Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
how to stop hiccups
General Medicine
Question #17490
1 year ago
1,747

how to stop hiccups - #17490

Hannah
FREE

For the past few days, I have been getting frequent hiccups, and it’s becoming really frustrating. They start randomly, sometimes when I’m eating, other times when I’m just sitting. I’ve tried holding my breath, drinking water, and even the old trick of getting someone to scare me, but nothing works consistently. I don’t know what’s causing it, but it’s happening more than usual. Yesterday, I had a particularly bad episode after eating spicy food, and the hiccups wouldn’t stop for almost 20 minutes. My chest started feeling tight, and I even felt a little breathless at one point. I don’t have any serious health issues that I know of, but I do have some acidity problems sometimes. Could this be related? I’ve heard that Ayurveda has natural remedies for digestive issues and breathing-related problems. Are there any specific herbs or practices that can help with how to stop hiccups naturally? Also, could there be an underlying reason for these frequent hiccups? Is it related to my digestion, or could it be a sign of something else? Also, I tend to eat fast, especially when I’m busy. Could that be affecting this? I’ve read somewhere that swallowing too much air while eating can cause hiccups. If that’s true, what changes should I make to prevent it? I’d love to know if there are any Ayurvedic dietary recommendations or simple home remedies for how to stop hiccups. Are there specific foods or drinks I should avoid? Also, do certain yoga techniques help in calming the diaphragm? Looking for any practical tips!

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Frequent hiccups can often be linked to irritation of the diaphragm, which can be triggered by eating too fast, swallowing air, spicy foods, acidity, or even stress. In Ayurveda, hiccups (Hikka) are associated with an imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas, especially if they occur after eating spicy or acidic foods. Since you also experience acidity issues, your hiccups could be related to excess Pitta aggravation, which irritates the stomach and diaphragm.

To stop hiccups naturally, try sipping warm water with a pinch of cardamom powder, as it helps relax the diaphragm and ease digestion. Chewing on a small piece of dry ginger or fennel seeds after meals can also prevent digestive irritation that triggers hiccups. Deep breathing exercises like Bhramari Pranayama (humming bee breath) and Sitali Pranayama (cooling breath) can help calm the nervous system and diaphragm. Slow, mindful eating and avoiding carbonated drinks, excessive spicy foods, and very hot or cold beverages may also help prevent frequent episodes.

If hiccups persist, Ayurveda recommends Brahmi and Ashwagandha to calm the nervous system, as excessive Vata can cause involuntary spasms. Applying warm ghee or castor oil on the navel can also help relax the diaphragm. If your hiccups are accompanied by breathlessness or prolonged discomfort, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying issues like GERD or nerve irritation. Making small lifestyle changes, such as eating slowly, drinking herbal teas (like Tulsi or Licorice tea), and avoiding overeating, can go a long way in preventing frequent hiccups naturally.

11987 answered questions
28% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Frequent hiccups can often be linked to digestive disturbances, particularly acidity, which may irritate the diaphragm. In Ayurveda, this is considered an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs digestion and metabolism. Eating too quickly or consuming spicy foods can aggravate this, leading to hiccups. To address this, try incorporating herbs like fennel, ginger, or cumin, which can help soothe the digestive system and reduce excess heat (Pitta). Drinking warm water with a pinch of black salt or sipping on aloe vera juice may also aid digestion and calm hiccups. Slow down when eating and chew your food thoroughly to prevent swallowing excess air, which can trigger hiccups. Simple yoga techniques such as deep, slow breathing or Pranayama exercises like Anulom Vilom can help relax the diaphragm and promote better digestion. Avoid overly spicy or oily foods, and focus on cooling foods like cucumbers, coconut, and leafy greens to help balance your digestion.

10614 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

Your situation with frequent hiccups, especially after eating spicy foods and given your history of acidity, suggests a connection to your digestive system. In Ayurveda, hiccups can be related to an imbalance in the vata dosha, which governs movement in the body, and can be aggravated by factors such as fast eating and spicy foods.

Dietary Recommendations:

1. Eat Mindfully: Slow down during meals to prevent swallowing excess air. Chew your food thoroughly and focus on your eating to enhance digestion.

2. Avoid Spicy and Irritating Foods: Minimize hot, spicy, and greasy foods that can aggravate acidity and trigger hiccups. Opt for lighter foods like cooked vegetables, rice, and dal that are easier to digest.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink room temperature warm water throughout the day, especially before and during meals. Avoid carbonated beverages as they can increase gastric pressure.

4. Ginger Tea: Make a simple ginger tea by boiling a small piece of ginger in water for 10 minutes. Drinking this after meals can help soothe your digestion and calm the diaphragm.

Home Remedies:

1. Fennel Seeds: Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals can aid digestion and reduce hiccups. Fennel has carminative properties that help alleviate bloating and gas.

