Two Simple Approaches to Motion Sickness
If you’ve ever been on a long drive featuring winding mountain roads, and perhaps a driver who does not like to be late, you may know the feeling of motion sickness all too well. Some people are afflicted by motion sickness even on short and mild drives, myself falling into this unfortunate category. Although it does give me an excuse to always call dibs on the front seat on group trips, motion sickness can still be very uncomfortable and inconvenient to deal with.
The good news is that there are some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches that can help prevent and alleviate this digestive discomfort.
What causes motion sickness?
It’s a common thought that motion sickness is primarily due to something happening within our gastrointestinal system. Although we experience the symptoms there, it actually has to do more with what is going on in our brain. While in a moving vehicle, our eyes register that we are in motion when they see the passing trees or whatever objects are outside the windows and send
the “hey, we’re moving” message to our brain. Although our eyes register the movement, physically we are sitting still in the vehicle. Because of this, our nerves and inner ears send the message to the brain “hey, we are not moving.” When the brain receives these conflicting messages simultaneously, it gets confused and starts to panic, resulting in nausea, sweating, and the other classic motion sickness symptoms. So, how can we keep the brain calm and the body in balance while traveling?
An accessible herbal remedy
One incredibly popular herb used in Chinese herbal medicine is Sheng Jiang. Don’t worry, you won’t need to go to any special market to acquire said herb, because Sheng Jiang is actually just ginger, an herb you likely already have at home. Ginger is an herb found in many TCM formulas to help mitigate digestive issues. It is famously used to alleviate nausea and vomiting specifically, and is even referred to as the “holy herb for vomiting.” It works by calming and warming the middle jiao, aka the area in the body which houses our digestive organs. When we
experience nausea and vomiting, it is considered rebellious Qi in TCM, because the Qi is moving in the wrong direction. Ginger has the ability to descend the rebellious Qi, making it stay on its usual downward path rather than rebelling upwards (and outwards). Although chewing on raw ginger is an option, you don’t have to be quite so hardcore to reap the healing effects of this powerful herb. Instead, you can drink some warm ginger tea before or during the ride, or bring
along some ginger chews to eat in the car.
A beneficial acupuncture technique
It’s true, you have to hold a valid acupuncture license to insert needles into the skin. However, acupressure, which involves applying pressure to those same acupuncture points, can be done by anyone (with proper guidance). There is one point in particular that is well known for its ability to combat motion sickness: PC-6, or Pericardium 6. Frequently utilized for all kinds of digestive ailments, this point also has a similar function to ginger’s, in that it helps descend rebellious Qi.
PC-6 works to soothe the digestive system not only by acting on our digestive organs, but also by affecting the nervous system. This point helps calm the brain, which, as we learned earlier, is the true culprit behind the motion sickness symptoms. You may have seen the “sea-band” wristbands at stores, which work by applying pressure to PC-6. These bands have mixed reviews, partially because the pressure applied might not be strong enough, nor placed Accurately.
PC-6 is located on the forearm with the palm facing upward. To locate it, take your first 3 fingers (pointer, middle, and ring) and line them up below your wrist crease. Then make a fist to feel your 2 tendons pop up, and the point is located here, 3 fingers below your wrist crease and in between the 2 tendons on your forearm. It is in the same location on both arms. To apply pressure, use the thumb of your opposite hand for 1-2 minutes and repeat every 15 minutes as needed. Be sure to repeat on both arms. It is recommended to use this technique both during, but more importantly, prior to experiencing symptoms.
Go enjoy that road trip!
It’s a big and wonderful world out there waiting to be explored. Take these tips with you on your next drive, ready to combat motion sickness. If you have a trip coming up, or are looking for additional support, consider booking an acupuncture session prior to or after your travels to bring your body back to balance and keep your nervous system at peace.
Acupuncture Masterclass. (2026). PC-6 acupuncture point: More than just for nausea.
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Motion sickness.
D'Alberto, A. (n.d.). Motion sickness: TCM treatment, acupressure & travel tips.
Lone Star Neurology. (2026). Why some people are more prone to motion sickness: A neurological explanation.
Me & Qi. (n.d.). Sheng Jiang.
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