How to Get Rid of Gag Reflex Forever
Most people think that gag reflex is something that can’t be stopped but there are actually ways of how to get rid of gag reflex forever. What is gag reflex anyway? Have you ever seen someone gagging and vomiting and you feel like you are about to do the same thing? That’s gag reflex. There is a common mistake when people think that gag reflex is always related to something entering and touching the soft area at the back of the mouth, close to the throat. In reality, that’s not always the case.
How to Get Rid of Gag Reflex Forever, Understanding the Condition
Gag reflex isn’t always negative. In fact, it is a protective mechanism of the body that will prevent it from swallowing anything sliding down the throat. Any unwanted or alien stuff will be automatically rejected so it won’t cause further issue.
However, gag reflex can be a problem during certain condition. When you go to the dentist and you have to deal with a dental problem; you don’t want any gag reflex to happen during this condition. Or when you are enjoying a meal that accidentally slips further to the back area of the mouth, having a gag reflex will definitely not a good thing. So, what can you do to prevent such a thing?
- Thumb Squeeze
You probably don’t know this but squeezing your thumb as hard as you can ease the gag reflex mechanism. You only need to hold the left thumb inside your fist to stop it. The pressure done to your thumb will distract you, making you forget about something inside your mouth. The thumb pressure will make the throat muscle relax so you don’t have to worry about the gag.
- Hegu Point
Do you know the soft area in a concave shape located between your thumb and the pointer? That’s the Hegu point. Just like the thumb squeeze, make sure that you press the area to stop the gag reflex. The Hegu point works like the thumb squeeze but with better efficiency, especially when you experience a deeper intrusion of any dental tool. According to research, applying pressure up to 20 minutes to this area will help easing the gag feeling.
- Chin Pressure
There is another point that you can press, located below the lower lips. It is located in between your chin and the lower lip. Find the groove of the chin and apply enough pressure to relieve the gag reflex. For some people, this method is more painful than the other two methods, but this is another alternative in case that the previous methods don’t work. By applying enough pressure (which is quite painful), your mind will be distracted and you will forget about the tools inserted into the throat.
- Nasal Breathe
One of the effective ways of how to get rid of gag reflex forever is to breathe through your nose. This may sound odd but it is pretty scientific and true, really. When you are nervous and agitated, you tend to breathe through the mouth, which makes it even more sensitive for the area. That’s why it is advisable that you use a nasal decongestan before going through any dental procedure and pay attention to your breathing.
- Relax
One of the most common causes for the gag reflex is the tension and your nervousness. The more you are tensed, the bigger the possibility that you will have the gag reflexes. If you want to stop it, you need to learn how to relax. Learn how to control the breathing and also your mind.
As it was mentioned before, gag reflex isn’t something bad. It is related to your body’s functionality and how you can control your mind. If you have mastered the way on how to get rid of gag reflex forever, you should be okay – gag reflex won’t be a problem anymore.