There is a foolproof way to get rid of hiccups. It’s not pretty

Sydney Morning Herald

by Amanda Hooton

February 13, 2026

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There is a foolproof way to get rid of hiccups. It’s not pretty

Hiccups, those pesky diaphragm spasms, can be cured in some pretty unexpected ways. According to Dr. Sarah Holper, a neurologist at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, hiccups occur when the vagus nerve becomes irritated, causing the vocal cords to snap shut and produce the characteristic "hic" sound. While common remedies like drinking water often work, there are more unusual methods for persistent hiccups, including pressing eyeballs, rubbing earlobes, or performing the Valsalva maneuver—forcefully exhaling while closing the nose and mouth. One particularly unconventional yet effective cure comes from a medical case study that involved a rectal massage. By stimulating the vagus nerve through this method, the hiccups were cured. Though it’s an unusual solution, it highlights how overstimulating the vagus nerve can reset its activity and stop the spasms. Dr. Holper emphasizes that while these methods may seem strange, they work by overwhelming the vagus nerve with other signals, effectively resetting it. For those who aren’t comfortable trying such drastic measures, simpler techniques like pressing on the eyes or ears can be equally effective. These methods distract the nervous system and help restore normal breathing patterns. However, for severe or long-lasting hiccups, consulting a medical professional is

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/13/2026