Motion Sickness - The Taming of the Stomach

MOTION sickness, as many travelers know all too well, can strike on ships, trains, planes or in a car — whenever the balance center in the inner ear senses motion that the eyes do not. Those mixed signals, which are sent to the brain, can literally be sickening.

So, if you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t even think about reading on a winding road or on a bumpy flight; the words on the page are still, but your inner ear senses movement. The result can be nausea, dizziness, clammy hands and, alas, vomiting.

The most common advice for avoiding carsickness and seasickness is to look at the horizon, as that reference point makes it clear you’re moving. On a ship, it may be a good idea to stay out on deck where you can keep your eyes on the horizon. In a car, it helps to drive or sit in the front seat (as opposed to the back seat) since you can see farther ahead. On a plane, try to book a seat near the wings where it is more stable.

Read more of Catherine St. Louis' New York Times article HERE.