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Motion sickness is a condition that occurs in some people when boating, flying or driving. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of the population has experienced motion sickness at some time. Most people suffer only mild to moderate symptoms. For example, they may have a feeling of uneasiness or a slight headache in mild cases whereas they may experience nausea, dizziness, sweating, vomiting, disorientation and an inability to function in stronger cases. The motion of a boat on the ocean often causes the most severe symptoms. Natural therapies and valuable self-care techniques go a long way in controlling and even eliminating symptoms of motion sickness.

Motion sickness often begins in the inner ear, which is responsible for the body’s sense of balance. Projecting upward and posteriorly from the vestibule in each ear are three rings called semicircular canals that are filled with fluid. When your head and body move in an atypical manner, the fluid inside these canals moves in patterns that are not typical of our normal “feet on the ground” sense. When your head experiences constant, pronounced movement, this fluid stimulates the nerve fibers that monitor balance, causing dizziness, nausea, sweating and vomiting.

Vision also plays an important part in causing the symptoms of motion sickness. A changing view of the normally constant horizon and other visual reference points aggravates the inner ear.

Anxiety is the third mechanism that contributes to motion sickness. For some individuals, the fears of flying or claustrophobia exacerbate symptoms. Anxiety based on previous attacks also worsens symptoms, which then follow the prior course: head motion, visual stimulation and anxiety.

Conventional Treatment

The most common conventional treatment is dimenhydrinate, also known as Dramamine, which comes in tablet form. Dimenhydrinate affects the central nervous system by causing drowsiness. These drugs reduce histamine and acetylcholine levels in the blood.

Meclizine hydrochloride, also known as Bonine, is a popular antihistamine used for motion sickness. Some people may need medication to stop motion sickness, especially if they are on the ocean. Motion sickness from flying and driving, however, can often be handled without drugs.

Natural Treatments

By discovering which of the three mechanisms (head motion, visual stimulation or anxiety) exacerbates your symptoms the most, you can gain control over the intensity of motion sickness. Keep in mind that reducing anxiety is an important step in preventing and controlling motion sickness. Therefore, any methods that control stress in your life are helpful. Deep breathing, meditation and prayer all calm the nervous system. The following natural remedies can help with motion sickness:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is the best researched and most effective herbal medicine for motion sickness. In Germany, ginger is a licensed over-the-counter medication that is sold under the label “Dyspepsia; prevention of motion sickness.” Ginger combats motion sickness by inhibiting cholinergic and histamine activity that is produced by an over stimulated inner ear. Traditional herbal beliefs hold that ginger warms and calms the stomach and gastrointestinal tract while also helping to ground and center the body. The body then isn’t affected by changes in the environment.

Ginger root is classified as an aromatic bitter that stimulates digestion, improves secretion of bile from the liver and gallbladder and protects stomach irritation from non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Ginger also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which explains its value in treating motion sickness.

Dosage is based on body weight and severity of symptoms. Mild cases may benefit from 500 mg of the root; however, the recommended dosage is 1,000 mg taken 20 to 25 minutes before flying and repeated every two hours. Tablets and capsules generally work best and are convenient on trips. Take 2 to 6 capsules three hours before traveling. You can also make ginger tea by boiling 1 to 4 ounces of chopped ginger root. Experiment with dosages to find one that works for you. Ginger is a safe herb: If a lower dose is not effective, try a dose three times the normal amount. There are alcohol tinctures and liquid extracts in a glycerin base that are quite palatable and are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Take 15 to 60 drops depending on severity of symptoms. Ginger ale may help on occasion, but when taken alone, the dosage is too small for anything but the mildest of symptoms.

Other effective plant medicines include chamomile, passiflora and hops, taken together or separately. You can find combination formulas at most health food stores. Take 2 to 4 tablets. These herbs help reduce tension. Some people get a feeling of relaxation from alcohol-free beer, which is made from hops.

Multivitamins with 15 mg of B1, B2, B3 and 50 mg of B6 are helpful in calming the nervous system as long as they don’t bother your stomach.

Calcium also has a relaxing effect on the nerves; take 500 mg 20 minutes before flying.

Natural antihistamines (bioflavonoids) such as quercetin and bromelain are effective in doses of 250 to 500 mg, which can be doubled or tripled if needed. Take the bioflavonoids two-and-a-half hours before flying and repeat every two hours. Histamine-type reactions will decrease with a good diet that includes essential fatty acids, such as borage and evening primrose oils. Take two 500-mg capsules.

Homeopathic combination remedies for motion sickness include Cocculus, Petroleum, Ipecac and Nux vomica. Take 4 pellets (6x or 12x) every two hours, starting before the trip. You also can take these medicines individually if their indications match your symptoms.

Scientific research suggests that acupressure applied to the wrist point “pericardium 6″ relieves nausea. To stimulate this point, place your thumb in the middle of your wrist between the two forearm bones, two finger widths above the wrist crease. Wristbands that stimulate this point also are available. Another pressure point is located on your neck below your ear and right behind your jaw. “Large intestine 4″ is in the middle of the muscle between your thumb and index finger. This is used for stress and gastrointestinal distress. A fourth pressure point is located between your eyebrows. Holding and pinching the skin there can reduce a headache and center your eyes and their focus. An instructional book on acupressure points is a worthwhile investment.

A holistic approach to motion sickness includes an evaluation of your stress and anxiety levels. Claustrophobia and fear of flying increase the likelihood that visual and balance changes will stimulate motion sickness. Relaxation through breathing exercises or meditation helps calm and gives plenty of oxygen to your nervous system. Get plenty of fresh air, and if you are driving, take breaks. Also, don’t read while the vehicle is in motion—instead, listen to music and rest your eyes.

Musculoskeletal irritation of the neck aggravates motion sickness. Massage and spinal manipulation before a trip greatly reduce stress and can help prevent symptoms.

It is important to drink lots of water when you have motion sickness. The level of hydration in the body and inner ear can affect balance and worsen symptoms. Avoid diuretics such as coffee and alcohol, which stimulate urination and increase dehydration. In addition, don’t smoke, and eat a small meal of complex carbohydrates that you can digest well. Oatmeal, applesauce and yogurt are great foods for traveling. Sucking on a lemon or sipping ginger ale can help as well.

Try these methods to discover what works best for you, and be persistent. Learning about your body’s needs and rhythms is a skill that will help you with any health condition you experience.

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• www customerdataplus com/blog/2009/03/04/motion-sickness