A battle with seasickness can take the fun out of any boating experience. Researchers believe motion sickness is caused by an incongruence in our body’s sensory systems. For example, on a cruise ship, your eyes might fool your brain that you are not moving at all while your balance system believes the opposite. This mismatch confuses your brain and causes symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Salivation
- Sweating
- Belching
- Acute awareness of the stomach
- Vomiting
- Hyperventilation (in extreme cases)
Time on the water is supposed to be fun. Seasickness is not. Take a look at our top 7 methods to prevent and relieve nausea:
1. Take Control
Being a passenger can contribute to your motion sickness. The driver of a car or boat is less prone to sickness than a passenger. It’s believed this is because when you are driving, you know where the vehicle is heading and can predict the motion. However, if you’re unable to drive, try looking at the horizon.
2. Watch your intake
Certain foods can already upset your stomach so they will amplify your nausea experience. Try to avoid alcohol, smoking, and foods that already upset your stomach. In particular, foods with strong odors, or lots of spice may worsen your symptoms.
3. Sitting Strategically
When on a boat, try to sit close to the center. If you are at the very front or back you will experience a lot more rocking. This is because as waves rock the boat, the front and back will move up and down a lot more.
4. Restore Sensory Balance
If you’re getting seasick, it can help to lie down until your sensory systems align. Also, it can sometimes help to stare at a fixed point on the horizon.
5. Try Some Ginger
Having some ginger before your excursion has helped some people. Try 1-2 grams of ginger roughly half an hour before travelling for the best results. It is always good to consult your doctor if you are unsure.
6. Balance Your Pressure Points
Thousands of people have relied on acupressure bands to prevent their seasickness. Make sure to wear one on each wrist and have them sitting on your P6 point. They work by disrupting your brain and stomach from communicating nauseous signals. You can learn more about these bracelets HERE
7. If Nothing Else Works, Try Some Medicine
This should be your last resort because ingesting medicine can come with drowsiness, dry mouth, and other side effects. Dramamine and Meclizine are the most common over-the-counter medications and are best taken 30-60 minutes before travelling.
About Us
After nausea ruined his family cruise ship experience, our founder Daniel set out to find the best ways to prevent and relieve seasickness. He came across research explaining the benefits of acupressure and decided to try it out. He has been hooked since and is devoted to making sure seasickness does not stop any family from making lasting memories on the water. Click below to learn more about our Official Seasickness Bracelet
