Effective Hiccup Relief: Breathing Techniques & How They Work

Hiccups are caused by spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing. In this way, they are not unlike a facial tic or muscle twitch. The trick is relaxing and 'resetting' the diaphragm, which can be accomplished easily through any of three breathing methods.

Instructions

• 1

  Try "counted breathing." Inhale for a count of five, breathing as deep into the belly as possible. Exhale for a five-count. Repeat five times. Inhale and exhale for a six-count, seven-count, eight-count, seven-count and six-count. Inhale and exhale for a five-count five more times. Return to your normal breathing.

• 2

  Try "hot breathing." Inhale quickly and deeply until your lungs are at capacity. Exhale for a slow count of eight to 10, pushing hard from the belly. Constrict the throat to make a whooshing noise as the breath comes out. Repeat this cycle five times.

• 3

  Try "interrupted breathing." Inhale deeply into your belly and lungs. Exhale one second. Pause one second. Repeat until you're finished exhaling. Take three normal breaths. Repeat cycle if necessary.