Do you know the reason why you are getting hiccups? Hiccups happen because our diaphragm begins to spasm involuntarily. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps to breathe in and out. It is located below the lungs. When it spasms, we inhale suddenly and our vocal cords snap shut, which is why it causes a distinctive sound.
Here are some of the factors that cause you hiccups which include eating too much or too quickly, being stressed or emotionally excited or while being exposed to quick changes in temperature.
Here are the 5 tips to get rid of Hiccups
1.Breathing technique
Sometimes, a simple change in your breathing can relax your diaphragm. You can Inhale a large gulp of air and hold it for about 10 to 25 seconds, then breathe it out slowly. Repeat this technique multiple times.
2.Pressure points
Pressure points are areas of our body that are mainly sensitive to pressure. Applying pressure to these points may help to relax your diaphragm. You can pull on your tongue. It will help stimulates the nerves and muscles in your throat. Grab the tip of your tongue and gently pull it forward at least twice.
3.Drink water
Take a glass of water, tip the glass up under your chin to drink from the far side. It will help to stimulate your vagus or phrenic nerves. You can also try drinking ice water Slowly and little by little. You can also have a spoonful of honey.
4.Distract yourself
Distracting yourself with something engaging can help to get rid of hiccups. It will gradually go away on its own when you stop focusing on them. You might have tried this method earlier, if not try now. You can watch a video, play games such as online games, chess, or puzzle. This all will help you keep the focus on games.
5.Massage your throat
Try poking with the tip of your finger at the back of your throat with a cotton swab. You gently swab the back of your throat with a cotton swab until you gag or cough. If you try this, your gag reflex may stimulate the vagal nerve and get rid of hiccups.
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