• Published on: Aug 14, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Involuntary Diaphragm Contractions: Why You Get Hiccups

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Embarking on the enigmatic realm of hiccups, we delve into the perplexing world of these involuntary spasms that often disrupt our daily lives. Hiccups, seemingly innocuous yet vexingly persistent, prompt a quest to decipher the triggers and unravel the underlying mechanisms governing these rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm.

The hiccup, an age-old mystery, has long perplexed both the curious and the afflicted. From their origins to potential meanings, we navigate the labyrinth of hiccup-induced discomfort, aiming to demystify this seemingly mundane bodily phenomenon. As we explore the diverse array of triggers, from spicy meals to unexpected laughter, we seek to understand the physiological intricacies at play. Hiccups, though generally harmless, have left many seeking respite from their persistent cadence. Our journey extends to the realm of solutions, investigating both traditional and modern approaches to alleviating this peculiar bodily hiccup.

Furthermore, in an era of technological advancement, we unveil the convenience of online doctor consultations, offering a modern avenue for seeking expert guidance and potential remedies to bid farewell to the relentless diaphragm dance. Join us as we unravel the mysteries, decode the signals, and embrace a hiccup-free existence.

What Are Hiccups

Hiccups are more than just an inconvenience; they're the result of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm – the muscle responsible for our breathing. These contractions are accompanied by an abrupt closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. But what triggers this diaphragmatic turmoil?

causes of hiccups

  • Spicy Foods and Carbonated Drinks: Indulging in your favorite spicy curry or sipping on a fizzy beverage can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups.

  • Sudden Changes in Temperature: A quick transition from a hot to a cold environment or vice versa can trigger hiccups.

  • Excitement or Stress: Emotional extremes, be it excitement or stress, can cause your diaphragm to go haywire.

Decoding the Meaning Behind Hiccups

Understanding the Science: Hiccups mean to be common, but they're not entirely understood. It's believed that the sudden intake of air during hiccups may serve some evolutionary purpose. While in the womb, the fetus practices breathing through amniotic fluid, and hiccups may be a vestige of that process.

Persistent Hiccups: When Should You Worry while most hiccups resolve on their own, persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours could indicate an underlying health issue. It's essential to pay attention to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if your hiccups become chronic.

hiccups treatment

Home Remedies

  • Hold Your Breath: Take a deep breath, hold it in for as long as you can, and exhale slowly. This helps reset your diaphragm.

  • Sip Cold Water: Slowly sipping on cold water can soothe an irritated diaphragm.

  •  Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar: The graininess of sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve and put an end to hiccups.

Medical Interventions

  • Prescription Medications: In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medications that relax the diaphragm.

  • Hypnosis and Acupuncture: Alternative therapies like hypnosis and acupuncture have shown promise in alleviating chronic hiccups.

Online Doctor Consultation for Hiccup Relief

The Convenience of Online Consultations: In today's fast-paced world, visiting a doctor for every hiccup episode may not be practical. Online doctor consultation  offers a convenient and efficient way to seek medical advice from the comfort of your home. Here's why it's a game-changer:

  • Accessibility: Access a qualified healthcare professional without the hassle of scheduling appointments or commuting to a physical clinic.

  • Time-Efficiency: Receive prompt medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans without the wait time associated with traditional in-person visits.

  • Cost-Effective: Online consultations are often more affordable than traditional healthcare services, making quality healthcare accessible to a broader audience.

Choosing the Right Platform

  • Check Credentials: Ensure the online platform is reputable and employs licensed healthcare professionals.

  • User Reviews: Look for reviews from other users to gauge the platform's reliability and effectiveness.

Conclusion: 

Understanding the reasons behind hiccups is the first step toward finding relief. From home remedies to medical interventions and the convenience of online doctor consultations, you have a range of options to explore. Next time your diaphragm decides to break into an impromptu dance, armed with this knowledge, you can take action to bring the curtain down on the hiccup show. Embrace a hiccup-free future, and remember, relief may be just a click away with online doctor consultations.

Read FAQs


A. Yes, hiccups result from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle beneath the lungs crucial for breathing.

A. Diaphragm spasms causing hiccups can be triggered by various factors such as sudden changes in temperature, overeating, or irritation of the diaphragm.

A. Scientifically, hiccups occur due to a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, followed by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. The precise triggers can vary, and understanding them aids in finding effective remedies.

Read Blog
How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

Corporate wellness programs are evolving rapidly. Traditional initiatives such as annual health checkups and gym memberships are no longer sufficient to address modern workplace health challenges. Rising stress levels, sedentary routines and burnout have pushed organisations to adopt preventive, sustainable wellness strategies. One of the most effective among these is weekly onsite yoga.

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness highlights why this ancient practice has become a modern workplace necessity. Yoga addresses both physical and mental health, making it uniquely suited for today’s high-pressure corporate environments.

