Nausea - is a horrible sickly sensation of feeling uncomfortable and the stomach churns over and over, leaving you hoping and praying that you will not actually need to be sick or if by some miraculous stroke of fate, the ghastly sensation will pass.

These nauseas feelings can be short -lived or they can be prolonged and it can be caused through the brain i.e. an injury or through the gastrointestinal tract. Most importantly, it is often indicative of an underlying problem within the body.

Nausea can be caused by

• Food poisoning
• Motion sickness
• Over eating
• Viral infection
• Drugs or Alcohol
• Too much sugar
• Exposure to chemicals

The symptoms are unpleasant, even worse if you are experiencing them whilst in a public place or in a group of people. Time out from others and curling up in a quiet place is beneficial and whilst lying there, it is worth trying to take your mind off these feelings of sickness and unsettledness, by picturing something therapeutic in your minds eyes, this could be anything which is personal to you and you find particularly inspiring or uplifting. Alternatively, play your favourite records to help keep you relaxed until the sensations begin to cease or listen to an audio book and really try to focus on the words, characters, descriptions.

It is best to avoid food altogether when these nauseas symptoms occur, although sometimes lack of food can instigate sickly feelings. Drink water or a little sugary drink which may help to settle the stomach. Keep the fluid intake up as unfortunately should vomiting eventually occur, dehydration can quickly set in, depending on the severity of the bout.

If the feeling of sickness increase or if you have any of the following, then you must seek medical advice:

• Blood within the vomit
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydrated
• Lack of urine

There can be serious conditions that can result in nausea and these include meningitis, appendicitis, blocked intestine or concussion to name but a few, if there is the possibility that any of these conditions may apply, then medical help must be sought.

Drinks

Drink clear or ice cold drinks. A little sugary drink can help to settle the stomach. Try peppermint or chamomile tea which can hep soothe the stomach.

Activity

Reduce activity and sit quietly and just let the feelings pass over you.

Food

Avoid greasy foods and reduce the size of portions on a daily basis, eating smaller amounts throughout the day.

Meditation

Try meditating about something which inspires you. Maybe a wonderful holiday on some tropical island. Picture yourself feeling soothed, calm and healthy during your meditation.

Ginger

Add some fresh ginger to your tea and this will help to soothe the feelings of sickness.

Vomiting

Sadly, it may just be necessary to vomit and clear the stomach. This will eradicate the feelings of nausea and you will feel much better afterwards.