Seasick Remedy

Seasickness is a specific variety of motion sickness that develops when the body's spatial orientation sensors get out of sync because of the persistent motion of the water beneath a ship or boat. The bodily systems that provide balance and stability include the inner ears, eyes, pressure receptors in the skin and neural receptors in the muscles. When working together properly, these complex systems help our bodies adjust to the forces of nature, such as gravity and air pressure, exerted against us. When they send mixed messages, it can cause a wide range of distressing symptoms.

Prevention

• The best remedy for seasickness is to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Even experience sailors can get seasick if the conditions are right, so it's a good idea to prepare in advance. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and other foods or beverages that you know cause any kind of digestive distress. Take an over-the-counter motion sickness medication containing meclizine or dimenhydrinate a few hours before embarking. Larger cruise ships experience less motion than smaller ships, so if you know you are susceptible to seasickness consider booking your passage on a larger ship.

Treatment

• If you get seasick despite your efforts to prevent it, your first reaction should be to get out into the fresh air. Stand on deck, breathe deeply and keep your eyes on a fixed point in the distance such as the horizon in daylight hours or a star at night. Some old sailors swear by a pressure band worn just above the wrist, although there are no definitive studies showing this pressure point works. Avoid smoking, alcoholic beverages, greasy foods and other people who are suffering from nausea. If all other efforts fail, you may need to consult a physician to obtain a prescription for medication such as promethazine or scopolamine.