POWER OF SUGGESTION

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6544, 28 February 1928, Page 3

POWER OF SUGGESTION

SEASICKNESS DUB TO FEAIS The power of suggestion is more potent than drugs to combat unpleasant eventualities on the briny deep, 'according to Dr. W. N. Boldyrcff, physiologist of Battle Creek Sanatorium. Says Science Service's ‘Daily Science News Bulletin’ (Washington) :—“Dr. Boldyreg believes that fear is at the bottom of the gastric and intestinal disturbances that produce seasickness. The physic reaction of fright, in his opinion, inhibits the secretions of digestive juices, which afterward pour forth with greater force, irritating the sensitive lining of the intestine with the consequences which need no elucidation. Suggestion is the rational means of preventing the malady, ho declares; while the best method of curative suggestion would bo lectures on the causes and prevention of seasickness, so that the prospective victims would have their apprehensions removed as far as possible. Training the hands on boats so that tactless comments to passengers suggesting seasickness are reduced to a minimum would likewise bo an important factor in lessening its incidence in the physiologist’s estimation. Women and children are seasick more than men, but even old sailors who have followed the sea for many years arc not immune. Of the dozen or more drugs in current! use as- remedies Dr. Boldyrcff rccom-, mends only atropin for severe cases. Lemon or orange juice sometimes helps while cigarettes should bo packed away for consumption after landing, since nicotine apparently 'increases predisposition for seasickness.’’