Quit Smoking through Acupuncture

May 12th, 2010, Author: admin, Categories: Benefits of quitting smoking

Image by NYCTCM via Flickr

It is believed that the history of acupuncture as a healing method had started in China aapproximately eight thousand years ago. We should not wonder that the Chinese, who currently have one of the highest smoking rates in the world, were the first to employ acupuncture as a smoking cessation method. Now, acupuncture is one of the most popular alternatives to the traditional nicotine-replacement therapies.

One should remember that this type of smoking cessation method works only for people who are firmly decided to bid farewell to cigarettes. Typically, on their first visit to an acupuncture treatment center, smokers are given a thorough questionnaire to fill in and undergoe complete medical examination. Using the methods of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture specialists develop an individual treatment program for each patient. The first stage of the program prepares patients to become non-smokers. During this stage, the patients learn how to identify and avoid their specific triggers for smoking. No acupuncture treatment is applied at this stage.

The four acupuncture sessions that follow are usually spaced out over a period of about one month. Each session focuses on the possible emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms that may occur and helps the patient to overcome them and relax.

Very often, the patient is prescribed herbs and other natural supplements to control the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As there are no magical acupuncture points to help out, patients are treated according to their specific diagnosis, which usually involves a combination of acupuncture points around the body, as well as ones at the ears. After the needles are placed, the patient is left to relax for about half an hour.

With regard to effectiveness as a quit-smoking method, practitioners explain that the procedure works particularly well for patients, who have been unable to quit smoking through some other methods, such as nicotine gums and patches. Unlike electrical stimulation therapies or hypnosis, acupuncture does not “erase” the habit of smoking from one’s brain. Rather than that, it helps him/her to gradually overcome it.

That is why, the support of one’s family and friends is a very important part of the program’s success, especially in view of withdrawal symptoms management.

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