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Acupuncture And How It Can Help You To Quit Smoking

Acupuncture is known for treating many different ailments, however, not everyone is aware of its use in helping to fight cigarette addiction. Many smokers use acupuncture to help them to stop smoking and to fight nicotine cravings.

Whether you’ve tried other treatments unsuccessfully or this is your first try, acupuncture may be something for you to consider as an alternative treatment method that can deal with both the physical and the emotional effects of nicotine addiction.

The first step to using acupuncture as a means of quitting smoking is to understand what acupuncture is

Female asian acupuncturist speaking with male patient Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice, which involves the use of needles being placed in specific spots throughout the body. We can only speculate how or why acupuncture works, but experts believe it stimulates the release of brain-releasing endorphins, while influencing the autonomic nervous system. It can also stimulate circulation and can influence the electrical currents in the body. Typically, acupuncture takes about 20 to 30 minutes, however, it can take more than an hour depending upon treatment.

The Acupuncturist may implement other techniques during treatment, which can include moxibustion (the heating of acupuncture needles with dried herb sticks to activate and warm the acupuncture point), cupping (the application of glass cups over the acupuncture points to create a suction on the skin in order to relieve stagnation of qi and blood), herbal medicine (may be given in the forms of teas, pills and capsules), electrostimiulation (electrical stimulation to 2 of 4 acupuncture needles, typical for pain relief), and laser acupuncture (non-needle stimulation of needles).

Many courts are making acupuncture a mandatory course of treatment for those who are addicted to drugs. Acupuncture works extremely well for curbing addictive habits and helping to cut down on cravings.

The Acupuncturist will most likely do an interview with the smoker to decipher which symptoms are bothering them. The treatment will be custom-created to the patient and his or her unique needs.

Treatment will usually be completed twice a week and will last anywhere from five to thirty minutes for each treatment. Sometimes at the end of each treatment, ear press needles or silver pellets might be applied to stimulate the points in between treatments.
Smokers are encouraged to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise program. A diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables are helpful in reducing cravings. Avoid junk foods and food that is high in sugar and fat. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and to practice deep breathing exercises.

Acupuncture may seem like a strange alternative treatment option, but it actually works for many people. There are a lot of smokers who have tried many other methods unsuccessfully and find that acupuncture is the only method that will work in aiding them to quit smoking successfully with ease and finality. It’s something all smokers should definitely consider.

Tags: acupuncture, addiction, alternative treatments, cigarettes, fight nicotine cravings, quitting, stop smoking, tobacco

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