Hiccups

Hiccups can be a common and sometimes annoying occurrence. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has developed various remedies to address hiccups and their underlying causes. In this article, we will explore different TCM treatments for hiccups based on the root cause: cold, heat, indigestion, yin deficiency, and yang deficiency.

1. Cold

Symptoms: Constipation, coughing out and vomiting bubbles of saliva, dislike of cold or talking, dizziness, dry throat, cold hands and feet, heavy and unclear voice, loud and forceful hiccups, love of hot drinks, stomach pain, shifting pain, pale complexion, excessive saliva, joint pain, sore loins and weak legs, aversion to drinking water, and whitish urine.

Treatment: To warm the middle region, disperse cold, harmonize the stomach, and stop hiccups.

Remedy: Ding-Xiang-Shi-Di-Tang, a mixture of cayenne pepper, dill seed, fennel, fresh ginger, mustard seed, prickly ash, star anise, white or yellow mustard, and wine.

2. Heat

Symptoms: Constipation or diarrhea, depression, quick temper, insecurity, diminished urination, discharge of copious yellow sticky sputum, dry lips or teeth, gas, loud and short hiccups, frequent hiccups, light fever, red complexion, light sensations in the body, warm limbs, little saliva, love of cold or cold drinks, bad-smelling stools, excessive thirst, swollen and red throat, and bad-smelling urine.

Treatment: To clear heat, sedate fire, harmonize the stomach, and stop hiccups.

Remedy: Zhu-Ye-Shi-Gao-Tang, a combination of banana, bitter endive, black fungus, salt, spinach, strawberry, bamboo shoot, cucumber, Job's-tears, laver, leaf beet, mung bean, peppermint, and purslane.

3. Indigestion

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, desire or aversion to massage, bad taste in the mouth, belching of bad breath after meals, chest and diaphragm congestion, diarrhea and constipation, loud and forceful hiccups, hot sensations in the middle of palms, indigestion, lack of appetite, preference for hot drinks, nausea, stomachache, bad-smelling stools, and vomiting.

Treatment: To promote digestion, regulate the stomach, and stop hiccups.

Remedy: Bao-He-Wan, a blend of asafetida, buckwheat, castor bean, jellyfish, peach, radish, water chestnut, cardamom seed, cayenne pepper, coriander, grapefruit, jackfruit, malt, sweet basil, tea, and tomato.

4. Yin Deficiency

Symptoms: Bleeding from gums, constipation, dizziness, dry and scant stools, dry sensations in the mouth, dry throat, fatigue, afternoon headache, hiccups on an empty stomach, weak and low-sounding hiccups, afternoon light fever, night sweats, nosebleed, short and reddish urine streams, sleeplessness, swallowing difficulty, toothache, and being underweight.

Treatment: To produce fluids, strengthen the stomach, lubricate dryness, and stop hiccups.

Remedy: Yi-Wei-Tang, a mixture of bird's nest, cheese, kidney bean, abalone, asparagus, chicken egg, cuttlefish, duck, duck egg, white fungus, oyster, pork, and royal jelly.

5. Yang Deficiency

Symptoms: Clear and long streams of urine, cold hands and feet, constipation or diarrhea, diminished urination, discharge of watery and thin stools, fatigue, fear of cold, cold fingertips, frequent fear of cold in hands and feet, morning headache, hiccups on an empty stomach, weak and low-sounding hiccups, palpitations, perspiration due to hot weather or wearing warm clothes, cold water-like perspiration, scant energy, excessive sleep, and being too tired to talk.

Treatment: To warm and support yang, strengthen the stomach, and stop hiccups.

Remedy: Jin-Gui-Shen-Qi-Wan, a combination of cinnamon bark, aconite root, peony root, rehmannia root, dioscorea root, cornus fruit, poria mushroom, and alisma root.

It is essential to note that these traditional Chinese medicine remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Each individual's symptoms and underlying causes may vary, and a professional will be able to provide personalized advice and appropriate treatment. While these remedies can help alleviate hiccups, it is crucial to address the root cause for long-term relief and overall well-being.

In conclusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers various remedies for hiccups based on the underlying cause, including cold, heat, indigestion, yin deficiency, and yang deficiency. By addressing the root issue and using the appropriate remedy, TCM can help alleviate hiccups and promote overall health. Remember to consult with a TCM practitioner before starting any treatment to ensure the most effective and safe course of action.