Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is defined in Western medicine as a disturbance of the inner equilibrium stemming from repetitive movements, such as sea waves or vehicle turbulence. This phenomenon results from incongruent sensory input to the brain from the vestibular system and visual cues, often leading to symptoms like nausea and dizziness (Archives of Internal Medicine). While its manifestations are physiologically substantiated, it is also regarded as a psychological disorder, illustrating the complex interplay between mind and body in its etiology (Journal of Travel Medicine). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes motion sickness primarily to a pattern of disharmony known as "phlegm," produced when the body inadequately processes bodily fluids. This maladaptation is often rooted in a deficiency of spleen Qi, given that in TCM, the spleen is instrumental in transforming and transporting bodily fluids (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences).