To stop hiccups instantly at home, you can try several effective methods that help relax or reset the diaphragm muscle and interrupt the hiccup reflex:
Breathing and Posture Techniques
- Hold your breath: Take a deep breath and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat if needed
- Measured breathing: Breathe in slowly for a count of five and out for five, to calm the diaphragm
- Breathe into a paper bag: Slowly breathe in and out of a small paper bag (never plastic) to increase carbon dioxide levels and relax the diaphragm
- Knees to chest: Sit or lie down, pull your knees to your chest and lean forward, holding for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing slowly
Pressure Point Stimulation
- Pull your tongue: Gently pull on the tip of your tongue to stimulate nerves in your throat, which can stop hiccups
- Press behind ears: Apply gentle pressure to the soft area behind your earlobes for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing slowly
Home Remedies and Foods
- Sip ice-cold water: Drinking cold water slowly or sucking on an ice cube can help relax the diaphragm
- Swallow granulated sugar: A teaspoon of sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt hiccups
- Bite on lemon or taste vinegar: The sour taste can reset the nerves causing hiccups
- Eat peanut butter: Eating a spoonful changes your breathing pattern and can stop hiccups quickly
- Ginger: Sucking on small pieces of ginger helps due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Chamomile tea with lemon: Acts as a muscle relaxant to ease diaphragm spasms
Additional Tips
- Use the Valsalva maneuver : Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and try to exhale forcibly to reset the diaphragm
- Practice belly breathing lying flat on your back, focusing on slow, deep breaths to relax the diaphragm
If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, consult a healthcare professional as it may indicate an underlying condition
. These methods can often stop hiccups quickly and are easy to try at home without special equipment
