IT WAS quite disturbing to read the report about the mysterious occurrence of hiccups in many women of two villages of Matiari district, most of whom are also said to be related to each other (March 16).

I had once read of a cure for hiccups, which has very successfully worked on myself and several other people over the decades. Last year, a physician friend of mine got fairly perturbed by this malady and, being aware of my interest in alternative modes of treatment, sought advice.

The cure was explained to him and worked beautifully. Basically, the patient is first asked to fill his mouth with a sip (ghoont) of water. After that, both the nostrils are pressed shut with the thumb and a finger and the water is then swallowed, following which the nostrils are released. Doing this just once is usually enough, but may be repeated if necessary.

This has definitely relieved the ordinary occurrence of hiccups, but considering the extraordinary severity of the villagers' cases, I can't really predict how effective it will be. There's no harm in trying it, because there is nothing to lose and it is quite possible this might work.

Doctors investigating these strange cases say there is no organic cause but emotional factors, such as anxiety. It seems advisable to add a spiritual dimension to the cure by asking the patients to recite Quranic verses such as Surah Fatiha or Surah Ikhlas or at least 'Bismillah.....' over the water before sipping it.

Villagers tend to have much faith in such remedies, and this should help lessen their anxiety and hiccups. If any of the sufferers are non-Muslims, they may choose to try their own scripture. One would appreciate if a feedback is provided by your reporter, in case this treatment is tried, about what was the result.

KHALID CHAUDHRY
Karachi