by M. Halyard

Created on: December 29, 2010

Ever been seasick? If so, you probably have some vivid memories of the experience, and don't need to be reminded what it was like. Would you put yourself in the same situation again?

If even the thought of going back out onto some big water has you clinging to the edge of your desk, these tips are for you. They may not prevent all nausea, but they are sure to help you the next time you are considering "paying homage to Neptune".

Why do some people get seasick?

When the brain and inner ear argue over whether the environment is stable, or not, the result is often mal de mer, or seasickness. The brain sees solid cabin walls, but the inner ear senses a completely different situation. This confusion results in disorientation, confusion, and sometimes extreme drowsiness, nausea, and a cold sweat - classic seasickness symptoms. In bad cases, nausea to the point of extreme dehydration may occur.

Strangely enough, not everyone who sets out on a rough voyage at sea will experience seasickness. In fact, only about 25% of individuals experience symptoms of seasickness in rough seas, according to some research.

A relevant study of 1,741 tourist volunteers on a whale watching expedition published in 1993 ("Comparison of Seven Commonly Used Agents for Prophylaxis of Seasickness") offers a few clues as to the relative efficacy of various anti-seasickness medications. The most significant finding of the study is that none of the options studied was more effective than others in preventing seasickness, and even transdermal scopolamine was shown to be less effective and perhaps more dangerous (due to visual side effects and disorientation) than ginger root in preventing symptoms.

What are the best steps to follow if one knows one experiences seasickness, and one is about to embark on an ocean voyage?

1. Hydration. Before the event, be sure to drink plenty of fluids (excluding alcohol, which has its own unique and detrimental effect on hydration and balance).

2. About four to six hours before setting foot on a boat, one can begin sipping on ginger ale or nibbling on ginger snaps. Ginger root consumed in this manner has no side effects for the vast majority of individuals (a very few individuals are allergic to ginger). Continue to nibble or sip ginger products to maintain this positive effect, even in rough seas.

3. An acupressure wristband. Many people swear by the positive effects of an acupressure wristband in combatting seasickness,

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