2. Cumin and Coriander: Incorporate cumin or coriander into your meals. Make a cumin-coriander tea by steeping ½ teaspoon of each in boiling water. This aids digestion and can help with hiccup relief.

Yoga Techniques:

1. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Practice simple pranayama techniques, like deep abdominal breathing. This can help calm the diaphragm and reduce hiccups. Inhalation should fill your belly, and exhalation should be slow and prolonged.

2. Gentle Poses: Try Child’s Pose or Forward Bend, which can help relax your diaphragm and improve digestion; hold these positions for several breaths.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

1. Regular Meals: Establish a regular meal schedule with balanced meals that don’t consist of overwhelming portions. This will help your digestive system and reduce acidity.

2. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate hiccups. Incorporate stress-relief practices like meditation or gentle yoga to help maintain balance.

If hiccups persist or if you experience severe breathlessness or chest tightness, please consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

13597 answered questions
29% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How to treat chronic TMJ pain and arthritis without surgery for my 33-year-old son?
How to treat grade 1 fatty liver with high GGT and cholesterol while taking Ayurvedic supplements?
What to do for my daughter with FND after a serious accident and severe mobility complications?
What to do for high cholesterol and liver enzyme levels in my blood tests?
How to use Vijaysar powder for diabetes in a patient with thyroid disease?
Can I take Ashwagandha tablets while on ART for HIV if I'm feeling weakness and tiredness?
How to use Vednath Ki Veer Shodhan Vati and how long until I see effects from 16 doses?
Is Mahamanjishtadi Kashayam safe for men with testosterone issues and does it affect fertility?
Is it safe to take LiverX tablets for fatty liver and what are the side effects?
How to use Ashwagandha for diabetes management in a 61-year-old male with HbA1C at 5.9?
Can I take Agasthya Rasanayam again after a year for mucus formation?
What to do about nightfall and anxiety symptoms after eating garlic and onion?
What to do for my 86-year-old father with loose motions while on metformin and blood pressure medication?
Does regular consumption of kali harad increase heart rate after 4 months?
How to balance Vata and improve gut health to reduce knee and body pain?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for full body pain in a 44-year-old female?
How to treat weight loss issues after 11 weeks of using Medohar Guggulu?
What are the latest Ayurvedic treatments for reducing lipomas without side effects?
Is it safe to take Glysikot granules for my 85-year-old mother with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar readings?
How to treat acne marks and tiredness with grey hair?
What to do for sudden chest and abdominal pain with gas and occasional rapid heartbeat?
What is the difference between Madhunashni Vati Extra Power and Pro Veda Diabetes from Patanjali?
What to do for navel displacement, weight loss, white discharge, fatigue, calf pain, and acidity?
What to do for a hard lump on my neck without pain and swelling in my left leg and hand?
Why does Ashwagandha keep me awake even when taken in the morning?
What to do for constant headache and heavy feeling in the head with insomnia?
What to do if I'm 23 and still have no beard growth despite trying oils?
What type of Sarshapa should I use for Yauvanapidaka — black mustard or white mustard?
What causes constant tearing and inability to eat or speak?
How to treat urine infection and gas with chest heaviness and breathing difficulty using Ayurveda?
Can I take Yograj Gugglu and Prasaranyadi Kshyam Vati as a breastfeeding mother with an ulcer after my C-section delivery?
Is it safe to take maritime with CoQ10 for someone with anxiety and PTSD?
Why am I unable to gain healthy weight even though all my blood tests are normal?
How to treat my daughter's PCOS and help her lose weight safely?
little jack horner sat in a corner eating his curd
How to improve morning lethargy and sleep quality for a 55-year-old with high blood pressure?
How to tell if I have fibromyalgia or neuropathy with body pain and poor sleep?
What to do for a 72-year-old male with depression, constipation, early Alzheimer's symptoms, and slow walking after a stent procedure?
What is the best brand of black volcano salt for knee arthritis pain during menopause?
How to increase my height with Ayurvedic medicine?
Can I use Vasaristha syrup with allopathic medicine for heart and lung issues?
Can I take Triphala with aspirin daily for constipation relief?
Can I take shalajit if I have heart stents and I'm on aspirin and atorvastatin for cholesterol?
Can Ayurveda treat a 4.2mm gallbladder stone in my 72-year-old mother without pain?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for burning and tingling in my feet and hands due to peripheral neuropathy?
How to improve my health after smoking and drinking alcohol monthly?
Can I give Chandraprabha Vati with Brahmi and Neuro Plan Syrup to my 10-year-old daughter for bedwetting and daytime urine control issues?
What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for rheumatoid arthritis?
