of the helm or tiller;
- you can lie on your back and close your eyes;
- Breathing exercises also help. Yoga, for example;
- while on deck, you can try to keep your balance by balancing on your feet and not holding on to anything.
This will help the central nervous system to quickly adapt to the conditions;
- in addition, refrain from spicy and fatty foods, as well as foods high in caffeine, salt and sugar three days before the trip;
- one more piece of advice: it is advisable not to go on deck with a hangover. And give up alcohol at least a couple of days before the trip. So, the method of “keep the body in a light alcoholic intoxication” will not work here. Initially, it will seem that you feel better, but soon the body will “revenge” you;
- if you have a severe form of this disease, which is accompanied by vomiting, try to drink more to avoid dehydration and replenish fluid loss in the body;
- You can also reduce the effect of this ailment by actively chewing something, even if you don’t feel like it. Ideal for crackers, fruits and vegetables;
- Ginger, grapefruit and oranges are great;
- As a last resort, medication can be used. Although, many of them have side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
But, you must choose each drug for yourself, after consulting with your doctor. However, for the most part, this whole “barbiture” is nothing more than a placebo. But, we do not deny the effectiveness of some drugs. There are many types of similar drugs available for use against motion sickness. Anticholinergics (scopolamine) and antihistamines (dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine, betahistine).
Good news: Don’t forget that seasickness doesn’t last forever . You just need to cross the line. Usually it is about 3 days. Although sometimes it can take up to a week.