Shifting stubborn hiccups can be frustrating, but acupuncturist Dr. Eileen Li has revealed the little-known pressure points that can relive the dreaded symptom in just a matter of minutes
There’s nothing worse than the unexpected arrival of hiccups during a work meeting or when you’re trying to sleep, but one doctor has shared a simple trick to shift them in seconds.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hiccups describe the repeated spasm of the diaphragm which is paired with a ‘hic’ sound from the vocal cords closing. The diaphragm is located under the ribcage, and the muscle plays an important role in the breathing process. While it’s not completely clear why we get hiccups, experts have suggested that low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and irritated nerves could play a role. The Cleveland Clinic reports eating and drinking too quickly, carbonated beverages or alcohol, and stress as other factors for mild hiccups.
People are often encouraged to drink water quickly and swallow granulated sugar in a bid to relieve the symptom, but acupuncturist Dr. Eileen Li has suggested that pressure points work more effectively. Taking to TikTok, under the username @anew.acu, the expert explained: “Hiccups happen when your diaphragm involuntarily contracts and spasms.
“It translates that little bit of force all the way up to your throat, making that ‘hic’ noise. In order to help the diaphragm, that little breathing muscle, to relax there are certain points that you can press that are going to move all that air in force back to the diaphragm to reset it and relax.”
Dr. Eileen then demonstrated the first trick, which involves pressing the “small ditch” on the inside of both your eyebrows with your little fingers. “When you find the ditch, you want to hold it for 30-seconds and you want to do this five times each time,” she explained.
The second pressure point is located on your hands. The doctor continued: “So, we’re going to be using the thumb side and you’re going to find the meaty part of your thumb, towards the shaft of the thumb bone. You want to hold that for about 30-seconds and do it five times on each hand, to help the diaphragm to relax.”
Impressed followers flocked to the comments section to share their response to the helpful hack, as one user gushed: “I tried everything other than water and this was the ONLY thing that worked.” While a second echoed: “These tips are so useful. Thank you.”
A third penned: “Wow this actually worked,” while another informed: “I have a third point for hiccups. Go behind your ear at the top of your jawbone. There is a spot you can lightly press for about 30 to 60-seconds.” In rare cases, hiccups can last for a longer duration and this may be due to a medical condition or medicine. The NHS recommends visiting a GP if your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, come back often, or are affecting your life.
