Dr. Lin and the Case of the Mysteriously Disappearing Hiccups

Yesterday, a student came up to me with a major problem:

Student: "Dr. Lin, I have the hiccups. They won't go away."

Me: "Hmm. Come with me, I have something for you."

I have an unusual (but very effective) cure for hiccups. I took him to the teacher's lounge, filled up a cup of water, and instructed him to drink while I pulled on his earlobes. And... his hiccups disappeared.

Right now I'm sure you have a very confused look on your face. You might even be thinking,

"What on earth? That's absolutely ridiculous."

Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. 10 years ago, I had the following conversation with a friend:

Me: "I've got the hiccups. They won't go away."

Friend: "I'll help you out. Get some water. I'll pull on your ears while you drink. I promise, your hiccups will be gone instantly."

Me: "That's stupid. I'll keep holding my breath. I'm sure they'll go away.”

After several hours of reoccurring hiccups, I finally relented.

Me: "OK fine. I've tried everything else. Do your thing. I can't believe I'm trying this."

I drank water as she stood behind me and pulled on my earlobes. Instantly, my hiccups disappeared.*

If only I was as open-minded as my 10 year old student, I wouldn’t have suffered through 4 hours of agony (yes, those hiccups were THAT bad!). There’s definitely something special (and rewarding!) about having faith like a child.


Author’s note: Years later, I found that there was a scientific reason for why this method works.