Hiccups are an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle, which causes the vocal cords to contract and produce that well-known “hic” sound.

Hiccups can be triggered by various factors, including eating too much or too fast, drinking alcohol, sudden temperature changes, stress, excitement, or swallowing air. Although hiccups usually go away on their own within a few minutes, they can be annoying, embarrassing, and even painful if they persist for a long time. Fortunately, there are many tricks that you can try to stop hiccups quickly and effectively.

Here are 15 mind-boggling tricks to stop hiccups.

1. Hold Your Breath

One of the most popular and simple ways to stop hiccups is to hold your breath for a few seconds. By doing so, you increase the carbon dioxide level in your body, which signals the diaphragm to relax and stop spasming.

To hold your breath, take a deep breath in, then hold it for 10-20 seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat this process several times until your hiccups stop.

2. Drink Water

Drinking water is another common remedy for hiccups, as it can help to soothe the throat and diaphragm and distract your mind from the hiccups.

To use this method, take a few sips of water, then swallow them slowly and continuously, without taking a breath or pausing. Alternatively, you can gulp down a glass of water quickly, although this may not be effective for everyone.

3. Swallow a Spoonful of Sugar

Sugar is believed to work as a hiccup remedy by stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen and controls various bodily functions, including breathing.

To use this method, take a teaspoon of sugar and let it dissolve in your mouth. Swallow it slowly, without chewing, and wait for a few minutes to see if your hiccups stop. Alternatively, you can mix the sugar with a little bit of water or vinegar to enhance its effectiveness.

4. Breathe into a Paper Bag

Breathing into a paper bag can help to increase the carbon dioxide level in your body, which, as mentioned earlier, can relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups. To use this method, take a small paper bag and put it tightly around your mouth and nose.

Breathe in and out deeply and slowly for 10-15 breaths, then remove the bag and check if your hiccups are gone.

5. Gargle with Ice Water

Gargling with ice water can help to shock your diaphragm and reset it to its normal position. To use this method, fill a glass with ice water, tilt your head back, and take a big gulp of water.

Hold it in your mouth for a few seconds, then gargle it vigorously for 15-30 seconds. Spit the water out and repeat the process until your hiccups stop.

6. Pull Your Tongue

Pulling your tongue can stimulate the muscles in your throat and disrupt the spasms in your diaphragm. To use this method, stick your tongue out as far as you can and hold it with your fingers or teeth for 10-15 seconds.

Release your tongue and swallow a few times, then repeat the process as needed.

7. Bite on a Lemon Wedge

The sour taste of a lemon can help to activate the salivary glands and stimulate the nerves that control the diaphragm. To use this method, cut a fresh lemon into wedges and bite down on one of them, focusing on the sour taste and sensation.

Suck on the wedge for a few seconds, then spit it out and repeat with a new wedge if needed.

8. Massage Your Neck

Massaging your neck can help to ease the tension and pressure on your diaphragm and relax your muscles. To use this method, place your fingers on the sides of your neck, just below your ears, and apply gentle pressure for 10-20 seconds.

Move your fingers down your neck towards your collarbones and repeat the process, focusing on any tight or sore spots.

9. Tickle Your Palate

Tickling your palate can trigger the gag reflex and interrupt the hiccups. To use this method, place a spoon on your tongue and press it against the roof of your mouth, near the back of your throat.

Keep the spoon in place, then gently tickle your palate with your finger or another spoon for a few seconds. Remove the spoon and swallow a few times to check if your hiccups are gone.

10. Bend Forward

Bending forward can help to compress your diaphragm and stimulate the vagus nerve, which can stop your hiccups. To use this method, sit on a chair or a bed and bend over your knees, letting your arms hang down.

Stay in this position for a few seconds, then sit up straight and breathe deeply. Repeat the process as needed.

11. Use Acupressure Points

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and stress.

There are several acupressure points that are believed to help stop hiccups, including the base of the neck, the top of the shoulders, and the webbing between the thumb and index finger. To use this method, locate the point that feels tender or sore, and apply firm pressure with your finger for 10-20 seconds. Relax your hand and check if your hiccups have stopped.

12. Do a Saline Nasal Rinse

A saline nasal rinse can help to clear your nose and sinuses and reduce the risk of swallowing air, which can trigger hiccups. To use this method, mix one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water.

Use a neti pot or a bulb syringe to flush the saline solution through your nostrils, one at a time, tilting your head back and breathing through your mouth. Repeat the process as necessary.

13. Breathe Deeply

Breathing deeply and slowly can help to relax your diaphragm and increase the oxygen flow to your lungs, which can alleviate hiccups.

To use this method, sit in a comfortable position and take a deep breath in, then exhale slowly through your mouth, making a “ha” sound. Repeat the process several times, focusing on your breath and relaxing your body.

14. Drink Vinegar

Vinegar is another acidic substance that is believed to help stop hiccups by stimulating the nerves that control the diaphragm. To use this method, mix one teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water and drink it slowly, in small sips.

Alternatively, you can take the vinegar directly, but be careful not to swallow too much at once, as it can cause throat irritation.

15. Try the Valsalva Maneuver

The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that involves exhaling forcibly against a closed mouth and nose, which can increase the pressure in the chest and stop hiccups.

To use this method, take a deep breath in, then close your mouth and pinch your nose tightly. Exhale slowly and forcefully, as if you were trying to blow up a balloon. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then release your nose and check if your hiccups are gone.

Conclusion

Hiccups can be a pesky and uncomfortable problem, but they don’t have to ruin your day. With these 15 mind-boggling tricks, you can stop your hiccups quickly and efficiently, using simple and natural remedies that are safe for most people.

However, if your hiccups persist or become chronic, you may want to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.