Hiccups

Hiccups are caused by an uprush of stomach qi to the diaphragm with characteristics of short while frequent sounds in the throat which cannot be stopped by one self. Hiccups are also called “singultus”. Through clinical observations, hiccups are often described as contingent, which is a temporary syndrome and can be self-cured. However, some syndrome occur frequently and last several days, months, or even years. In Western Medicine, simple diaphragmatic spasm pertains to hiccups. The treatment for this can be used as reference by the treatment for diaphragmatic spasm caused by other diseases such as functional disorders of the digestive system, gastritis, gastrectasis, gastric cancer, advanced cirrhosis, cerebrovascular disease, uremia and for diaphragmatic spasms to occur after gastric and intestinal surgeries.