How to Treat Motion Sickness

Between 33%  and 66 % of people are susceptible to motion sickness, depending on being on a boat in calm or rough conditions. One aspect of motion sickness is the fact, that the body tries to resolve the conflict between vision and balance: feeling motion but not seeing it. The inner ear transmits to the brain that it senses motion, but the eyes tell the brain that everything is still.

There are many treatments for motion sickness – either by activities or medication. One common suggestion regarding to motion sickness on a boat is to simply look to the horizon. In the night or in a ship without windows it is helpful to simply close one’s eyes or if possible take a nap.

To an interesting conclusion came Dr. Michael Gresty from London: he believes, after several experiments, that one can avoid seasickness by using a certain breathing technique: instead of following the reflex to inhale and exhale on a rocking boat, one should control breathing and inhale, when one would instinctively exhale and vise verse.

Next to treatments by activities there are plenty of medications like Dramamine or Stugeron.  Ginger root is commonly thought to be effective against vomiting.

Any other recommendation or thoughts about seasickness?