Hiccups are a common occurrence thatcan quickly become irritating. This causes people to come up with a variety of strange and inventive ways to get rid of them. SDF (synchronous diaphragmatic flutter) or singultus are medical terms for hiccups. Acupuncture and accupressure therapy can help with uncontrollable hiccups. You can easily press the pressure points to get rid of hiccups at home. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Ajay Kumar Thakor, M.B.B.A (Pat.) M.D (Acu.), Arogya Accupressure clinic, Delhi, about how to get rid of hiccups through accupressure.
If we look at it in the terms of physiology, a hiccup happens when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily, and the voice box contracts and the vocal folds close at the same moment, thereby obstructing airflow. Acupressure is a type of acupuncture that can be done at home. You're not using needles; instead, you're using your hands or a device. All you have to do to do acupressure for hiccups is massage and apply direct pressure to specific acupoints. Read further to know more about it.
Pressure points to get rid of hiccups
Most people try drinking water, gargling and holding their breath. However, even accupressure can effectively help in dealing with hiccups. According to Dr. Ajay, here are the pressure points for instant relief from hiccups:
1. TE-17
In the hollow behind your earlobe, you will find TE-17, also known as "yifeng" or "wind screen." By controlling the qi in the Gallbladder Meridian and diaphragm, this acupoint indirectly heals hiccups.
Also read: Why Do We Get Hiccups? Know Causes From An Expert
2. P-6
P-6 is three finger widths below the inner wrist and is also known as "neiguan" or "inner pass." P-6, combined with CV12 and ST36, significantly alleviates recurrent hiccups, especially in individuals who had arthroplasty, according to a 2019 study. This is an acupressure point that can help with gas and bloating, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, and upset stomach.
3. SP-4
Sit down and pull one foot onto your knee, with the inside of the foot facing you, to attempt the spleen 4 (SP4) point. Slide your hand along the side of your foot from your big toe. Just beyond the padded ball of your feet, your foot begins to arch. It's in the arch, just proximal to the metatarsal bone, on the medial side of the foot. Hiccups and even a chronic illness can be treated by pressing on this area.
4. CV-13
CV-13 is helpful for upper body issues (regurgitating, hiatal hernia, hiccups, epigastric agony), whereas CV 12 is valuable for center body problems. CV 10 is important for lower body issues. CV-13 is likewise a supportive strain highlight to treat the ongoing hiccup episodes.
Also read: How To Get Rid Of Hiccups In Newborns: Know Prevention Tips For Relief From Expert
5. CV-10
This accupressure point is useful to get rid of hiccups. Along with providing relief from hiccups, CV 10 is indicated for issues with the lower stomach (stagnation, bulging, widening, feeble absorption, looseness of the bowels, undigested food in the stool, spewing, borborygmus). CV 12 is helpful for problems with the center stomach and CV 13 is beneficial for the upper stomach.