Acupuncture To Stop Smoking – Can It Help You Quit ?

November 14th, 2011 by Denzil De Vries

Every year, the number of people who make the decision to quit smoking increases. Some choose to quit because smoking costs them too much money. Others quit due to concern over their health. Regardless of their initial motivation, many of these would be quitters soon realize that quitting smoking is not as easy as they thought. Smoking is an addiction, and like giving up any other addiction, quitting is a difficult task. Even popular methods like a medication or the patch may fail or become too expensive. A viable alternative treatment for the smoker trying hard to quit is acupuncture to stop smoking.

Acupuncture, an ancient remedy, is now used as a new, popular method to quit smoking. Though it does take time, acupuncture helps people quit smoking by helping them overcome their cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. By treating specific symptoms and consulting with individual patients, acupuncturists are able to help quitters bring balance to their bodies. Many acupuncturists perform a physical exam on their patients in order to better understand the situation and develop an appropriate plan of action.

Treatment to quit smoking varies from person to person. Be aware that each acupuncturist has individual treatment styles and the frequency and number of treatments each smoker has to go through when trying to quit smoking based on their personal diagnosis. If you visit an acupuncturist to quit smoking, expect appointments a few times a week that last anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes. Although acupuncture treatments to stop smoking vary, most patients are treated with 30 minute sessions once or twice per week. Initially, there are between four to six treatments for a few weeks. As symptoms abate, treatments are also decreased to once per month.

A patient’s unique symptoms will determine the exact treatment that he or she gets. For those who are trying to quit smoking, however, certain spots on the body will usually be the focus for the acupuncturist. Many acupuncturists work with the body’s shen men point to relieve tension, the kidney to improve self-control, the master point zero to stimulate homeostasis, and also the lungs to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms. To help patients quit smoking they may also turn their attention to a point in the wrist referred to as the tim mee along with the four gate points to relax the nervous system.

Acupuncturists sometimes recommend herbal preparations and supplements together with their acupuncture treatments to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. For example, it’s quite common for acupuncturists to have their patients drink green tea during the detox period to prevent the body from craving cigarettes. Some acupuncturists feel that certain tonics are helpful in lubricating the lungs and mouth to decrease craving. Occasionally, the acupuncturist will prescribe herbal teas that can calm fragile nerves and irritability while quitting smoking.

During withdrawal, smokers are encouraged to exercise and rid their body of toxins by eating fresh fruit, vegetable juices, and clear soups. Patients are also recommended to eat carrots, celery, oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as leafy greens. It is important to avoid sugar, including chocolate, coffee, and other junk foods.

Quitting smoking takes a lot of courage and will power. Drinking lots of water, exercising regularly with proper breathing, and getting help from friends and loved ones is a must. Whenever the urge for a cigarette comes on, either go for a long walk, talk to a friend or do whatever can take the mind of the cravings.

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