Acupuncture, Botanical Herbs and Homeopathy for Motion Sickness and Nausea

Motion sickness happens when the body, the inner ear, and the eyes send conflicting signals to the brain. For some people, moving by land, air or sea could have its challenges. Not only can business or vacation travel be physically and mentally exhausting, but add in motion sickness and it can be highly uncomfortable. This also includes the effects of motion sickness while on an amusement park ride, fast motion simulator or even at a 3D movie.

Motion sickness may present as:

• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Cold sweats
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased salivation
• Fatigue

Conventional medicine offers pharmaceuticals for motion sickness with all sorts of tongue twisting names such as Scopolamine, Promethazine, Cyclizine, Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and Meclizine. These medications may be accompanied by side effects that include fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision and disorientation (symptoms close to the actual ailment they are trying to fix).

Acupuncture, botanical herbs and homeopathy for motion sickness and nausea may be an easy, safe, pain-free and side effect-free approach. It is an alternative choice that could naturally remedy adverse reactions. In some cases, using one or more of these naturopathic remedies may offer a response that enables the patient to rarely, if ever, experience motion sickness again. In addition, dealing with nausea may be a simple body point pressed or natural remedy ingested.

Pointing To It
Finding the correct acupuncture points for motion sickness could be a great relief, either during an acute attack or preparing you before traveling.

Meta-eHealth reports that,

“Some preliminary studies suggest that people with motion sickness who receive acupuncture report a significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who receive sham acupuncture (needling at points not indicated for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness) or no acupuncture at all.”

Popular points for motion sickness symptoms or prevention include:

• Pericardium 6 (P6) – Three fingers above open wrist between two tendons (thumb side).
• Stomach 36 (ST 36) – Four fingers below the kneecap, front shin between tibia and fibula..
• Gallbladder – 34 (GB 34) – Finger below knee lateral lower leg (near fibula head).
• Ren 12 (Rn 12) – Midway between ribs and navel.

Herb and Food Remedies
Once again it is the botanical toolbox that can possibly help what most would reach for an over-the-counter drug remedy for instead. Be sure and take herbal remedies under the guidance of a professional naturopath as some may contraindicative to certain individual’s health.

According to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, some herbal remedies that have shown benefits for motion sickness and nausea include:

Ginger– Chewing on small slices of raw ginger has been shown to alleviate nausea and in some cases motion sickness. There are also capsules available as well as teas and powders. Note: Ginger may increase bleeding risk if on blood thinners.

Black horehound – This is an age old remedy native to the Mediterranean region which when taken in capsule form. It has been linked to reducing symptoms of motion sickness.

Peppermint– Sometimes even a piece of peppermint candy can quell nausea. In a study by researchers at Clayton State University, Morrow, GA and published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing it was concluded that, “Peppermint spirits may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of postoperative nausea.” Peppermint can be taken in capsule or tea form however some find relief by using a dab of peppermint essential oil on the pulse points.

Cardamon Seed – In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) circulating the body’s life energy force or qi (chee) is essential. Using cardamon seed may transform phlegm associated with nausea and calm the stomach which in turn may calm the mind.

Homeopathic Remedies
The practice of homeopathy is over two hundred years old with great success for a variety of ailments. When it comes to motion sickness and nausea the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends these homeopathic remedies:

Borax– for nausea caused by downward motions, such as landing in an airplane

Cocculus – the primary treatment for motion sickness, particularly if nausea and vertigo or other type of dizziness are present

Nux vomica – for motion sickness accompanied by headache, nausea, and ringing in the ears

Petroleum— for dizziness and nausea that occur when riding in a car or boat

Sepia-for motion sickness brought on by reading while in a moving vehicle

Tabacum – for motion sickness with severe nausea and vomiting

These remedies are easy to take either under the tongue or diluted in water. Talk to your naturopathic doctor about proper protocol.

These acupuncture, botanical herbs and homeopathy remedies for motion sickness and nausea are a safe, natural way to allow your body to rebalance and reconnect. Without extra stress on your liver (such as when synthetic drugs may be used) and no side effects, working with a naturopathic doctor for these conditions could be highly beneficial.

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health.  To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or CLICK HERE to schedule an online appointment.

*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.