How To Use Acupuncture To Stop Smoking

More people are choosing to quit smoking each year. They may decide that it costs too much and takes too much time. They also cite health risks as reasons for quitting. No matter what reason smokers have, they will usually struggle with quitting. As with other additions, quitting smoking is not an easy process. Often the patch or pill simply does not work and acupuncture to stop smoking becomes a viable option.

Acupuncture, an ancient remedy, is now used as a new, popular method to quit smoking. Though it does take time, acupuncture helps people quit smoking by helping them overcome their cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. By treating specific symptoms and consulting with individual patients, acupuncturists are able to help quitters bring balance to their bodies. Many acupuncturists perform a physical exam on their patients in order to better understand the situation and develop an appropriate plan of action.

Treatment to quit smoking varies from person to person. Be aware that each acupuncturist has individual treatment styles and the frequency and number of treatments each smoker has to go through when trying to quit smoking based on their personal diagnosis. If you visit an acupuncturist to quit smoking, expect appointments a few times a week that last anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes. Although acupuncture treatments to stop smoking vary, most patients are treated with 30 minute sessions once or twice per week. Initially, there are between four to six treatments for a few weeks. As symptoms abate, treatments are also decreased to once per month.

Acupuncturists normally concentrate on different points of the patients' body. The shen men point is a key focus for acupuncturists because it reduces stress. They also concentrate on the kidney to increase self-discipline and the master point zero to encourage homeostasis. Focusing on the lungs relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms. An acupuncture point on the wrist called the tim mee and the four gate points may be instrumental in helping smokers quit by relaxing the nerves.

Acupuncturists have also been known to prescribe herbs and supplements along with their treatments in order to control symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. For example, many acupuncturists prescribe green tea during the detoxification period so that the body is discouraged from experiencing nicotine cravings.

Occasionally, the acupuncturist will prescribe herbal teas that can calm fragile nerves and irritability while quitting smoking.

During withdrawal, smokers are encouraged to exercise and rid their body of toxins by eating fresh fruit, vegetable juices, and clear soups. Patients are also recommended to eat carrots, celery, oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as leafy greens. It is important to avoid sugar, including chocolate, coffee, and other junk foods.

Smokers should drink a lot of water, practice breathing properly, do daily exercises. Developing a strong support system to help them quit smoking is a good idea as well as having a plan in place to help them fight cravings. For example, when they crave a cigarette, smokers should instead call a friend or take a walk to shift their focus.

By: Robert Franklin

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