Earthquake sickness spreads in Japan

There have been more than 300 aftershocks of magnitudes 5.0 or more in Japan, since the massive earthquack struck the country on 11th March.

These frequent aftershocks are causing many people, including myself, so-called earthquack sickness.

Earthquake sickness is similar to motion sickness, and makes one feel dizzy or nauseous. When you go to the sea and enjoy yourself in the water for a while, you feel like you are on the wave even after you go back to your hotel. Earthquake sickness is similar to this feeling.

These days, I often feel the ground shaking and look around my room to check if my books on the shelves are still in place. But then I find out that nothing is moving and the ground is actually not shaking. I sometimes find it difficult to walk straight because I feel that the ground is shaking.

Not only the continuous aftershocks are frightening, but also the radiation leaks from Fukushima nuclear plants and the first-ever rolling blackouts are causing much stress to the Japanese residents. These stresses are considered to worsen the symptom of earthquake sickness that is widely stpreding in Japan.

According to the Japanese media, the best solution to earthquake sickeness is to relieve stress, for example, by streaching and light exercises, drinking hot drinks, listening to favourite musics, taking a long bath and have a good sleep.

Tablets for motion sickness can help relieve the symptom, although I find it difficult to keep taking this kind of medicine for an entire day. 

For those in Japan and seeking for a professional help, you should visit an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat doctor.