Hiccups

Hiccups are a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating too quickly, swallowing air, or drinking alcohol. In Chinese medicine, hiccups are believed to be caused by rebellious stomach qi, which is the qi that is responsible for the movement of food and fluids through the digestive system. The exact cause of rebellious stomach qi can vary, but it is generally thought to be caused by either an excess or deficiency of qi. Excess patterns are thought to be caused by external or internal pathogens that obstruct the descent of stomach qi, while deficiency patterns are caused by a weakness in the stomach qi, leading to accumulation and eventual rebellion. Treatment for hiccups in Chinese medicine typically involves addressing the underlying cause and restoring balance to the digestive system.