Getting a hiccup is not just disturbing, but it's also very annoying at the same time. And possibly the most annoying thing is that hiccups become very persistent!
Usually you can not get rid of hiccups, you just end up simply waiting for it to stop. But unknown to most of us, there are clever and natural ways to control hiccups. It won’t even cost you a single thing!
Squeeze the ball of your left thumb with your right thumb and and right forefinger. This may hurt a bit but the discomfort will distract you and cause your hiccups to stop.
You can also pinch yourself to create a similar sensation that confuses your nervous system.
What’s great about this technique is that you can do it without being noticed at all.
Kill your hiccups with an extra dose of carbon dioxide. Cup your hands and place them over your nose and your mouth. But DO NOT stop breathing.
Do this for about 30 seconds or more. You are basically inhaling your carbon dioxide by covering your mouth.
Same goes with holding your breath for as long as you can. Soon your hiccups will completely disappear.
One clever way on to get rid of hiccups is to plug both of your ears with your fingertips for about 30 seconds.
This will send a signal to your vagus nerve so it can relax. This nerve is directly connected to your diaphragm.
Another way to send this relax signal is by pressing on the soft skin behind your earlobe.
Press for 20 seconds and soon you will find relief for your persistent hiccups.
Another clever yet weird way to gain control over hiccups is by sticking out your tongue. Sticking out your tongue will stimulate the opening called the glottis which is located between the vocal cords.
The result is you will breathe easily and your hiccups will stop. This is a popular technique used by singers and performers to quickly get rid of hiccups.
Drinking a glass of water will help and it one of the most common ways on how to get rid of hiccups.
Take nine quick sips of water in a tall glass. The rhythmic movements of the esophagus will reduce hiccups by overriding the spasms that are produced by your diaphragm.