Aside from being a hot social media platform, TikTok has become a massive hub for the latest life hacks to make life easier. As noted by Distractify, hacks for budgeting, cooking, makeup, and other aspects of daily life can be found on the popular app. Because of these, several things can presumably be made more accessible. At least, that is what the TikTokers behind each hack want their viewers to believe in.
In dealing with gag reflexes, specifically, some TikTok tricks surprisingly work. Here are some of them.
ALSO READ: Is it Safe? TikTok Video Shows How this Pregnant Mom's Belly 'Disappears' Suddenly
How to Get Rid of Gag Reflex as Per TikTok
This TikTok trick can be traced back to the TikTok video uploaded by TikToker @h.xrry last March 4, 2020. In the short clip, the popular creator illustrates the step-by-step process that one needs to take to stop the gag reflex. Such steps are quite simple.
@h.xrry._TRY THIS !!!!! it works no joke!!! @xd_efc222 told me this !!! #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #viral ♬ Image getting clout by dueting me - H A R R Y ;)
Form a fist on the left hand by closing your fingers over the thumb. Squeeze this fist as hard as possible for five seconds. Afterward, place the index finger of the right hand and press it onto the chin for another five seconds. Lastly, use the index finger and thumb of the right hand to squeeze the left thumb and index finger skin for five seconds. According to Harry, this marks the end of the gag reflexes.
IFL Science also notes another TikTok video that illustrates the same method. In fact, several TikTok creators have followed through with this hack ever since it went viral.
Is It Really Possible to Get Rid of Gag Reflexes?
Various researchers have focused on this specific matter. IFL Science also notes dentists' interest in halting gag reflexes.
There was also a study published in the Journal of American Dental Association that tried applying pressure to the palms of volunteers before dental treatment. As part of the study, 36 participants who were "neurologically intact'' went through various trials on gag reflex. The researchers also devised a device for hand pressure that the participants wore. This device gave constant force. The researcher also described a particular gag trigger point index (GTPI) scale. According to this scale, participants were grouped according to hypersensitivity and expected sensitivity.
The researchers discovered how palm-applied pressure enabled the gag reflex to turn backward and into the mouth of the patient. If an individual gagged something that wasn't deep within their mouth, the gag starting point would move back after applying pressure. The researchers then concluded that adding pressure to certain pressure points while dental procedures go on would reduce the chances of triggering the said reflex.
There have also been other research efforts that discovered how adding pressure to the chin's front and the skin in-between the index finger, and the thumb may lead to similar impacts.
This means that the three areas that Harry illustrated in his hack have been seen to be scientifically linked to altering gag reflexes.
However, the same cannot be said for every other TikTok hack. Nevertheless, at least this hack pertaining to ridding gag reflexes has been seen to have a scientific basis.
@lawson_officialAbsolute game changer! Thank me later #ForYou #GagReflex #FYP #DirtyThirties ♬ Image getting clout by dueting me - H A R R Y ;)
RELATED ARTICLE: Cleaning Hack: Viral Tiktok Video Shows How to Clean Garbage Disposal Using Ice Cubes and Hot Water!
Check out more news and information on Medicine and Health in Science Times.
