Real Remedies

PASSENGERS WHO SUFFER REPEATEDLY FROM SEASICKNESS SHOULD BOOK A CABIN MIDSHIP ON THE LOWER DECKS WHERE THE MOVEMENT OF THE SHIP IS FELT THE LEAST.

As a cruise ship physician for 14 years, my experience aboard ships has shown me that a controlling personality is the single most frequent determinant for the development of seasickness. Anxiety and fear exacerbate this potential.

On the other hand, certain factors seem to exert a protective influence. Any spiritual or religious belief system where one’s destiny is not solely determined by individual volition, but by “heavenly” or cosmic forces, seems to stave off the nauseating turmoil of seasickness. Following this train of thought, I verified my hypothesis with the traveling clergy and discovered that whether Jewish, Catholic, or Protestant, faith acts to safeguard against gastric reaction to the sea’s swell.

Medical studies have also identified certain high-risk groups for seasickness. Women are affected more than men. Pregnancy, menses, and birth control pill use increase risk. Adults are found to be more susceptible than children. Typically children under the age of 2 do not suffer seasickness. People with a diagnosis of vertigo/dizziness from a pre-existing medical condition or migraines are at high risk for seasickness.