Involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, also known as hiccups, are an annoying situation, especially if you are in a formal meeting, at the movies, and so on. The ‘hic’ sound comes after each contraction when the vocals close. Hiccups normally goes away on their own, but sometimes they last more than what is comfortable. There are a variety of natural treatments that may help you the next time you see yourself in an unstoppable hiccups attack.
1. Breathing
This is the most important and efficient medicine for the human, unfortunately most of us don’t know how to use it.
Try to breathe into a paper bag. Hold the opening snugly to your mouth and breathe faster than you usually do, in and out, up to 10 times.
You can also try to hold your breath 10 seconds.
2. Sweet or sour
Biting into a lemon, drinking a teaspoon of vinegar, or swallowing a spoonful of sugar may help relieve hiccups. The body’s reaction to the granular texture and its need to swallow often result in the rapid termination of hiccups.
3. Water
The classic cure for hiccups is to slowly drink a glass of lukewarm water while holding your breath. The slow swallowing action calms the body and helps to reset the diaphragm, while the rise in carbon dioxide which occurs as the breath is held provides a second line of attack.
4. Use Your Hands
Press the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand – the harder, the better. Alternatively, you can squeeze the ball of your left thumb between the thumb and forefinger of the right. The discomfort is a distraction that affects your nervous system and may put an end to hiccups.
5. Plug your ears
Stick your fingers in your ears for 20 to 30 seconds. Or press the soft areas behind your earlobes, just below the base of the skull. This sends a ‘relax’ signal through the vagus nerve, which connects to the diaphragm.