Can Ayurveda help treat my 76-year-old father's heart and lung issues with diastolic dysfunction and mild valve leakage?
How to treat psoriasis effectively after one year with no improvement?
What to do for leg discoloration in my 80-year-old diabetic inlaw with normal sugar levels?
What is the best Nabhi oil to reduce belly fat and treat fatty liver?
How to taper off labetalol and replace it with muktavati for blood pressure management?
How to increase appetite and gain weight when thyroid tests are normal?
oklk gssghth hhsfghtrh hjnfhjrtsysF WREW SFGSFd e
Is it safe to use Sallaki liniment for bruises on my father's back after a fall?
What type of Sarshapa should I use in the Sushruta Samhita formulation for Yauvanapidaka — black mustard or white mustard?
How to treat rheumatic heart disease and manage weight loss and fatigue?
What causes sudden chest tightness and rapid heartbeat after gas relief?
Can my father with CKD safely take Arjuna Vati for his heart condition?
How to treat body pain and bloating with fatigue in adults?
How to increase platelet count in a chronic ITP patient with low count of 10,000?
What is the difference between Rodhra and Lodhra? Are they the same plant?
How to stop eating slate pencil and namakatti frequently?
What to do for constant giddiness while taking Sarivadi Vati and Sutshekhar Ras?
How to improve muscle strength and lung capacity in a 52-year-old with FSHD Muscular Dystrophy?
How to treat weakness and pain in hands and feet with abdominal bloating?
How to use Shilajit resin safely for an 84-year-old with diabetes and hypertension?
What is Safed Pani discharge and how to treat it?
What causes dizziness and multiple health issues like cervical spondylosis and DVT in a 50-year-old woman?
Can I drink hot lemon water on an empty stomach if I have high uric acid and joint pain?
Is punarnavadi kwatha safe for my 76-year-old mother with low GFR and elevated uric acid?
How to slow down grey hair naturally if I have Pitta dosha and migraines?
What do high serum kappa and lambda free light chain levels mean and how to treat them?
What can I do to ease symptoms of pelvic hypertonia like rectal pressure and false poop urges?
Can I safely take Pithorin tablets for my 20mm gallstones at age 67?
What cream can I use to naturally remove cholesterol deposits near my eyes?
How to treat a 76-year-old woman with GFR 39 and edema using Punarnavadi kwatha and nephrowin?
Can I add Glysikot granules for my 85-year-old mother with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels?
How to treat sinus issues, throat pain, and burning feet in a 60-year-old with diabetes and acid reflux?
How to treat psoriasis on hands, knees, scalp, and face that I've had for 2 years?
How to treat psoriasis effectively after 1 year of no improvement with Ayurvedic doctors?
Can I study old Dr. Govind Parikh's books for preparing for the Ayurvedic Medical Officer exam in 2027?
Hehe Djjrjdjdjdjdjjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjjdjdjdjjdjdjdjj
Is it safe to take Tapee Tea for joint pain if it contains steroids?
Can I take triphala 1100 mg with blood thinners like echosporin if I'm experiencing constipation after a mild stroke?
Can I take Ashwagandha root powder at 16 years old, and what is the right dosage?
How to balance Vata dosha for a 68-year-old with knee issues from past falls?
What is the treatment for navel displacement, weight loss, white discharge, and calf pain?
How to treat pinworm infection causing severe itching and sleep problems at night?
Can I take Ashwagandha powder in the morning with milk instead of coffee if I'm a 73-year-old woman on 5 mg BP tablets?
How to treat psoriasis on palms and soles that causes deep cracks and bleeding?
How to treat severe migraines that cause unbearable headaches permanently?
Can masturbation affect my height growth as a 17-year-old male?
How to treat peripheral neuropathy in my right foot without diabetes?
How to treat muscle tightness in the head and face with gas issues after a stroke?
How to increase my height from 5.6 to 5.9 using ashwagandha?
How to use Sana Makki powder for constipation relief in a 70-year-old woman with Parkinson's?
How to treat sticky motion, bloating, and skin rashes with Ayurveda?
Can I take weight gain supplements while breastfeeding my 1.5-year-old baby?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Lila
7 hours ago
Thanks a ton for the clear and detailed advice, it's really helpful! The suggestions make perfect sense and can't wait to try them out😊
Thanks a ton for the clear and detailed advice, it's really helpful! The suggestions make perfect sense and can't wait to try them out😊
Isaac
8 hours ago
Thanks so much for your detailed response! Really cleared up my worries about mixing these with goat milk. Appreciate the reassurance!
Thanks so much for your detailed response! Really cleared up my worries about mixing these with goat milk. Appreciate the reassurance!
Wesley
15 hours ago
Thanks so much! Finally got a clear answer without false promises. Appreciate the honesty and useful tips.
Thanks so much! Finally got a clear answer without false promises. Appreciate the honesty and useful tips.
Presley
1 day ago
Really happy with the advice! The doctor's explanation was so clear and reassuring. Exactly what I needed to hear, thank you so much!
Really happy with the advice! The doctor's explanation was so clear and reassuring. Exactly what I needed to hear, thank you so much!