Acupressure to the Rescue from Motion Sickness in Self-Driving Cars

Matt Bucklin
2 min readNov 9, 2023

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Self-driving cars have revolutionized the way we commute, offering the promise of increased productivity and relaxation during our journeys. However, motion sickness has emerged as a common drawback, hindering passengers from fully enjoying the benefits of hands-free travel. Fortunately, acupressure, a traditional healing technique, has proven to be a simple and effective remedy for motion sickness, allowing passengers to embrace the convenience of self-driving cars without the discomfort.

Motion sickness in self-driving cars is a result of the sensory conflict between what the eyes perceive and what the inner ear senses. As passengers engage in activities like reading or using their phones while the car is in autonomous mode, the visual stimuli can conflict with the vestibular signals, leading to nausea, dizziness, and discomfort.

Acupressure, an ancient healing method rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate various ailments. In the context of motion sickness in self-driving cars, acupressure targeting the median nerve in the wrist has shown promising results.

Using Sense Relief to help with motion sickness from Self Driving cars

The median nerve runs through the wrist and is associated with the feeling of nausea. Applying pressure to this area can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and reduce the signals that trigger nausea.

To make acupressure more accessible and convenient for self-driving car passengers, innovative solutions like Sense Relief have emerged. Sense Relief is an acupressure device that integrates with wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch, to deliver targeted pressure to the median nerve whenever motion sickness symptoms arise.

Sense Relief uses advanced sensors to detect motion sickness symptoms in real-time. When it identifies signs of discomfort, it activates small, precise pulses of pressure on the median nerve. This not only provides quick relief but also eliminates the need for passengers to rely on medications with delayed onset effects and potential drowsy side effects.

The Benefits of Acupressure Over Medication

Unlike traditional motion sickness medications, acupressure offers a natural and drug-free solution. It provides rapid relief without the risk of drowsiness, allowing passengers to engage in activities like work, reading, or texting without the fear of unpleasant side effects.

As self-driving cars become more prevalent, addressing the issue of motion sickness is crucial to ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for passengers. Acupressure, particularly targeting the median nerve, has proven to be an effective and natural remedy for motion sickness in autonomous vehicles. With technological advancements like Sense Relief, passengers can confidently take their eyes off the road and fully embrace the benefits of hands-free travel without the discomfort of motion sickness.

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Matt Bucklin
Matt Bucklin

Written by Matt Bucklin

President Credible. Principal Valley Cove Capital. Founder & CEO The Quit Company, Co-Founder Sense Relief, MBA Yale School of Management, BA Colby College.

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