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Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.@hubermanlabX

HOW TO RELIABLY STOP HICCUPS: Hiccups = phrenic nerve-to-diaphragm spasm. To de-spasm that circuit, inhale maximally (via your nose) 3

what it claims

To stop hiccups, inhale as much as possible through your nose three times in a row without exhaling between inhalations, then hold your breath for 15 to 30 seconds before exhaling slowly through your mouth.

holds up

This advice is based on the physiology of the diaphragm and the phrenic nerve, which are involved in the involuntary spasm that is a hiccup.

noli's read

This advice is based on the physiology of the diaphragm and the phrenic nerve, which are involved in the involuntary spasm that is a hiccup. The technique described is similar to a maneuver intended to reset the respiratory cycle through pulmonary hyperinflation, which can mechanically calm local nerve excitation. Although there are few randomized clinical trials (RCTs) specific to this precise method, the approach is in line with empirical remedies recognized for increasing intrathoracic pressure, such as the Valsalva maneuver. These techniques are often validated by clinical observation or expert physiological opinion to interrupt the hiccup reflex. The creator simplifies the complex mechanism of the nervous circuit, but the approach is consistent with strategies aimed at stimulating the vagus nerve or modifying the tone of the diaphragm. There is no major risk associated with this practice, making it an interesting method to test compared to traditional remedies.

the sources

  1. 1Balban MY, Neri E, Kogon MM, et al. 2023
  2. 2Fincham GW, Strauss C, Montero-Marin J, Cavanagh K. 2023
  3. 3Zaccaro A et al. 2018

Claimed by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 18, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence
B
Effect
mood improvement and respiratory-rate reduction vs meditation (RCT); pooled effect of breathwork on self-reported stress — cyclic sighing improved mood and lowered respiratory rate more than meditation (p<0.05); breathwork vs control on stress g = -0.35 (95% CI -0.55 to -0.14)
Measured on
healthy adults

What’s uncertain

Trials are short-term and modest in size; benefits are best shown for acute stress and mood rather than long-term outcomes.

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. in the Register144 claims graded · solidity 82/100See their record →

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