Seasickness is a form of motion sickness some people experience when they are aboard a moving boat. It happens when your body, eyes and inner ear are all sensing something different and sending mixed messages to your brain. The result is a loss of equilibrium that can cause nausea, vomiting, anxiety, headache, dizziness, cold sweats and pale skin. Most of the remedies for treating seasickness also can be used as preventative measures.
Stay Still
Choose a position--standing or sitting--and stay as still as possible. Make sure you are facing forward, in the direction you are traveling. If you must change your position, do it slowly. Avoid moving your head too quickly, and try not to look up.
Watch the Horizon
Stay out on the deck of the ship and stare at the horizon. When you do this, your eyes are seeing the same motion your body and inner ears are feeling. If the boat rocks, so will your view of the horizon. You will feel less of the actual motion. Inside the cabin, the best you can do is stay in the middle of the ship close to the waterline.
Acupressure
The acupressure/acupuncture point used to relive nausea is found on the inside of the wrist, about an inch up the arm from the center of your wrist crease. Finger pressure on these points may help relieve seasickness--or you can try wearing commercially available wristbands that are designed with buttons positioned to apply pressure just at that point.
Deep Breathing
Slow deep breaths may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness and anxiety. On the other hand, fast, shallow breathing will only worsen your symptoms.
Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can treat seasickness. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a recommendation. Crew members, or anyone responsible for work performed on a ship, should not take most medications for motion sickness because they can cause drowsiness and mental impairment.
Alternative Remedies
Ginger, peppermint and black horehound extracts, tinctures and teas are used as motion-sickness remedies, although there is no clear evidence they are effective for everyone. Homeopathic remedies are also available for motion sickness. Speak with a professional homeopath or consider one of several commercially prepared seasickness or motion sickness remedies.
