Beat Travel Nausea Naturally: How Acupuncture Transforms Your Journey Experience
Motion sickness affects millions of travelers worldwide, turning exciting journeys into miserable experiences filled with nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. While conventional medications often come with unwanted side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth, acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free solution that has been proven effective for centuries. This ancient healing practice is now backed by modern research, showing remarkable results in preventing and treating travel-related nausea.
Understanding Motion Sickness from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
From a Western medical standpoint, motion sickness occurs when our brain receives inconsistent information from what we are seeing and feeling (inner ear and muscle receptors). So when you’re reading a book and sitting in a moving car, your visual and muscular receptors tell the brain that you are still but your inner ears detect motion. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine views this condition differently.
According to Chinese medical theory, when you are in a moving vehicle, Qi (the essential energy) and essence (the primal energies acquired at birth) in your body become imbalanced due to the unusual movements. This causes the stomach Qi to flow reversely. The stomach Qi which is supposed to descend now goes upward. The liver and spleen also fall deficient. As a result, you may feel nausea and travel sickness.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Motion Sickness
The most extensively researched acupuncture point for motion sickness is P6, also known as Neiguan. Acupuncture at the P6 or Neiguan point to treat nausea and vomiting has been practiced in China for many years. This powerful point is also called Neiguan (nay-gwann). It is found on your inner arm near your wrist.
Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of P6 stimulation. Subjects reported significantly fewer symptoms of motion sickness on days when wearing the Acuband on the wrist or the arm than they did on control days (when they wore no Acuband). Subjects also showed less abnormal gastric activity on the days when wearing an Acuband than they did on control days. An Acuband worn on the wrist or forearm decreases the symptoms of motion sickness and the gastric activity that usually accompanies motion sickness.
Research has shown that the subjects in the P6 acupressure group reported significantly less nausea during drum rotation period than those in the dummy-point acupressure, sham acupressure, and control groups. P6 acupressure reduces the severity of symptoms of visually-induced motion sickness and gastric tachyarrhythmia.
Professional Acupuncture Treatment Approaches
While acupressure bands can be helpful, professional acupuncture treatment offers more comprehensive results. The acupuncture points used were PC 6 (Pericardium 6), ST 36 (Stomach 36), and LI 4 (Large Intestine 4) bilaterally. EA was applied on needles in PC 6 and ST 36 bilaterally, while, in the LI 4 point only manual acupuncture was applied.
A successful treatment approach often includes multiple techniques. We used points that calm the stomach, like PC 6 (the one the wrist bands stimulate), Ren 12, and ST 36. I also used LV 3, which would help her with stress, and KD 27, which I have found to be helpful with morning sickness, so I thought it would be fitting here. I also did points on the ear that are relaxing and ones associated with the stomach organ.
Many practitioners recommend scheduling your acupuncture treatment the day of, or the day before, your travels. This timing allows the treatment’s effects to be most beneficial during your journey.
Combining Acupuncture with Self-Care Techniques
Professional acupuncture treatment can be enhanced with self-administered acupressure techniques. P-6 is wristbands’ most widely used nausea point to reduce motion sickness. The P6 point is located approximately 2 finger widths above the wrist bone, on the dorsal aspect of the forearm, between the two tendons.
Additional beneficial points include LI4, which intercedes in nausea, headaches-like-the most-anything between the first and second fingers is a counter-irritant. This point helps soothe the spirit and allows the energy to flow better, especially for stress-induced nausea. The SP4 point on the inside of the foot just below the ball, has direct associations with healing the digestive system, making it a great stopping point for nausea.
Think Acupuncture: Your Partner in Natural Motion Sickness Relief
For those seeking professional acupuncture treatment for motion sickness in the Long Island area, Think Acupuncture offers expert care with a commitment to natural healing. We’re committed to helping you achieve your best health. With convenient locations in Huntington and Ronkonkoma, we’re dedicated to offering safe, drug-free solutions to address a variety of health concerns.
The practice emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness. Think Acupuncture, the leading acupuncture clinic in Long Island, NY, genuinely cares about our patients and believes in a collaborative approach. We empower you to regain control of your health and well-being through treatment, education, and support. With our ongoing assistance, extensive experience, and adaptable patient care methods, you’ll receive exceptional care.
Their team consists of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists holding the highest training in the state. Additionally, our acupuncturists are nationally board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. This ensures you receive treatment from highly qualified professionals who understand both traditional Chinese medicine principles and modern applications.
If you’re looking for effective acupuncture lynbrook ny area treatment options, Think Acupuncture’s comprehensive approach integrates various holistic approaches, including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine Treatments, Massage Therapy, Diet Counseling, and Lifestyle Counseling, ensures that clients receive a well-rounded and personalized healthcare experience.
Prevention and Long-term Management
Acupuncture offers both immediate relief and long-term prevention strategies for motion sickness. According to Chinese medical theory ear acupuncture can usually be recommended before travelling to help prevent travel sickness. For ongoing support, massaging the acupuncture points on your hands when you have the travel sickness symptoms in a moving vehicle is recommended in CM theory. Such treatments can help the Stomach, Liver and Spleen return to function normally and thus dismiss the symptoms.
Research indicates that several studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. One study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture reduced the severity of motion sickness symptoms and improved patients’ quality of life.
Taking the Next Step
Motion sickness doesn’t have to limit your travel experiences or quality of life. With acupuncture’s proven track record in treating nausea and motion-related symptoms, you can approach your next journey with confidence. Whether you’re planning a cruise, long car trip, or flight, professional acupuncture treatment combined with self-care techniques can provide the natural relief you’ve been seeking.
The combination of ancient wisdom and modern research makes acupuncture an excellent choice for those who prefer drug-free solutions to motion sickness. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying imbalances that contribute to travel-related nausea, acupuncture offers a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment that can transform your travel experience from miserable to enjoyable.