Gonna hurl? ‘Sound spice' cures motion sickness through your ears: study
It's music to your inner ear — literally.
A study out of Japan recently found sound waves could potentially help you lose weight. Now, another study courtesy of Japanese scientists has unveiled a type of sound therapy that could soon have motion sickness sufferers singing a different tune.
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Dubbed 'sound spice,' this innovative treatment involves a unique sound wave that stimulates the inner ear, effectively reducing symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
In the study — published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine and conducted by researchers at Nagoya University's Graduate School of Medicine — participants exposed to this specific 100 Hz frequency experienced significant relief from motion-induced discomfort.
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The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability.
'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa.
'The effective sound level falls within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure, suggesting that the sound technology is both effective and safe.'
Participants were subjected to motion sickness-inducing scenarios, such as reading in a moving vehicle or using a driving simulator, after receiving the sound therapy.
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3 The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability.
Dmitrij – stock.adobe.com
Assessments showed a marked reduction in symptoms, indicating the potential of this non-invasive treatment.
While traditional remedies for motion sickness include medications and behavioral strategies like controlled breathing and listening to music, this new approach offers a promising alternative.
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Previous studies have explored the benefits of music and auditory cues in mitigating motion sickness, but the targeted stimulation of the vestibular system using specific sound frequencies marks a significant advancement.
As the demand for effective, non-pharmacological treatments for motion sickness grows, especially with the rise of virtual reality and autonomous vehicles, 'sound spice' could become a game-changer.
3 'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa.
Patrick – stock.adobe.com
Further research and development are underway to bring this therapy to practical applications across various modes of transportation.
'The health risk of short-term exposure to our unique sound is minimal,' Kagawa said.
'Given that the stimulus level is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation is expected to be safe when used properly.'
So if you've tried everything from ginger candies to acupressure bands without success, this auditory intervention might just be the harmonious solution you've been seeking.
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