Acupuncture to stop smoking

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Eastern cultures to promote healing and health. Recently, practitioners in the United States have begun using acupuncture for stop smoking programs.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the medical practice of inserting very small, sterile, disposable needles into the surface of the skin at specific locations. Many people have recently begun using acupuncture to stop smoking.

Acupuncture is based in Chinese medical theory. This theory purports that all human beings have a "chi" or virtual energy. There are particular pathways which carry the "chi" throughout the body, called meridians. The body has a total of 12 of these "chi" systems, each one linking to a particular organ system. When people smoke cigarettes and inhale their harmful chemicals, the flow of "chi" becomes obstructed, and addiction and disease follow. Through the use of acupuncture, the flow is balanced and the mind and body are restored to a healthy status as the smoker is able to free themselves of the bonds of smoking.

Acupuncture follows a holistic approach when used as a smoking cessation program. It focuses on the whole person, both the body and mi nd. It follows the belief that when the body's "chi" is in a balanced state, it becomes empowered to heal itself. There are no side effects associated with using acupuncture to quit smoking. Many times people report a general overall improvement in health when they had originally used acupuncture to target a specific ailment.

Does acupuncture actually work in smoking cessation programs?

Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat many different types of addictions, including street drugs and alcohol dependency. Likewise it has also been used to treat overeating and nicotine addiction with successful results. Acupuncture is used by one the most successful addiction programs in the country at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in New York City. Acupuncture not only works to help quit smoking, it also improves their overall quality of health. People that have used acupuncture as part of a smoking cessation program reported a major reduction of cravings, improved sleep, as well as an increase i n the level of relaxation.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body causing it to release endorphins. Endorphins are the body natural pain alleviating device. This release of endorphins appears to help the quitting smoker manage and alleviate the discomforts of withdrawal symptoms.

How is the treatment conducted and how long after treatments begin are results evident?

Treatment should be provided in a licensed clinic or practitioner's office. Several inpatient clinics also offer acupuncture for quitting smoking programs. It is recommended that you discus and coordinate you smoking cessation program with your doctor. After a mere one or two acupuncture sessions, smokers reported a dramatic decrease in the intensity and number of cravings. Nearly 7 of 10 smokers achieved, at least for the short term, success in quitting smoking after just five or six sessions over the course of two weeks. Smokers often have small tacks taped over their stimulus points so that they can self heal at home and keep their endorphin levels high.

How to find a reputable acupuncture therapist

If you should decide to pursue the use of acupuncture in you smoking cessation program, there are a number of options for finding reputable acupuncturist. Your physician is a great starting point in your search to locate an acupuncturist. You may also want to ask trusted family and friends if they have any recommendations. Always verify the practitioner's credentials and training. Also, ask whether the acupuncturist has any former clients you can speak with. Make an appointment to discuss the details of the procedure, including costs, the number of treatments, who will be giving the treatments, what it involved with the treatments. Finally, check to see if using acupuncture as part of a smoking cessation will be covered under your insurance.

Tips to remain smoke free

Staying smoke free can be a difficult task, but one that can be accomplished with support and determination. The following tips ca n help you remain smoke free:

Avoid temptation

An effective way to remain smoke free involves avoiding situations that you associate with smoking. This can be bars, games or even certain songs or drinks. Avoiding the temptation keeps smoking off your mind and helps you stay smoke free.

Create your own personal mantra

Create a mantra that you can repeat to yourself whenever you have the desire to smoke. Remember how far you've come, why you quit smoking and how it felt dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal.

Remind yourself that the craving is only temporary

Most cravings only from 3 to 5 minutes and will pass. Even taking on puff of a cigarette will start the withdrawal process all over again.

Using acupuncture to stop smoking can be a very effective and rewarding experience. Acupuncture for stop smoking has been proven effective can be individualized for those who have had problems quitting before.

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