A rough figure of up to 16% of residents living in the UK have opted to use acupuncture for smoking at some point in their lives, and a recent survey shows that up to 15% would choose alternative therapies for quitting this habit. Smoking is an undesirable habit, yet it is prevalent among generations.
A lot of awareness is being created in preventing smoking through rehabs, nicotine patches, and medications. One such effective way is acupuncture to stop smoking. This method has been used to quit smoking. Read on to know about the acupuncture points that help kick the smoking habit.
Did You Know?
- Acupuncture has originated from China.
- In today’s world, Acupuncture to stop smoking is the most effective and successful form to use. So if everything else has failed, try acupuncture!
- Acupuncture is usually done in the ear and must be done by a trained person in a clinic.
- Acupuncture for smoking has no side effects.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Smoke Addicts?
Smoking or ‘nicotine addiction’ is a tough habit to quit. But acupuncture(1) helps to break this addiction. The process involves the insertion of needles in various parts of the body. These are very fine needles that help in regulating the body’s system.
As these needles are very thin like hair and pierced superficially in the skin when the patient is lying down and/or relaxing, it doesn’t hurt much. This process helps in regulating the body’s energy flow, cuts down on the nicotine cravings and helps calm down anxiety. It also strengthens the lungs during the procedure through controlled breathing, clearing it out of the phlegm and mucus.
When you smoke a cigarette, you draw the air inside, and the nicotine hits the bloodstream which in turn works itself to the brain and creates a temporary illusion of relaxation and a release from stressful emotions. Acupuncture for smoking, in the same way, cuts down on the urges by regulating the body’s energy in the same way by regulated and controlled breathing or meditation.
Acupuncture to stop smoking not only cuts down the urges to smoke but helps to remove the tar and nicotine residue from the body. This makes the lungs feel lighter and healthier, allows you to breathe correctly and helps stop coughing and other respiratory problems.
Acupuncture can help cut down on this addictive cycle and provides you with a healthy life only if you have dedicated yourself to stop smoking. Be gentle and give yourself some time to absorb the process.
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See Also: 8 Natural Products to Help You Quit Smoking |
The Acupuncture Method Involved
To utilize Acupuncture to stop smoking, it is recommended that you always visit a clinic with a trained acupuncturist. A clinic typically offers an introductory session while the treatment session is also usually short, and you end up resting and sleeping well after an acupuncture session.
Acupuncture plays a very significant role in helping you quit smoking, as it releases neurotransmitters. There is evidence that suggests serotonin(2) and cholecystokinin in acupuncture analgesia, reduce nicotine cravings, and help in its withdrawal.
There are two basic techniques for acupuncture for smoking
- The first method requires the patient to lie in a supine position. Once the patient has been lying down for half an hour, needles are inserted superficially on to the skin. The needles are then removed. The points for acupuncture are usually on the EAR. While most people use it on specific points on the ear, the French prefer to use needles on the face for acupuncture to stop smoking. Acupuncture may be simultaneously carried on different parts of the body with electrical stimulation if deemed necessary by the trained acupuncturist.
- The second method involves an indwelling needle being inserted in the ear in more than two points and is held in this place for a week or so with proper dressing. The person is instructed to press the needle when the nicotine cravings occur.
[Also Read: Hypnosis to Quit Smoking]
Do’s and Don’ts of Acupuncture for Smoking
Do’s
- Never go for an acupuncture session on an empty stomach.
- Be honest with your acupuncturist about your habits, and if you’re intoxicated or have been on substance abuse.
- Always urinate before your appointment.
- Be prepared to be at the clinic for a minimum of an hour as the needles are kept for half an hour, if not more.
- Stay very relaxed during the treatment.
Don’t’s
- Do not move your body while the needles are inserted.
- Avoid being intoxicated during the treatment.
- Do not smoke after the completion of the session as it slows down the entire process.
Quitting smoking is a personal choice, and it can only be achieved if you want to get rid of the habit. You can quit smoking only if YOU choose to. So ask yourself, “why do I want to quit?”, for quitting for anybody else could always make you relapse. Willpower, along with acupuncture for smoking, plays a very vital role in helping you quit smoking. However, in your attempt, you could occasionally have slip-ups. So stick to the routine set by your acupuncturist and keep continuity in the treatment process. And most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP!
See Also:
100% Natural : 8 Products to Strikeout Nicotine Cravings |
FAQs
1. What Is the Success Rate of Acupuncture for Quitting Smoking?
The success rate is as high as 88 % when you choose Acupuncture to stop smoking.
2. Does Laser Acupuncture Work for Quitting Smoking?
Although there are claims that it helps reduce smoking, there is no evidence for the same.
3. Can You Smoke After Acupuncture?
You should never smoke after an acupuncture session as it makes it difficult to quit the habit. After a full treatment of acupuncture chances, of going back to the dreadful practice are less.
