Acupressure for hiccups

A hiccup is a sudden involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, followed by closure of the vocal cords producing the characteristic sound. In Chinese medicine terms, this is Stomach Qi rising abruptly against the natural downward direction of digestion. The same descending action that PC 6 brings to nausea and reflux works on hiccups — usually within a minute or two. For everyday hiccups (after eating quickly, swallowing air, or drinking carbonated drinks), the routine below is faster and more reliable than the holding-breath approaches everyone tries first. For persistent hiccups lasting hours or days, see the medical warning at the end of this page.

The three core points

PC 6 (Neiguan) — “Inner Pass”

Location. On the inside of the forearm, three of your own finger-widths above the wrist crease, in the centre between the two prominent tendons.

Technique. Press firmly with the opposite thumb until you feel a clear dull ache. Hold for 1–2 minutes; release; repeat if the hiccups continue.

Why. PC 6 descends rebellious Stomach Qi — the same mechanism that makes it effective for nausea makes it the first-choice point for hiccups. Most simple hiccups stop within a minute or two of correctly applied pressure.

CV 22 (Tiantu) — “Heavenly Chimney”

Location. In the hollow at the base of the throat, just above the breastbone (suprasternal notch).

Technique. Press very gently with the tip of the index finger, directing pressure downward behind the breastbone rather than backward into the throat. The pressure should be light — this is a sensitive area. Hold for 30 seconds, release, repeat.

Why. CV 22 sits over the trachea and the vagus nerve at the base of the throat. Gentle stimulation regulates the diaphragm via vagal afferents. Particularly useful for hiccups that come with a feeling of tightness in the throat.

ST 36 (Zusanli) — “Leg Three Miles”

Location. Four finger-widths below the lower border of the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the front edge of the shin bone.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes per side. Strong dull ache when correctly located.

Why. ST 36 regulates the Stomach and supports descending Qi. Combined with PC 6 it addresses both the symptom (rebellious Qi) and the underlying Stomach function. Particularly useful when hiccups recur over hours.

Supporting points

CV 12 (Zhongwan)

Halfway between the breastbone and the navel. Gentle pressure with the heel of the palm for 1–2 minutes regulates Stomach Qi and is particularly useful for post-meal hiccups.

Above the upper lip

Firm pressure with the fingertip in the small groove just below the centre of the nose (the philtrum — GV 26 Renzhong) is a classical emergency point that interrupts hiccups through nervous-system reset.

A simple stop-hiccups routine

Sit upright
Press PC 6 on one wrist firmly for 1 minute, then switch to the other wrist for 1 minute
If hiccups continue, press CV 22 gently with the fingertip for 30 seconds
Combine with a slow exhale-extended breath pattern (4 in, 6 out)

For recurring hiccups over a longer period, add ST 36 on both legs.

Self-care alongside the points

Many hiccups episodes are triggered by:

Eating too fast
Swallowing air (chewing gum, carbonated drinks, sucking through a straw)
Sudden temperature changes (very hot or cold drinks)
Spicy food, alcohol
Stress, excitement or sudden emotion

Slowing the meal, sipping warm (not hot) water between bites and avoiding common triggers prevents most ordinary episodes.

When to see a doctor

Most hiccups last minutes to a few hours. Persistent hiccups beyond 48 hours, or intractable hiccups beyond a month, are a medical sign that warrants assessment. Persistent hiccups can be a marker of: