FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #17120
151 days ago
175

Hichki - #17120

Avery

I’ve been dealing with an issue for the past few weeks where I can’t seem to control my hiccups, or "hichki" as they are called in Hindi. It started off as a one-time occurrence, but recently, I’ve been getting hiccups multiple times a day, and sometimes they last for a while, causing discomfort. I’ve tried holding my breath, drinking water, and even eating a spoonful of sugar, but nothing seems to work consistently. The hiccups are especially frustrating during meetings or social events, and they tend to interfere with my day-to-day activities. I’ve read that hiccups are usually harmless and caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, but I’m not sure why they keep recurring. I’ve heard that they can sometimes be linked to issues with digestion, stress, or even certain foods, but I’m unsure if there’s an underlying cause for my persistent hiccups. I’m wondering if there’s a natural remedy that can help stop them when they happen, or if there’s a way to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Since I’m interested in Ayurvedic remedies, I’ve been wondering if Ayurveda offers any treatments or practices to help with hiccups. I’ve read that ginger, peppermint, and certain herbal teas might help soothe the digestive system and prevent hiccups, but I’m curious if there are any other Ayurvedic approaches that could help with this issue. Has anyone experienced frequent hiccups or hichki? What treatments helped, and did you find any Ayurvedic solutions useful?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Hiccups, or hichki, are often caused by disruptions in the digestive system, stress, or irritation in the diaphragm. From an Ayurvedic perspective, frequent hiccups can be seen as a disturbance in the Vata dosha, which governs the movement and fluctuations in the body, particularly in the nervous system and airways. An imbalance in Vata, especially in the digestive system, can lead to involuntary movements like hiccups. Additionally, Pitta imbalances due to excess heat or irritation could also contribute to this issue. To manage and reduce frequent hiccups, Ayurveda offers several remedies. Ginger is a powerful digestive aid and helps balance Vata and Pitta. You can chew a small piece of fresh ginger or drink ginger tea with a pinch of black salt to help calm the digestive system and prevent spasms. Peppermint is another soothing herb that can relax the diaphragm and digestive muscles, helping to ease the discomfort of hiccups. A warm fennel seed tea can also calm digestive disturbances and provide relief from spasms. From a preventive standpoint, Ayurveda recommends focusing on your diet and digestion. Eating warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods helps prevent digestive imbalance and reduces the chances of hiccups. Additionally, incorporating pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) can calm Vata and promote balance in the nervous system, potentially preventing hiccups caused by stress. Ensure you stay hydrated and avoid overeating, particularly spicy or overly rich foods, which may aggravate digestion and trigger hiccups.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
145 days ago
4.83
Frequent hiccups, or "hichki," can indeed be quite uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when they interrupt daily activities like meetings or social interactions. In Ayurveda, hiccups can be related to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, particularly if they are connected to digestive issues or stress. Stress and irregular digestion are often linked to the onset of hiccups, and Ayurveda suggests that balancing the digestive fire (Agni) can help alleviate the problem. Remedies such as ginger (which soothes the digestive system), peppermint, or drinking warm water with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) are commonly used to calm the digestive tract and ease hiccups. In addition, Fennel seeds or Coriander powder can be consumed as they help in reducing bloating and promoting smooth digestion, which may prevent hiccups caused by indigestion. As for lifestyle practices, you can try Abhyanga (self-massage) using warm sesame oil, which helps calm the nervous system and relieve stress—another common trigger for hiccups. Additionally, deep breathing exercises or pranayama can help relax your diaphragm and may prevent the involuntary spasms that cause hiccups. To further manage this, avoid overeating or consuming food that might irritate the stomach, such as spicy, heavy, or acidic foods, as these can trigger hiccups. If stress seems to be a factor, consider meditation or yoga to help reduce anxiety and support a calmer digestive system. If the hiccups persist despite trying these natural remedies, it might be helpful to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a more specific treatment for you based on your unique dosha and lifestyle.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers

0 replies
Ah, hiccups can be so annoying, right? It’s crazy how a little “hitch” like that can disrupt your whole day. Since it’s been recurring and becoming a real bother, let’s dive into some Ayurvedic wisdom and ideas that might just help out! Firstly, in Ayurveda, frequent hiccups can indeed be linked to imbalances in your doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta. When these doshas are out of whack, they can cause the diaphragm to contract involuntarily, leading to those pesky hiccups. Plus, they often tie back to agni (digestive fire), and if that's not working right, it can mess with digestion and cause hiccups too. Now, about some practical remedies. Ginger is actually a great call! It's known for its power to calm the digestive tract. You might want to try sipping on a ginger tea throughout the day; just a piece of fresh ginger boiled in water could do wonders. Additionally, cardamom powder is another one to consider. Mix a pinch of it with warm water and see if that helps soothe the diaphragm. Don’t forget to check on your eating habits too. Eating slowly and mindfully can sometimes preempt the issue. And definitely, try to stay relaxed while eating — stress is a culprit for aggravating both Vata and Pitta. If your lifestyle is full of on-the-go meals, maybe take a moment to pause and unwind during meals for a change. In terms of prevention, a little tip from the Ashtanga Hridaya: regular yoga or pranayama exercises might balance your system over the long haul. Something simple like deep belly breathing can gradually pacify your Vata dosha and calm things down internally. Though, if these hiccups don’t ease up and keep being consistent for long, seeking out professional advice might be a wise move. There might be an underlying medical reason behind them needing more attention! Until then, try these suggestions out and see if they give you some relief. A little trial and error with Ayurvedic practices can often yield pleasant surprises.
26394 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

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.


Related questions