The traditional methods to stop hiccups

Hiccups are a common phenomenon that can happen to anyone, but sometimes they can be annoying and hard to stop. There are many folk remedies that are believed to cure hiccups in Japan, but do they really work? 

In this blog post, I will introduce some of the traditional methods to stop hiccups and explain the possible mechanisms behind them.

One of the most famous methods is to put your fingers in your ears. This is supposed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that controls the function of many organs, including the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that contracts when you breathe, and its spasms cause hiccups. By stimulating the vagus nerve, you can relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups quickly.

Another method is to hold your breath. This is based on the idea that increasing the carbon dioxide level in your blood can calm down the diaphragm spasms. To do this, you need to inhale deeply and hold your breath for 10 to 15 seconds, then exhale slowly and repeat until the hiccups stop. This method is easy and discreet, so you can try it anywhere.

A third method is to pull your tongue strongly. This may sound painful, but it is actually a method that is used in hospitals. By pulling your tongue, you can stimulate the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is a nerve that runs from the back of your tongue to your throat. This nerve can also affect the diaphragm and stop the hiccups. However, this method may not be suitable for public places.

A fourth method is to drink water. There are different ways to do this, such as drinking ice water or drinking from the opposite side of a cup. The idea is that by drinking water, you can change the position of your diaphragm or stimulate the vagus nerve in your mouth. Drinking water can also help you swallow any air that may be trapped in your stomach and cause hiccups.

A fifth method is to bite a lemon. This is supposed to work by stimulating the vagus nerve with sourness. You can also use other sour things, such as lemon water or vinegar. However, this method may not be pleasant for some people.

These methods are folk remedies that may or may not work for everyone. They are not based on scientific evidence or medical principles, so please use them with caution. Also, if you have frequent or persistent hiccups, you may have an underlying medical condition that needs attention. In that case, you should consult a doctor instead of relying on these methods.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about some of the traditional methods to stop hiccups in Japan.