Tag Archive for ‘Stop Smoking’

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.

Many people have heard of acupuncture but they have not considered it as an effective way to quit smoking. It takes more than a few sessions, but regular acupuncture treatments aid people seeking to quit smoking by helping them get rid of cigarette cravings and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. After treating smokers' symptoms and talking with them, acupuncturists can help by starting to get their bodies in balance. Acupuncturists usually examine their patients physically to get a better working knowledge and help plan a course of action in order for them to quit smoking.

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 have also been known to prescribe herbs and supplements along with their treatments in order to control symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. For example, many acupuncturists prescribe green tea during the detoxification period so that the body is discouraged from experiencing nicotine cravings. Other acupuncturists recommend tonics to moisten the lungs and mouth, thus preventing cravings, as well as herbal preparations in order to relieve anxiety and irritability.

People trying to quit smoking are recommended to work out regularly and to eat healthy fruits, vegetable juices and broths to get rid of bodily toxins. Other good foods to eat are celery, carrots, oranges and other citrus, as well as plenty of leafy green vegetables. Foods to be avoided while quitting smoking are sugars, chocolate, coffee, and junk food.

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.