How to fix hiccups

To effectively cure hiccups, Andrew Huberman recommends a breathing technique that involves stimulating the phrenic nerve to stop it from spasming. This method includes:

1. Taking a big deep inhale through your nose.
2. Before exhaling, take a second, brief inhale through your nose.
3. Take a third, even shorter inhale through your nose.
4. Hold your breath for about 15 to 20 seconds.
5. Slowly exhale through your nose or mouth.

This sequence of three quick inhales followed by a slow exhale is designed to hyperexcite the phrenic nerve in a way that reduces its probability of spasming, thereby eliminating hiccups 1. If necessary, you can repeat the process to ensure the hiccups are fully resolved.

The phrenic nerve, which originates in the cervical region of the spine and controls the diaphragm's movement, is responsible for hiccups when it spasms. The discomfort often felt during hiccups is due to rapid sensory feedback from the diaphragm and liver, leading to a sharp sensation often perceived as pain 2.