Comprehensive answers to questions about travel and prevention of motion sickness, seasickness, carsickness, airsickness and more

We know you may have some questions before placing your order for the Puma Method video, so we created this list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you get answers. Just look for your question in the list below, then click on it to go straight to the answer. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

1. Is motion sickness really an illness?

Strictly speaking, motion sickness is not an illness. It is a normal response by the human body to certain types of motion, their severity and duration. If the right circumstances are experienced, almost anyone could be made to feel sick. (Top)

2. Are either men or woman more susceptible to motion sickness?

Women appear to suffer from motion sickness more frequently than men. Research has shown that women who use oral contraceptives are more susceptible than average. Additionally, women are especially vulnerable during menses or pregnancy. (Top)

3. Why do I get motion sick?

As we engage in our daily activities, the body's sensors, especially the eyes and the sensors of the semicircular canals located within each ear, send information to the brain about the position and movement of our body. Normally the brain has no difficulty appropriately processing all these messages. However, if the brain is overwhelmed with too much and conflicting sensory information, the body responds with the symptoms of motion sickness. These symptoms include nausea, lightheadedness and headache. (Top)

4. Are nausea, lightheadedness and headache always an indication of motion sickness?

Some individuals may suffer symptoms similar to motion sickness that are caused by certain psychological or medical conditions. A person may be so afraid of flying, for instance, that just being in a plane causes anxiety and nausea. The Puma Method cannot help these individuals. If your symptoms persist, even after doing the Puma Method for several weeks, it is important to consult your physician. (Top)

5. What kinds of motion sickness does the Puma Method prevent?

The Puma Method is used to raise a person's tolerance to any type of motion, whether it is riding in a car, boat, train, plane or even amusement park ride. (Top)

6. How does the Puma Method Work?

The foundation of the Puma Method is conditioning. Our daily exercise program exposes your body to certain motions. By gradually increasing the intensity and duration of these motions, you will successfully desensitize the brain to previously overwhelming or conflicting messages that caused your motion sickness. (Top)

7. How much time does it take to do the exercises?

The exercises should take only 15 minutes per day on average. (Top)

8. How long will I have to do the exercises before I get rid of my motion sickness?

In as little as two weeks, you may be able to enjoy those activities that formerly made you feel ill. The Reference Guide and Daily Exercise Log will help track your progress along the way. So, even if it takes a little longer for you to become conditioned, you will still be encouraged to see the measurable improvements you are making. After completing the conditioning period, you are ready to transfer this conditioning to the activity that caused your motion sickness. (Top)

9. How do I transfer the conditioning?

Transference happens naturally as you engage in the activity that caused your motion sickness. At first you should limit your exposure time to that activity. For example, if reading while traveling in a vehicle makes you feel ill, read only until mild symptoms appear. This will enable you to gradually transfer the tolerance you have been building up through the exercise program to the actual activity that causes your motion sickness. Many people find that they have immediate transference. After doing the exercises for two weeks, they no longer suffer any motion sickness at all. Others may need more time to make this transition. (Top)

10. How long will the motion sickness prevention last?

Once your conditioning takes place, it never goes away completely. Your tolerance level to certain motions may diminish if you have not experienced them in a while. If this happens, all you need is a few days of the Puma Method to boost your level of conditioning. Use your video as a reference and you will be amazed at how quickly you spring back. (Top)

11. Can my motion sickness come back?

If an activity is severe enough to overcome your newly developed tolerance level, then motion sickness could occur. Repeat the exercises until you reach the desired tolerance level. (Top)

12. Are there any side effects from doing the exercises?

If the exercises are done as recommended, there should not be any negative side effects. However, never do the exercises more frequently or for longer periods than recommended. Doing so may overly sensitize your body to motion. If this happens, you should avoid the exercises and the activity that produces your motion sickness for a few days. Then, you may begin the exercise program again. Remember, this is a gradual conditioning process. Take it easy and give your body the time it needs to adjust. (Top)

