Motion Sickness (Kinetosis) Remedies 2

Motion Sickness | Inner Ear

Last month I wrote about Motion Sickness (Kinetosis) Remedies but only touched on some of the traditional medications and behavioral options.

Beyond traditional medications, there are now some other types of options that exist for tackling motion sickness.

Motion sickness is known by a lot of different terms that tend to describe the type of travel that is happening when the condition arises but it is actually caused by a disturbance of the inner ear caused by movement.

This is why air turbulence when flying, water turbulence when boating, or navigational changes when driving around curves trigger the issue.

The theory is that mixed messages happen between the eyes, the body, and the ears impact the balance and equilibrium of those affected causing nausea, dizziness, an upset stomach or vomiting.

As a child I had a lot of problems with this condition and it is one of the reasons I don’t read during car travel and prefer to sit in the front seat of a car. The good news is that there are more remedies than ever–so pick what works the best for you.

Topical Aids

When compared to the options of the past, topical aids are more appealing to those who don’t want to take medications. Of course, there is a patch that slowly releases medication but also options that use pressure points to fight your battle.

Pressure Points & Wrist Bands

Not everything that works has been substantiated in a laboratory setting. For instance, some people find relief using motion sickness wrist bands. The ancient practice of Acupressure has resulted in a product that helps thwart motion sickness misery. The non-invasive pressure helps disrupt signals to the brain which helps prevent nausea and is safe to use for any ag

The most popular in the boating world is called the Sea-Band. Quite simply, a band or wrist bracelet holds a bead in place over the pressure point (P-6 or Pericardium 6) on the inside of the wrist. The point is about two finger widths down from the wrist joint.

Transdermal Patch

A transdermal patch is placed behind the ear and slowly releases medication that is absorbed through the skin. This option is best used on trips lasting one to three days and must be placed in position a few hours before travel.

Some people who have used them on extended trips have reported side effects if used beyond the recommended period–so always check with your doctor and follow the directions. The most commonly used product I found was the Transdermal Scopolamine Patch (Transderm-Scop).

Scientific Studies

Believe it or not, some astronauts struggled with motion sickness and studies to remedy this issue were undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Labeled as “space sickness” the issue seemed to resolve itself within three days but influenced the establishment of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.

Motion Sickness is a problem for other agencies where motion sickness impacts pilots or naval teams–so a lot of investigation is going on. In September 2011, Scientific American did an interesting article on the topic and shared some research findings substantiated in controlled conditions.

Foods & Spices

Anti-Nausea Gum and different spices are home remedies that have long been used to address an upset stomach and some people find that they work to battle motion sickness symptoms as well.

Ginger has been found to help with indigestion, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. It contains an element that boosts digestive fluids and neutralizing acids but also relaxes the intestinal tract.

Mint or Peppermint has been used for ages as aids for indigestion or nausea and helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract while also stimulating natural digestion.

Homeopathy

“Like cures like” is the thought behind homeopathy and so these remedies are diluted substances from plants and minerals that match the symptom patterns. There are a few used specifically for motion sickness.

Most of these remedies can be obtained at a health food store or from the apothecary of your alternative health care provider.

The small white pills are usually packaged in small tubes an are available as an over-the-counter item but getting help from an experienced homeopath who can assess and determine the most appropriate remedy for you is the best practice.

Cocculus Indicus is probably the number one choice for motion sickness. Other remedies to consider include Argentum Nitricum, Kali Bichromicum, Rhus Toxicodendron, Sepia, Borax, Nux Vomica, Petroleum, and Tabacum.

Puma Method

During my research about combating motion sickness, I ran across Dr Sam Puma’s information and video. Check it out, you never know what might work for you!

Do you have a motion sickness process or remedy that works for you or your family? Share in the comments below!



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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 and is filed under High Altitude Living, Mountain Lake Resort, Small Town Living.

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