The Motion of the Ocean

by Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Nothing ruins a trip faster than seasickness. With lurching waves often come an uneasy stomach, cold sweats, and dizziness. It's not surprising, then, that the word "nausea" comes from the Greek word for ship, naus. But motion sickness isn't limited to boats. Unlucky travelers also experience it in planes, trains and automobiles - anyplace their sense of balance is interrupted.

Fortunately, an array of options to prevent this malady exist, from prescription medications to mindful meditation. The time to prepare is before you even start packing - so read on.

Tips and tricks - how to manage - or better yet, avoid - motion sickness.
When booking a cruise ship cabin, opt for a room with a view - preferably a balcony. Seeing the sky provides the brain with more visual stimuli.

Before your trip, get a mindfulness CD with guided imagery or self-hypnosis. Use the techniques before or during the journey.

Instead of medicine, try breathing and relaxation techniques. At the start of a trip, breathe in for four counts, hold the breath for seven, and then exhale for eight counts. Repeat the series four times. This yoga-type breath focuses your awareness.

Avoid alcohol while traveling, since it suppresses the inner ear and makes balance problems worse.

Keep your eyes facing forward, on the horizon.

Get fresh air, whether through an open window or by sitting outside.

Avoid fatty or greasy foods; instead eat lighter fare that passes quickly through your system, such as vegetables and protein.

Stay away from strong smells, such as those coming from a bathroom, boat motor, or even the kitchen. Strong odors can trigger nausea.

If you start feeling sick, concentrate on something else to keep your mind otherwise occupied.

If others are getting sick, ignore them or move to a different spot so you can will yourself through your symptoms.

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS
What they are: The simplest medical treatments are also the best known: the antihistamines -- Bonine (meclizine) and Dramamine (dimenhydrinate).

What they do: Their mild sedative effect helps reduce the central nervous system's activity.

Dosage: Take these medications at least an hour before needed. Dramamine lasts four to six hours, while Bonine works for up to a day. Bonine comes in a chewable tablet, while Dramamine is a small pill.

Pros: These inexpensive over-the-counter medications are readily available at drug stores internationally.

Cons: They're not as strong as some prescription treatments. Side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth.

Cost: Less than $6 for 12 tablets.

TRANSDERM SCOP PATCh
What it is: One of the most common motion sickness prescriptions is the "patch," or Transderm Scop (scopolamine).

What it does: It contains chemicals that counteract side effects such as nausea and cold sweats.

Dosage: Place the small circular patch behind your ear, and leave it there for up to three days.

Pros: It's long-lasting, and there are no pills to swallow.

Cons: You might experience drowsiness, dry mouth, or blurred vision.

Cost: Aobut $60 for a box of four patches.

VALIUM
What it is: Most people don't think of Valium (diazepam) as a motion sickness treatment, but severe sufferers should consider it.

What it does: A sedative, Valium is effective in blocking the inner ear's motion center.

Dosage: Expect a dose ranging from two to five milligrams, which should be enough to knock out the symptoms without knocking you out as well.

Pros: It's stronger than other medications.

Cons: You'll need to get a prescription before the trip, since Valium isn't something a cruise physician will likely prescribe for you, says George Shorago, a California-based otolaryngologist. Most users can tolerate the two- to five-milligram dose, but the sedative effect means that some might snooze through the cruise. Plus, Valium can be addictive.

Cost: About $2 per pill for a two-milligram Valium tablet or 40 cents per pill for the generic version.

GINGER
What it is: Ginger is a natural remedy that has been used for millenia.

What it does: Ginger's natural chemicals are thought to combat nausea and vomiting.

Dosage: Take one to four grams of powdered ginger in capsule form or just follow the directions on the bottle. If you're using fresh ginger, steep a few slices in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drink it. As for ginger ale, don't bother with most commercial brands, since they contain little, if any, natural ginger. Ginger chews are also available.

Pros: Fresh ginger is readily available at the grocery store, and the powdered supplements don't require a prescription.

Cons: Its effectiveness is debated, and herbal supplements aren't regulated by the FDA.

Cost: A bottle of ginger capsules costs $10. Gingerroot is less than $3 per pound.

ACUPRESSURE BAND
What it is: This elastic bracelet, which looks like a thin sweatband, has a plastic button you position on your inner wrist.

What it does: The button stimulates the P6, or Nei-Kuan, acupuncture point, on which traditional Chinese healers focus to relieve nausea and vomiting.

Dosage: Place one band on each wrist before beginning your trip.

Pros: It's external and inexpensive.

Cons: Its effectiveness is debated.

Cost: Less than $10 a pair at drugstores.