The symptoms of motion sickness like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting can be alleviated by self-massaging the specific pressure points on the body. The simplest combination of these points is Yifeng, Nei Guan, and Tai Yang, which are located behind the earlobe, on the inner forearm, and on the temples, accordingly. Incorporating acupressure techniques into your travel routine can ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable journey
Motion sickness is a common condition that occurs when your inner ear senses movement that differs from what your eyes see, leading to a feeling of imbalance or disequilibrium. The most common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a general sense of discomfort. This condition is particularly troublesome when traveling by car, boat, or airplane, where the movement can be unpredictable and intense.
Here in northern Thailand, both travelers and locals frequently encounter motion sickness due to the region’s steep mountain roads and winding serpentines. These challenging driving conditions can easily disrupt the inner ear’s vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance.
Fortunately, these self-massage techniques offer a simple and effective way to alleviate these symptoms. By stimulating specific pressure points, you can help your body regain equilibrium and reduce the discomfort associated with motion sickness.
Below is a protocol of self-massage techniques targeting three key acupoints: Yifeng, Nei Guan, and Tai Yang. These points work together to alleviate the dizziness, nausea, and headaches often caused by motion sickness.
Let’s learn about the top acupressure points that every hypertension patient should know to control their condition.
1. Yifeng
Yifeng, or the “Wind Screen” pressure point, is located just behind the earlobe, in the depression between the mastoid process (the bony prominence behind the ear) and the mandible (lower jaw). It is commonly associated with ear-related issues, such as relieving ear pain and treating ringing or buzzing in the ears. Since motion sickness often arises from a disruption in the inner ear’s vestibular system, stimulating this point can help regulate inner ear function.
How to find Yifeng
- Locate the mastoid process, the bony prominence easily palpable just behind and below the ear.
- Place your finger just behind the earlobe and slide it backward toward the base of your skull.
- You should feel a small, soft depression between the earlobe and the angle of the jawbone.
- When you press into this depression, you may feel a slight tenderness or sensitivity, indicating the correct spot.
How to massage Yifeng
- Press and hold the point with your thumb or index finger for about 60 seconds. Repeat on the other ankle.
- Massage the point in a circular motion for 1-3 minutes. Repeat on the other ankle.
2. Nei Guan
Nei Guan, or the “Inner Pass” pressure point, is located on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons that run along the arm. Stimulating this point is well-known for its effectiveness in alleviating nausea and vomiting. It’s particularly useful in reducing motion sickness symptoms such as dizziness and upset stomach.
How to find Nei Guan
- Locate the wrist crease, where your hand meets your forearm.
- Measure three finger-widths up from the wrist crease towards your elbow.
- Place your fingers between the two prominent tendons running along the center of your inner forearm. You should feel a slight depression in this area, which is the Nei Guan point.
- When you press into this spot, you may feel a slight tenderness or sensitivity, confirming the correct location.
How to massage Nei Guan
- Press and hold the point with your thumb or index finger for about 60 seconds. Repeat on the other foot.
- Massage the point in a circular motion for 1-3 minutes. Repeat on the other foot.
3. Tai Yang
Tai Yang, or the “Sun” pressure point, is located on the temples, in the depression behind the lateral edge of the eye socket, formed by the frontal and zygomatic bones of the skull. This is probably the best-known acupoint for its powerful effect on alleviating temporal headaches, migraines, and dizziness.
How to find Tai Yang
- Locate the outer canthus of your eye, which is the outer corner where your upper and lower eyelids meet.
- Extend an imaginary line from this outer canthus towards the temple.
- Move about one finger-breadth behind the outer edge of your eyebrow. You should feel a noticeable depression here at your temple. This is the Tai Yang point.
- When you press gently on this point, you may feel a slight tenderness or a sense of tension relief. This confirms you’ve located the correct spot.
How to massage Tai Yang
- Use your index and middle fingers to press into both temples at the Tai Yang points.
- Apply gentle, firm pressure, and continue to massage the points in slow circular motions for 3-5 minutes.
- For enhanced effect, close your eyes and breathe deeply during the massage.
General guidelines for self-massage
- The thumb and index finger are best suited for pressure, but you can use any other finger.
- Be gentle and avoid excessive pressure. You should never feel pain, but some tenderness is natural and positive. Gradually increase the pressure over time to allow the muscle tissue to relax. If there is no muscle tissue at the point, simply increase the pressure in the same manner.
- Start slowly and massage in circles initially. You can apply steady pressure and hold until you feel a “good pain,” or use a pattern of holding the pressure for 5 seconds and then releasing it for 1 second.
- Press on each point for about 2-3 minutes. Then perform the sequence on the corresponding point on the other side of the body.
- If your hand gets tired from applying pressure, pause and shake out your hand.
- Deep, slow breaths enhance the effectiveness of acupressure.
- Practice regularly for best results. You can perform this technique 2-3 times per week or daily.
By incorporating these self-massage techniques into your travel routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and symptoms associated with motion sickness. These acupressure points, Yifeng, Nei Guan, and Tai Yang, offer a natural and effective way to alleviate dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Remember to practice these techniques regularly, especially before embarking on journeys that might trigger motion sickness. With a little practice, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, free from the constraints of motion sickness.
So, the next time you’re feeling queasy on a bumpy road or turbulent flight, remember to give these self-massage techniques a try and experience the benefits of acupressure for yourself!