Travel should be an exciting experience, but for many people, it can quickly become uncomfortable thanks to motion sickness. Whether you’re in a car, on a plane, or at sea, feeling dizzy or nauseous can turn a pleasant journey into something to endure. That’s where travel bands for motion sickness come in. But do they actually work? Let’s explore how they’re designed to help, what the science says, and when they might be worth trying.

What Is Motion Sickness and Why Does It Happen?

Motion sickness happens when there’s a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. For example, if you’re reading in a moving car, your body knows you’re in motion, but your eyes are focused on a still object — which sends mixed signals to your brain. This confusion triggers the nausea and discomfort commonly associated with travel sickness.

It can occur in various forms of transport, such as:

• — Cars and coaches – especially on winding or stop-start routes
• — Boats and ferries – often worse in choppy waters
• — Planes – during take-off, landing, or turbulence
• — Trains – particularly if facing backwards or when not looking out the window

Symptoms may vary, but the most common include:

• — Nausea or vomiting
• — Dizziness
• — Sweating
• — Headache
• — Pale or clammy skin
• — Tiredness or feeling unsettled

Some people also experience loss of appetite or a general feeling of unease. It can begin suddenly and worsen quickly, especially in children or people who are more sensitive to motion.

How Do Travel Bands for Motion Sickness Work?

Travel bands, sometimes called acupressure or sea bands, are elastic wristbands with a small plastic button or bead that applies pressure to a particular point on your wrist. This spot is known as the P6 (Nei-Kuan) acupressure point, and stimulating it is believed to help control nausea.

Here’s how they’re thought to work:

• — The bead applies steady pressure to the P6 point
• — This stimulation may influence the body’s natural response to nausea
• — It’s based on acupressure principles from traditional Chinese medicine

The bands don’t contain any medicine, so they’re often used as a non-drug alternative to travel sickness tablets. They’re popular with those who prefer more natural methods, or those who want to avoid side effects such as drowsiness.

Travel bands are reusable, easy to wear, and suitable for adults and children alike. They can be worn on one or both wrists and usually start to take effect within a few minutes of being applied.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Studies on travel bands for motion sickness have shown mixed results. Some clinical trials suggest they offer relief for certain people, while others find little improvement compared to a placebo. That said, a lot of people swear by them and report noticeable improvements in their symptoms.

Some points to consider:

• — Travel bands may be more effective for mild to moderate symptoms
• — They’re often recommended for people undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing morning sickness
• — They may be particularly helpful when used as a prevention, before symptoms begin

While they may not be a guaranteed fix for everyone, many users find them a helpful addition to their travel kit — especially when used alongside other methods like fresh air, hydration, and avoiding heavy meals before a journey.

If you’re unsure whether travel bands are right for you, it can be helpful to try them during a short trip first and monitor how your body responds.

Should You Try Travel Bands for Motion Sickness?

If you’re looking for a simple, drug-free way to prevent motion sickness, travel bands could be worth trying. They’re low-cost, non-invasive, and easy to keep in your travel bag. Some people find them more comfortable and practical than other remedies, especially when travelling with children.

They may be a good choice if:

• — You prefer non-medicated remedies
• — You’ve experienced side effects from motion sickness tablets
• — You’re travelling during pregnancy or are sensitive to medication
• — You’re supporting a child who doesn’t want to take tablets
• — You want to combine them with other strategies for better results

While not everyone will find them effective, travel bands are generally safe to use and don’t interfere with other treatments. If symptoms are severe or persistent, a combination of travel bands and other remedies — such as antihistamines, ginger chews, or motion sickness patches — may offer greater relief.

Ask Murray’s Pharmacy for Travel Sickness Solutions

If motion sickness is affecting your travel plans, we’re here to help. At Murray’s Pharmacy, we stock a variety of travel bands for motion sickness along with expert advice on how to manage nausea and dizziness while travelling.

Our friendly travel clinic team can help you find the right product for your journey — whether you’re travelling by car, ferry, train or plane. We also offer advice on other travel essentials, including motion sickness tablets and remedies for children.

Pop into the pharmacy or get in touch with us today. With the right support, you can feel more in control and enjoy your journey with confidence.

This blog was written on behalf of Murrays Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.