Motion Sickness — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM, a constitution with a weak spleen and stomach is traditionally understood to impair transformation, leading to accumulation of dampness and phlegm.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Turbid Phlegm Obstructing the Middle (Phlegm-Dampness Clouding the Upper Orifices)
Formula: Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang (Pinellia, Atractylodes Macrocephala and Gastrodia Decoction) — from *Yi Xue Xin Wu*
Fluid retention below the heart (in the epigastrium) (Propping Rheum Attacking Upward)
Formula: Ze Xie Tang (Alisma Decoction) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*
Middle Yang Deficiency with Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Formula: Linggui Zhugan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*
These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Food Therapy & Diet
Dietary Therapy Recipes
- Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea: 3 slices fresh ginger, 1 spoon brown sugar; steep for 15 minutes.
- Tangerine Peel, Ginger and Jujube Tea: 5 g dried tangerine peel, 3 slices ginger, 3 jujubes; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Vinegar Warm Water: 1 tablespoon aged vinegar, 200 ml warm water; mix and drink.
- Chinese Yam and Coix Seed Congee: 60 g Chinese yam, 50 g coix seed, 100 g rice; cook into congee.
- Lemon and Honey Drink: half a lemon, honey to taste; mix with water.
Dietary Principles
- Favor light foods that may support the spleen, resolve dampness, and harmonize the stomach: Chinese yam, coix seed, tangerine peel, ginger.
- Eat a small amount before travel; avoid both an empty and an overly full stomach.
- Drink ginger tea or tangerine peel tea regularly to help support spleen and stomach function.
- Avoid rich, greasy, and spicy foods.
- Avoid alcohol, overeating, and gas-producing drinks before travel.
- Avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue before travel.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM, a constitution with a weak spleen and stomach is traditionally understood to impair transformation, leading to accumulation of dampness and phlegm; phlegm-fluid stagnating in the middle burner, with clear yang failing to rise and disturbing the clear orifices, was associated with dizziness. The bumping of travel disrupts the normal ascending and descending of qi, stirring phlegm-fluid and causing stomach qi to rise counterflow. Spleen deficiency with internal phlegm-fluid retention is considered the root.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.