Each year, people across the globe vow to finally quit smoking. When conventional methods to quit smoking, such as nicotine gum or patches, have failed, smokers often look outside the mainstream and turn to alternative medicine. Acupuncture as an alternative approach to smoking cessation has a growing number of converts.
Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to quit and remain smoke-free. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture can empower you to take control and begin a healthy and smoke-free life!
How Does Acupuncture Help Break the Cigarette Habit?
Acupuncture has turned a growing number of cigarette cravers into permanent ex-smokers. A successful acupuncture program will include patient preparation, patient commitment, and education about what acupuncture will and will not do.
Acupuncture accomplishes this by reducing the cravings and lessening the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting. The acupuncture treatments will focus on the jitters, the cravings, the irritability, and the restlessness that people commonly complain about when they quit. It will also aid in relaxation and detoxification.
What Points Are Used?
Each patient is custom-treated according to his or her specific and unique diagnosis. Usually a combination of body acupuncture points and points on the ear are used that are believed to influence the organs and energetic pathways associated with smoking.
What Lifestyle and Dietary Changes Should I Make?
Exercise is encouraged and dietary and support systems are recommended to rid the body of toxins and avoid relapses:
- Get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices to neutralize and clear the blood of nicotinic acid and to fortify blood sugar.
- Carrots, Carrot juice, celery, leafy green salads and citrus fruits promote body alkalinity and decrease cravings.
- Avoid junk food, sugar, chocolate, coffee and cooked spinach. They can upset blood sugar levels and increase blood acidity which can aggravate smoking-withdrawal symptoms.
- Lobelia Tea (Ban Bian Lian) or Green Tea can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage nicotine cravings. (Lobelia is traditionally used to rid the body of a strong toxin such as a snake bite.)
- Drink water - Research shows that dryness causes cravings. Sip water (1 oz per 2 lbs body weight) frequently throughout the day.
- Deep Breathing Exercises – to increase body oxygen and sensations of pleasure
- Support Person - The decision to stop smoking can elicit uncomfortable emotions. Ask someone who is available to you in the next few weeks to act as a sounding board and provide encouragement when needed.
- Affirmations - An affirmation is a positive statement repeated often to create desired changes in your life. Repeating the affirmation helps not only to remind you why you are no longer smoking but imprints a new image of health so that the body can then produce health. Examples: "I am a non-smoker. I make healthy choices in my life."
- Setting Boundaries - Set up contracts with other smokers to refrain from smoking in your presence. This includes spouses. When possible, stay away from smokers during the first few weeks.
- Managing cravings – Plan what you will do during a craving. Examples: Chew licorice root sticks or gum (cinnamon); use cinnamon mouthwash frequently; repeat your affirmation; breathe deeply; exercise; call your support person.
How Many Treatments Will I need and how long do they take?
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments last from 30 to 60 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times the first week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.
A stop smoking program will often consist of 3-4 initial treatments scheduled in the first few weeks followed by monthly treatments for four to six months if desired or required through relapse.
After the initial treatment, it is essential to refrain from smoking or having any cigarettes in your possession. When you make it through the first 24 hours smoke-free, you have a 90% chance of being successful. Usually we give four treatments total, two the first week, two days apart, and two follow-up appointments a week apart.
RECIDIVISM
No one expects a person to quit drinking alcohol by attending a few AA meetings. Quitting smoking is only the tip of the iceberg.
There are a lot of triggers that can cause relapse. Cigarettes can act as a shield to insulate uncomfortable feelings and situations. As a new nonsmoker, you might feel vulnerable and confused when trying to handle a stressful situation. Monthly treatments provide support and bring you back into harmony. It is not our job to provide therapy. However, we can help you clarify your feelings. If you "slip" and smoke, question what was really at issue, and how could you handle it differently. Relapse is often part of the process.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you and success to you.
Dr. Randy McCreary, PhD, DNM
Randy McCreary has studied the interplay between the mind, spirit and body and its impact on both the development and reversal of disease conditions for the past 15 years. He has brought this vast information together into an effective format known as Neurotherapy. This self healing energetic psychological protocol deals with the optimization of the interplay between the Mind, Spirit and Body of the individual.
Randy is also a highly sought after international speaker, author and educator on various topics within the field of health and wellness. He is renowned for his ability to powerfully impact his audiences through knowledge, humour, common sense and compassion.