13. What age person can use the Puma Method?

There is no age limit, as long as the person is able to do the exercise program correctly. (Top)

14. Can children use the Puma Method?

Children can benefit from the Puma Method. It is important, however, that they do the exercises correctly and so an adult should supervise their daily exercise session. If a parent and child both suffer from motion sickness, they can do the exercises together. (Top)

15. Can a person with disabilities do the exercises?

This is a difficult question because there are so many different kinds of disabilities. We may be able to assist your health care provider in tailoring a program for the individual with disabilities. (Top)

16. Do I have to be aerobically fit to do the exercises?

To do the exercises, a person should have average mobility of the head, neck and upper body. The exercises are mild and are always done at a pace that is comfortable for you. The exercises can be done while seated, for those who may have difficulty standing. However, conditioning may take a little longer. Interestingly, if a person has a high level of aerobic conditioning they have an increased susceptibility to motion sickness. (Top)

17. Can a person with arthritis do the exercises?

People with arthritis or other painful conditions of the upper spine should not do the exercises without first consulting a physician. (Top)

18. How do I know that I'm doing the exercises correctly?

Doing the exercises correctly will produce mild symptoms of motion sickness. This is part of the conditioning process. In addition, you can have someone watch you and critique your performance. You can also video tape yourself and compare your performance to that on the Puma Method VHS or DVD. (Top)

19. Can I use anti-motion sickness medications or devices while doing the Puma Method?

During the 15-minute period you are doing the exercises and for about one hour after, you should not be under the influence of anti-motion sickness drugs and devices or medications that produce drowsiness, including alcoholic beverages. They may prevent the conditioning process. However, always check with your health care provider before altering the use of any medication. (Top)

20. Do I need a prescription for the Puma Method?

A prescription is not needed; however, as with any exercise program, you should consult with your health care provider to be sure there are no medical conditions that would prevent you from doing the exercises safely. (Top)

21. Do I have to wear any special devices with the Puma Method?

There are no special devices required with the Puma Method. (Top)

22. Is there any special equipment required to perform the exercises.

The exercises can be comfortably done in your home with no special equipment. (Top)

23. Can I do the exercises while watching them being demonstrated?

After watching the entire program at least once, you can then skip over the informational portion and go directly to the exercise routine demonstration. It is easier to do this with the interactive DVD because it provides you with a menu selection. (Top)

24. Will the Puma Method VHS video play on a standard player?

The Puma Method video will play on a modern standard VHS player. (Top)

25. Will the Puma Method DVD play on a standard player?

The Puma Method interactive DVD is designed to play on a computer or modern DVD player. You may not be able to use some older DVD players. In addition, the DVD is regionalized for playback on DVD players purchased for use in the US, US Territories and Canada. (Top)

26. What is the return policy?

Unopened (still in the original shrink wrap) VHS or DVD media and inserts can be returned within 45 days of the original order date. A full refund (minus shipping and handling charges) will be credited to the purchasers credit card account. Please return defective VHS or DVD media for replacement at no charge. (Top)

27. How long wil it take to receive my order?

You should receive your order in two to four business days. (Top)

28. What are the shipping and handling fees?

The total shipping and handling fees are $6.95 for shipping by US PRIORITY MAIL to the US, US Territories, and Canada. At the current time, we can only ship NTSC VHS and DVD in english. (Top)

29. Will I have to pay a sales tax?

Puma Method products purchased from and shipped to California are assessed a 7.75% sales tax. (Top)

30. How long before travel should I do Puma Method to prevent air sickness car sickness or sea sickness?

Since it takes about 2 weeks for the average person to build up sufficient tolerance to prevent airsickness carsickness or seasickness, you should start your exercises a minimum of 2 weeks before you plan to travel. However, we recommend that you complete the exercises well in advance, since you can always boost your tolerance level a day or two before departure by doing some more of the exercises. That's why we recommend that you retain your own copy of the VHS or Interactive DVD. See questions 8. and 9. above. (Top)