Just as discovering a fear of heights while riding a roller coaster, seasickness seems to cast a spell over a significant portion of people's voyages, leaving them with only memories of terror and misery, and henceforth harboring resentment towards maritime endeavors.

Everyone experiences varying degrees of seasickness symptoms, and even seasoned sailors who have sailed for years still cannot escape the torment of motion sickness; they simply have more experience, that's all.

So why do we get seasick?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness caused by acceleration movements such as jolts, sways, or rotations of vehicles stimulating the vestibular nerves of the body.

A hypothesis published in the journal Science suggests that motion sickness is a defense mechanism against neurotoxins in the course of evolution.

According to this research, when the brain detects a contradiction between visual and balance cues caused by ingesting toxic substances, the posterior insular cortex of our brain triggers nausea and vomiting, forcibly expelling potential toxins.

Thus, motion sickness not only causes dizziness and fatigue but also induces nausea and the urge to vomit.

Don't be afraid, most people in the world have this condition, just to varying degrees. Due to different modes of transportation, motion sickness can be referred to as car sickness, seasickness, airsickness, and even space motion sickness (yes, you can get sick on a rocket or spaceship too).

So, what exactly are vestibular nerves?

Simply put, our brain monitors information from motion sensors in the eyes, limbs, and inner ear to maintain balance and focus our gaze on a target while in motion.

When we are in active motion, this system works very well, but once motion becomes passive, the eyes tell the brain that you are moving rapidly, while the motion sensors in the inner ear tell the brain that you are completely stationary. This contradiction between the two can make us feel nauseous.

The vestibular nervous system belongs to the lower central nervous system, which is influenced by the inhibitory effects of the higher central nervous system of the cerebral cortex.

When someone prone to motion sickness is driving, their mind is highly focused or highly concentrated, and the higher central nervous system of the cerebral cortex inhibits the vestibular system, naturally preventing motion sickness. So, when someone prone to seasickness boards a ship, telling them their bank card has been fraudulently used may be more helpful.

Since motion sickness is a condition, we still need to face reality. Besides preparing mosquito repellent and sunscreen before boarding, motion sickness remedies are also essential.

1. Explorer Motion Sickness Relief Wristband

Different from conventional acupressure motion sickness wristbands, this Explorer wristband delivers gentle electronic pulses to block signals of dizziness and nausea between the brain and stomach. In trials, it has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms within 20 minutes with a success rate as high as 90%.

Because this product has no side effects, it has also been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The wristband uses replaceable batteries, and its five different pulse intensities can target symptoms of varying degrees and users of different ages.

2. Ginger Root

For those who prefer natural remedies, ginger root is an excellent remedy for settling the stomach. There are various ways to use it, with ginger tea or chewing on a piece of ginger root being the most common. If you can't tolerate its taste or want a better way to preserve it, you can opt for bottled ginger root capsules.

3. Essential Oils

If your child experiences motion sickness and you want a more natural and medication-free way to alleviate it, essential oils are an ideal choice.

The two most effective essential oils for motion sickness are grapefruit and peppermint. Applying them to pulse points and lightly tapping the neck with a small amount, or inhaling a few drops from a handkerchief, can have a good effect.

These are the ways to prevent seasickness. If none of these are available, simply holding a piece of ginger or lemon in your mouth can also prevent dizziness.