Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm — the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and plays an essential role in breathing. Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of your vocal cords, which produces the characteristic "hic" sound. While usually harmless and temporary, hiccups can be annoying. But what causes them, and is there a way to get rid of them at home using alternative therapy?
Causes
Stimulation or irritation of the phrenic nerves or diaphragm usually caused by consuming carbonated beverages or swallowing air can sometimes lead to hiccups.
By temperature change such as drinking a hot drink followed immediately by a cold one
By Eating too much, especially if the food is fatty or spicy
Because of Excitement, stress, or anxiety
Too much laughing without breathing
Most hiccups go away on their own, but if they last more than 48 hours, they are considered persistent. Sometimes person needs to get hospitalised if it continues for some days.
Home remedies
Drink a glass of cold water quickly
Swallow a teaspoon of sugar or eat piece of jaggary
Take a deep breath in and hold it for as long as you can hold comfortably
Breathe into a paper bag slowly and carefully. It increases the carbon dioxide level in the blood, helping to stop the hiccup reflex
Sujok Therapy for hiccups
Sujok Therapy is an effective way to stop hiccups. Please massage along the red lines on the palm (see image). You can also apply cigar moxa along the red lines. Seed therapy is very effective for hiccups, you can stick dried pea seeds or long seeds like litchi seeds on the highlighted point shown on the index finger.
If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
(Rajshree Vora is an obesity consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Sujok therapist, counsellor, and yoga therapist. You can write to her at [email protected])
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