what can you do for hick up

To alleviate hiccups, a reliable method involves a specific breathing technique that targets the phrenic nerve, which is responsible for diaphragm spasms. Here are some suggested approaches based on insights from Andrew Huberman:

Breathing Technique for Hiccups

1. Three Quick Inhales:
   • Take a deep inhale through your nose.
   • Before exhaling, take a second inhale (brief).
   • Follow with a third quick inhale.
2. Hold Your Breath: After the three inhales, hold your breath for 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Exhale Slowly: Finally, exhale slowly through your nose or mouth.

This technique works by hypercontracting the phrenic nerve, disrupting its spasming pattern and relieving hiccups effectively. It's unusual but has been noted as one of the most efficient methods to eliminate hiccups 1.

Additional Traditional Methods

• Drinking Water: Some people find relief by drinking from the opposite side of a glass, though it's not consistently effective.
• Breathing into a Bag: This adjusts the carbon dioxide levels but is usually less reliable.

Understanding that hiccups arise from spasms of the phrenic nerve can help guide these techniques 2.

For best results, try returning to a normal breathing pattern after performing the technique, and it can be repeated if needed.