What should you know about sea bands for motion sickness?

Sea bands are elastic wristbands with a small stud that applies pressure near the inner wrist; some people use them as a non-drug option for motion sickness. They may ease symptoms for some travellers, but they do not correct the balance signals that cause the condition and should not delay care when symptoms are severe.

Motion sickness can occur when signals from the eyes, inner ear and body disagree during travel. This mismatch may produce nausea, sweating, dizziness, headache or vomiting. A sea band is intended to stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist; its benefit can vary, and a band cannot treat dehydration or another illness causing similar symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms through the Nausea and Vomiting pages.

Position the stud over the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons, following the product instructions. Put it on before travel if that is when symptoms usually begin, and make sure it is snug rather than painfully tight. Sit where movement is lower, look toward the horizon, keep fresh air circulating, and take small sips of fluid. Avoid reading while the vehicle is moving. If you travel often or need medication advice, a Travel Health Consultation can help you plan.

Seek medical help if vomiting continues, you cannot keep fluids down, you pass very little urine, or you become faint, confused or unusually drowsy. Get urgent advice for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, blood in vomit, a stiff neck or a severe headache. Symptoms that occur when you are not travelling, or that repeatedly disrupt daily life, deserve assessment for another cause.

Ask whether your symptoms fit motion sickness, whether a medicine is suitable for your age and health, and how to avoid drowsiness while travelling. Mention pregnancy, glaucoma, prostate symptoms, regular medicines and previous reactions before using an anti-sickness product.