When food is stuck in the esophagus, standing or sitting upright uses gravity to help, and slowly sipping warm water a small amount at a time aids passage. Eating more at that point will only pile more food in the esophagus, so stopping is best. However, if food or saliva enters the airway causing choking, or if you have difficulty breathing or severe chest pain, go to the emergency room without delay.

Oriental Medicine Clinic Perspective

These measures are only a temporary fix to relieve acute discomfort — they do not actually open the narrowed sphincter. If sticking episodes recur frequently, you should consult your primary physician about the timing of procedural treatment, and traditional Korean medicine accompanies as an adjunct to make eating more comfortable and support vitality in the meantime.