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.