Introduction
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to sneeze, but just can’t seem to make it happen? Maybe you’re trying to get rid of that tickle in your nose or want to clear out some congestion. Whatever the reason, difficulty inducing a sneeze is a common problem that can be frustrating. The good news is that there are several methods you can try to help your body sneeze. In this article, we’ll explore seven different ways to make yourself sneeze.
Using a Tickle Method
One of the most common ways to induce a sneeze is to tickle the inside of your nose. This method works by stimulating the nasal nerves, which causes the body to initiate the sneeze reflex. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing any additional irritants into your nose.
2. Find a clean object to use, such as a bobby pin or tissue.
3. Gently insert the object into one nostril and use a circular motion to rub the inside of your nose. Be careful not to rub too hard or you may cause irritation.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.
Exposure to Bright Light
Another method to induce a sneeze is by exposing yourself to bright light. This method works by irritating the nasal cavity, which can cause you to sneeze. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find a well-lit room or go outside into the sunlight.
2. Face the light source for a few seconds until you feel the urge to sneeze.
3. It may take a couple of attempts before you can successfully induce a sneeze.
Smelling Strong Aromas
Certain scents can cause nasal irritation, which can help trigger a sneeze. If you’re looking to use this method, here are some scents you can try:
– Pepper
– Essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint
– Perfume or cologne
To use this method, simply smell the chosen aroma for a few seconds until you feel the urge to sneeze.
Eating Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can cause an irritation in the nasal cavity, which can help induce a sneeze. Some good spicy foods to try include:
– Hot sauce
– Wasabi
– Horseradish
Be careful not to overdo it with the spice, though, as it can also cause stomach discomfort.
Plucking Your Eyebrows
Plucking eyebrow hairs can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for triggering the sneeze reflex. Here’s how to do it safely:
1. Use a clean pair of tweezers to pluck stray eyebrow hairs.
2. Do not over-pluck as this can cause damage to your eyebrows or the skin around them.
Using a Neti Pot
A neti pot is a device used to rinse out the nasal passages, which can help remove irritants that might be blocking a sneeze. To use a neti pot:
1. Fill the pot with a saline solution, which can be made using salt and warm water.
2. Tilt your head to one side and insert the spout into your upper nostril.
3. Breathe through your mouth as you pour the solution into your nostril.
4. The solution will flow through your nasal passage and out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.
Tweaking Your Nose
Tweaking or pinching the bridge of your nose can also stimulate the trigeminal nerve and cause a sneeze. Here’s how to do it safely:
1. Use your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the bridge of your nose.
2. Be careful not to pinch too hard, as this can cause pain or bruising.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned seven different ways to make yourself sneeze, give them a try and see which one works best for you. Whether you’re using a tickle method or a neti pot, it’s important to always use clean and safe techniques to prevent any damage to your nose or surrounding areas.
