Smoking is a strong, complicated addiction. Quitting smoking is no small task and you will need lots of support to be successful. You need the best tools to help with the physical and emotional symptoms, and acupuncture is a great resource to help you succeed.
Acupuncture to Quit Smoking
Acupuncture for Smoking
Acupuncture has been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, and is known to provide relief to a number of conditions. It is said to be especially effective for relieving stress. The use of acupuncture for addiction was popularized in the early 1970s, after a patient with opium withdrawal symptoms said that his symptoms disappeared after receiving electroacupuncture. While the Effectiveness of acupuncture for smokers who are trying to quit is disputed, many find that acupuncture helps to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The advantage of this treatment is that it helps you get through this quitting phase, without relying on chemicals or NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) medication.
When you go to an acupuncturist, he/she may ask you a few questions to understand your unique smoking habits. A physical examination of blood pressure, pulse, and checking the tongue may also be done. If you explain your emotional and physical symptoms well, it will put the practitioner in a better position to treat you. The treatment is aimed at relieving the jitters, the cravings, the irritability, and the restlessness commonly experienced. It will also aid in relaxation and detoxification.
Acupuncture Point
While the points used on each patient differ, ear acupuncture is most commonly used for smoking cessation. However, equally often, a patient is treated to a combination of body points. The commonly used acupressure body points are Tim Mee, which is specifically to help discontinue smoking, and is an extra-meridian point located on the wrist, and the Four Gate Points, which can help calm the nervous system. Commonly used ear points are the shenmen, kidney, sympathetic, lung upper and lung lower, and hunger or mouth.
Acupuncture can not completely eliminate addiction, but it is a great aid in the recovery process after quitting. The first and hardest step is to decide to quite, there are many treatments including acupuncture that can help you after.
Below are some other ways to help keep you smoke-free for a better, healthier life.
Stay positive
Having good and bad days are a part of life, and same goes for quitting smoking. Some days are going to be easier than others, but it is important on the bad days to remind yourself why quitting is worth it. Health should be number one in your life and according to the CDC, quitting smoking will lower your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory complications and more. If you have been a smoker, you know the side effects well. Staying positive and motivated to keep the bad habit away will pay off tremendously in the long run. Talk to others who have quit or join a support group. It is always great to hear from others who are going through the same experience as you and to see success stories.
Quitting Smoking
Know your triggers
Smokers usually have triggers that give them the urge to light up. Be aware of what these are and find ways to avoid them. Common triggers include stress, drinking coffee, after a meal, drinking alcohol, if someone else is smoking or feeling restless. Once you know your triggers, you can know how to handle them in a healthy manner that doesn’t include smoking. When you start to feel an urge, try deep breathing or go on a short walk. Keep your mind and body occupied.
Take up a new hobby/activity
Kicking a bad habit is the perfect time to take up a healthy one. Spend more time exercising or doing something you enjoy. Activities like biking, swimming or yoga are not only fun but also beneficial for your mental and physical health. If feeling stressed or down is a trigger for you, becoming more active can help lower these symptoms.