Smoking Cessation
Time to Quit Smoking in New York City
Today the federal government put an extra 62 cents tax on cigarettes. That makes a pack over $9 in New York City, which means more than $250 per month for those who smoke a pack per day.
Acupuncture for smoking cessation is a treatment method that is used to help you quit. The treatment helps to minimize cravings and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It also provides support for the smoker during the transition.
You can do it!!!
Quitting is a challenge for many, but you can do it.
Although it is not as widely known as nicotine patches and gums, acupuncture has been shown to help smokers quit. It helps with nicotine cravings and can curb irritability and other symptoms. In addition to helping smokers quit, acupuncture has been shown to improve overall health and longevity.
Besides helping smokers quit smoking, acupuncture can also help smokers feel more relaxed and less stressed. It helps reduce the emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking, which can be very hard to deal with on your own. Acupuncture also helps the body detoxify itself.
Treatments can last anywhere from five to 30 minutes. Patients usually receive a treatment once or twice a week. Some people find relief with one treatment, while others will need multiple treatments in order to see long-term results. Many stop smoking programs involve 4-6 sessions in the initial phase, followed by monthly treatments for the next four to six months.
It’s also important to prepare mentally by making a list of reasons to quit, finding friends and family who will support you, creating a plan with a specific date that you will quit, and exercising regularly for stress relief.
I also suggest, as part of the plan, to know what you will do instead of smoking. So if you crave a cigarette, often eating an apple, a pretzel, or chewing gum can occupy the physical habit of doing something.
Can you use acupuncture to quit smoking?
Yes, a lot of people use acupuncture for smoking. Acupuncture helps to relax the body and mind to calm the craving for cigarettes, which makes you more comfortable and less irritable. It also helps to balance the nervous system, releasing your own natural endorphins. Feeling good can certainly give your will power a boost!
Often, acupuncture for quitting smoking is focused on acupuncture points on the ears. Acupuncture works best in combination with other methods, such as stress reduction, nicotine replacement, and a supportive group of friends and family.
Acupuncture Help Eliminate Cravings
Another way acupuncture helps smokers stop smoking is by eliminating the cravings. This is accomplished by stimulating specific points in the outer ear with small ear seeds. These seeds are placed on the ear and stimulated whenever a craving strikes. This practice will also help smokers stop overeating and prevent weight gain.
During the treatment, the acupuncture needles release endorphins that replace the dopamine rush and promote wellbeing. Endorphins help people cope with pain and discomfort and prevent depression and anxiety. Dopamine affects the reward center of the brain and causes a feeling of pleasure. Endorphins relieve the emotional pain associated with smoking and help the smoker shift away from nicotine addiction.