If you’re New Year’s resolution includes kicking the smoking habit, acupuncture may be able to help with your smoking cessation treatments. Acupuncture is a popular, all-natural way to curb your cravings and unlike other smoking cessation therapies, it is 100 percent nicotine-free. Acupuncture can also be a great supplement, working in conjunction with and enhancing other cessation medication especially, in the acute stages of withdrawal. Benefits of acupuncture when it is incorporated into your quit routine include sleep, mood, and general well being improvements.
The aim of acupuncture is to aid in curbing cravings for the nicotine itself. In general, patients are advised to be nicotine-free for one full day prior to their first acupuncture treatment.
However, no amount of therapy will help the patient to kick the habit if they are not ready to do so. Once a smoker is truly committed, the acupuncture treatment should begin. As withdrawal symptoms diminish, so will the need for the treatment. Ultimately, the treatments are dropped altogether once the patient is 100 percent tobacco and nicotine-free.
For tobacco cessation treatments, pressure points around and in the ears are especially helpful in conquering cravings. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association encourages this form of treatment—for the treatment of addiction.
Additionally, patients are encouraged to use ear seeds—for at-home acupressure between treatment sessions. This home treatment comprises positioning special balls around the ear using an adhesive tape—placed in specific, targeted areas. Using this technique permits the patient to continue treatment while at home, by applying pressure to points on the ear in order to help subdue the impulse to smoke.
Pressure points on the ear will stimulate a patients nervous system—not only, suppressing the need for cigarettes but also encourages a relaxation response to the pressure. Research also shows that acupuncture helps our brains to release endorphins—which elevates a patients sense of well being. Ultimately, acupuncture treatments target pressure points to support and relax reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
The success rate of using acupuncture for tobacco cessation is promising. Typically, patients are reporting that they have fewer cravings, reduced irritability, better moods, improved sleep, and a reduction of general withdrawal symptoms associated with attempting to quit smoking. Find out more here.
Researcher has shown that acupuncture is particularly effective when paired with conventional smoking cessation techniques like nicotine replacement and prescription medication. The saying “two is better than one” can apply, in that two forms of therapy are more better than one.
Kicking the habit is tough but with the right tools and the desire to quit you can do it. Call us for a free consultation and to discuss your treatment options.
Brad is a nationally Board certified and fully licensed acupuncturist serving the metro Washginton DC area. With additional extensive study and practice in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Orthopaedic Acupuncture, Brad’s speciality is as a family practitioner, treating the whole person through a variety of modalities to address the underlying causes of disharmony and achieve optimal health and balance. For a free consultation or to schedule an appointment call (301) 639-9759 or email us.
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