As its name implies, motion sickness occurs when a person becomes sick from motion, typically when riding in a car, train or boat. Suddenly breaking out in a cold sweat and feeling dizzy, queasy and even vomiting occur when someone is suffering from motion sickness. Since becoming sick like this can be quite embarrassing or bothersome while traveling, many people suffering from motion sickness are anxious to find relief.
Acupressure
A pressure point located on the inside of the wrist, referred to as Pericardium 6, may also be used to relieve the nausea that occurs with motion sickness. Many drugstores and travel specialty shops sell wristbands designed to apply pressure to this area, but a person can also apply pressure manually as well. To find the pressure point, go about the length of two fingernails from the middle of crease of the inner wrist, explains the University of Maryland's Medical Center. Putting firm pressure on this area may help relieve nausea, but there is no scientific evidence to show that this will be effective for everyone.
Proper Positioning
Sometimes reducing motion sickness is as simple as changing positions in the vehicle. Sitting in the back or riding backwards tends to exacerbate motion sickness. Therefore, if possible, sit in the front and always face in the same direction the vehicle is traveling, suggests Medline Plus.
Take Control
Motion sickness may occur when the brain gets messages that the body is moving but the body is not causing the movement. Because of this, driving the car or boat may eliminate motion sickness. For situations where driving is not possible, such as riding in a train or large ship, standing or walking around may also help for the same reason, suggests the Cleveland Clinic.
Herbs
Ginger, peppermint and black horehound may be effective at relieving the symptoms of motion sickness, explains the University of Maryland's Medical Center. People can take these herbs in a variety of different forms, including pills, powders, teas or even in food or drink products. However, before taking these herbs, people should be aware there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Although side effects from these herbs are rare, people considering the use of herbal supplements to treat motion sickness should talk to their doctor or health care provider first.
Medications
Prescription motion sickness medications include scopolamine, promethazine and cyclizine. Over-the-counter options include dimenhydrinate and meclizine. Most of these medications should be taken before symptoms occur, so they are most useful for those people who already know they are prone to motion sickness. In addition, many of these medications will cause drowsiness and may impair judgment, so people that will be operating heavy machinery or driving a car should not take them. As always, people wishing to take these prescription medications should discuss with their physicians all potential risks and side effects before deciding if the medication is right for them.
