Natural Motion Sickness Remedies

By Michelle R.

Being a lifetime Alaskan I've spent a good part of my life in small boats and planes. Never really had to deal with any sort of motion sickness. Until this summer while out commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay. My first day out I was traveling from the Naknek to Egigik on a 120ft tender (crab boat during the winter months). It was blowing probably 50+ knots and very choppy out. Since it was too rough for my small 32ft fishing boat to pick me up off the tender all I had to do was lay in bed feeling very ill. Luckily I am in massage school and my very knowledgeble instructor Cynthia McMullen had just told us about Pericardium 6. Its an acupressure point located four finger lengths up from the wrist, between the tendons. I layed in bed until the fishing opener ended, pressing Pericardium 6. Just a gentle press and release. It really works! I was super impressed with the effectiveness of this acupressure point. I didn't suffer from seasickness the rest of the season, but one of our deckhands did and several other fisherman I came across were. I passed along this helpful little tip and through out the season got several positive feedbacks.

You can also make a blend of essential oil that can be applied to combat the effects of motion sickness.

Mix:
10 drops Ginger essential oil
10 drops Roman Camomile essential oil
10 drops Peppermint or Spearmint essential oil
Store in a dark colored glass bottle. Inhale 30-60 minutes before departure and every few minutes as needed.
(coriander, cardamom, or fennel can also be helpful for nausea)

If you get to the point of vomiting use:
Mix together in hand:
1 drop Basil essential oil
1 drop Peppermint essential oil
1 drop Lavender essential oil
2 tsp carrier oil of your choice
Massage into abdomen. Cup hands and inhale before washing hands.

Or you can also by one of these bracelets that press the point for you.