Yoga and Exercise for Hiccups

Yoga and breathing exercises do not cure hiccups, but they may help the body settle and reduce stress-related bouts.

Breathing practices

• Slow belly breathing: inhale through the nose for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale slowly for 6. Repeat for a few minutes.
• Alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana): gentle and calming. Keep it easy, without strain.
• Humming breath (bhramari): a quiet hum on the exhale for a few rounds.

Gentle postures

• Sitting upright in an easy pose with a straight back
• Child's pose (balasana) for a short time if it is comfortable and you have not just eaten
• Gentle forward bend while seated

What to avoid

• Forceful breathing such as kapalabhati or bhastrika during an episode
• Deep twists, inversions or intense core work straight after meals
• Holding the breath for a long time or until dizzy

With reflux or after surgery

Choose gentle movement and ask your doctor first, especially after abdominal or chest surgery or with a hiatal hernia.

Key point

Use slow breathing and gentle posture as comfort measures. See a doctor if hiccups continue for more than 48 hours.

Before your appointment

Note when the hiccups began, how long they last, what seems to trigger or ease them, and whether they disturb sleep or eating. List all medicines, alcohol use, recent surgery and any reflux, chest pain, weakness or breathing trouble. Bring past reports. Ask about tests, treatment options and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.