7 Pressure Points to Use to Naturally Get Rid of Hiccups

Hiccups can be annoying and can mess up our day. But there’s a simple and natural way to get rid of them: using pressure points. In this article, we’ll talk about six pressure points that can help stop hiccups without any fancy treatments.

Can pressure points get rid of hiccups?

Yes, using pressure points is a great way to stop hiccups naturally. These points are special spots on your body where pressing can calm down nerves and muscles, making you feel better. By focusing on certain pressure points linked to the diaphragm and its nerves, we can stop hiccups and help you breathe normally again.

How does this work?

Using pressure points to stop hiccups works by touching certain spots on your body that are connected to the muscle responsible for breathing, called the diaphragm. When the diaphragm spasms, it causes hiccups. By pressing on these spots, we can help the diaphragm relax and stop the spasms. Also, by activating nerves like the vagus nerve, which controls the diaphragm, we can ease hiccups. So, by focusing on these pressure points, we can get your breathing back to normal and stop the hiccups.

Are there risks to this?

Using pressure points to stop hiccups is usually safe and doesn’t have many risks. But it’s important to be gentle and not press too hard, especially on sensitive parts like your throat or neck. Pressing too hard could cause discomfort or even hurt you. Also, if you have had hiccups for a long time or if they come with other serious symptoms like trouble breathing or chest pain, you should see a doctor right away. Long-lasting hiccups might mean there’s a bigger health problem that needs medical help to fix.

7 Pressure points to use to get rid of hiccups

Hiccups can be a nuisance, but you can effectively manage them using pressure points. Here are six pressure points you can utilize to alleviate hiccups:

1. Gently pulling the tongue

Begin by identifying and gently moving the tip of your tongue forward once or twice. This movement activates the neurons and muscles in the throat, which causes the hiccup reflex to be interrupted. Engaging these muscles effectively stops the spasms that cause hiccups.

2. Squeezing the nose

While holding your breath, apply mild pressure to both sides of the nose. This movement can activate diaphragmatic nerves and help prevent hiccups. These nerves can be stimulated to restore normal diaphragm function and relieve hiccups.

3. Massaging the carotid artery

Lying down, gently massage the carotid artery on both sides of your neck in a circular motion for 5 to 10 seconds. This approach stimulates the nerves that supply the diaphragm and promotes relaxation. Massaging these arteries can effectively relieve the spasms that cause hiccups.

4. Pressing on the inner wrist

Find the inner wrist, which is roughly three finger widths below the base of the hand. Press gently on this area for a few seconds. This pressure point is linked to the vagus nerve and can help with hiccups. Stimulating this nerve helps modulate diaphragmatic activity and prevent hiccups.

5. Massaging the foot

Apply pressure to the area on the foot corresponding to the diaphragm. This area is located on the sole, approximately in the center. Massage this area with your fingertips in a circular motion for a few minutes. Targeting this reflexology point efficiently relaxes the diaphragm and relieves hiccups.

6. Pressing on the roof of the mouth

Push your thumb on the roof of your mouth, directly below the front teeth. Hold the pressure for a few seconds before releasing. This action activates diaphragm-associated neurons, breaking the hiccup reflex. Applying pressure to this region can effectively cease the spasms that cause hiccups.

7. Applying pressure to the philtrum

The philtrum is the vertical groove that connects the base of the nose to the upper lip. Applying moderate pressure to this location with your fingers will help stimulate the diaphragm’s nerves and stop the hiccups. Hold the pressure for a few seconds and then release. This easy procedure may provide relief for recurrent hiccups.

What can I do if my hiccup is still here?

If hiccups persist despite trying pressure points and other home remedies, it may be time to consider additional measures. Here are some further steps you can take:

1. Seek medical advice

If you have had hiccups for more than 48 hours, you should see a doctor. Chronic hiccups could indicate an underlying medical ailment that demands care. Your doctor can perform a complete examination to establish the reason for your chronic hiccups and offer the best treatment.

2. Medication options

In some cases, chronic hiccups may require medication to alleviate symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as baclofen, chlorpromazine, or metoclopramide to help control persistent hiccups. These drugs act by altering the neurons and muscles involved in the hiccup response, thereby reducing its frequency and intensity.

3. Consider underlying causes

Chronic hiccups can be an indication of underlying medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stroke, or multiple sclerosis. If your doctor identifies an underlying cause for your hiccups, addressing that underlying condition may help alleviate the symptoms.

4. Monitor lifestyle factors

Pay attention to any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your hiccups. Avoiding triggers such as overeating, consuming spicy foods, or drinking alcohol can help reduce the frequency of hiccups. Furthermore, practicing relaxation strategies like deep breathing or meditation might help reduce stress-related hiccups.

5. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will help you avoid dehydration, which is occasionally linked to frequent hiccups. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to maintain adequate hydration levels.

6. Follow up with your doctor

If you’ve tried various remedies and your hiccups persist, follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and management. Your doctor may recommend additional tests or procedures to identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to your hiccups and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

You can get rid of hiccups with pressure points

Pressure points are a natural way to stop hiccups. By pressing on specific parts of your body linked to your diaphragm and nerves, you can interrupt the hiccup reflex and make your breathing normal again. But if your hiccups keep going or you have other problems, you should see a doctor. For occasional hiccups, using these pressure points might help you feel better right away.