 

Why Corporate Wellness Needs Preventive Solutions

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and workplace health reports, lifestyle-related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions are increasingly affecting working professionals.

Key workplace health challenges include:

  • prolonged sitting
     

  • poor posture
     

  • chronic stress
     

  • sleep disturbances
     

  • reduced physical activity
     

Preventive interventions are essential to reverse these trends before they result in chronic disease and productivity loss.

 

What Is Weekly Onsite Yoga?

Weekly onsite yoga involves structured yoga sessions conducted at the workplace by trained instructors. These sessions typically include:

  • stretching and mobility exercises
     

  • breathing techniques
     

  • simple yoga postures
     

  • relaxation and mindfulness practices
     

Sessions are designed to be inclusive, requiring no prior yoga experience.

 

Why Weekly Frequency Matters

Consistency is the foundation of wellness.

Weekly yoga sessions:

  • reinforce healthy habits
     

  • prevent accumulation of stress
     

  • support gradual physical improvement
     

  • encourage long-term participation
     

Unlike one-time workshops, weekly programs deliver sustained impact.

 

Physical Health Benefits of Onsite Yoga

Reduces Musculoskeletal Problems

Desk-based work often leads to back pain, neck stiffness and joint discomfort. Yoga improves:

  • posture
     

  • flexibility
     

  • muscle strength
     

This reduces work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

 

Improves Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Regular yoga practice supports:

  • blood pressure regulation
     

  • improved circulation
     

  • better glucose control
     

WHO recognises yoga and similar mind-body practices as beneficial for lifestyle disease prevention.

 

Enhances Energy Levels

Yoga improves oxygenation and circulation, reducing fatigue and mid-day energy crashes.

 

Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace

Reduces Stress and Burnout

Yoga lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

This helps employees:

  • manage deadlines calmly
     

  • recover from mental fatigue
     

  • reduce anxiety
     

Improves Focus and Cognitive Performance

Breathing and mindfulness practices improve:

  • attention span
     

  • mental clarity
     

  • decision-making
     

Better focus directly translates into improved productivity.

 

Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Regular yoga enhances emotional regulation, reducing irritability and improving workplace relationships.

 

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Healthy employees perform better.

Weekly onsite yoga contributes to:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • fewer stress-related sick days
     

  • improved work engagement
     

  • sustained productivity
     

EY-FICCI corporate wellness studies show that preventive wellness programs deliver measurable performance benefits.

 

Role in Building a Wellness-Oriented Culture

Onsite yoga sends a strong message that employee wellbeing is a priority.

It helps organisations:

  • foster trust and engagement
     

  • encourage work-life balance
     

  • create a supportive environment
     

Wellness culture improves retention and employer branding.

 

Inclusivity and Accessibility

One of yoga’s biggest strengths is adaptability.

Onsite yoga:

  • suits all age groups
     

  • accommodates different fitness levels
     

  • requires minimal equipment
     

  • can be modified for health conditions
     

This inclusivity ensures broad participation.

 

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

Compared to advanced medical interventions, onsite yoga is:

  • low-cost
     

  • scalable
     

  • preventive rather than reactive
     

By reducing long-term healthcare costs, yoga delivers high return on investment for employers.

 

Yoga as Part of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing risk factors before disease develops.

Weekly onsite yoga supports prevention by:

  • lowering stress-related disease risk
     

  • improving metabolic health
     

  • encouraging active lifestyles
     

  • supporting mental resilience
     

NITI Aayog recognises workplace wellness as a key lever for national health improvement.

 

Integration with Corporate Wellness Programs

Onsite yoga works best when integrated with:

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • stress management initiatives
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • digital health tracking
     

Integrated programs deliver stronger outcomes than isolated activities.

 

Overcoming Common Barriers

Some organisations hesitate due to:

  • time constraints
     

  • perceived lack of interest
     

  • space concerns
     

However, short, well-structured sessions (30–45 minutes) overcome these challenges effectively.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisations

Organisations that adopt weekly onsite yoga observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • improved morale
     

  • better long-term healthcare outcomes
     

Lancet workplace health studies show that consistent mind-body interventions yield benefits within 6–12 months.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness reveals why it is more than a fitness activity—it is a preventive health strategy. By addressing physical strain, mental stress and lifestyle risks, weekly onsite yoga supports healthier employees, stronger productivity and sustainable wellness culture. In today’s demanding corporate environment, investing in regular yoga sessions is an investment in long-term organisational resilience and success.

References

  • ICMR – Workplace Health and Lifestyle Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health and Stress Indicators

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workplace Wellness Strategy

  • WHO – Physical Activity, Yoga and Mental Health Guideline

  •  Lancet – Mind-Body Interventions and Workplace Health Outcomes

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Report

  •  Statista – Corporate Wellness Program Trends India

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