Overcoming Smoking Addiction? Acupuncture Offers Relief for Cravings
Improving Health through Acupuncture: A Non-Pharmaceutical Approach to Quitting Smoking
Quitting tobacco is a significant step towards enhancing one's health, yet the journey can be challenging, especially for individuals trying to quit smoking. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, offers a possible solution to help manage nicotine cravings.
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Acupuncture, coupled with Chinese herbs and hypnotherapy, might not be as well-known as nicotine patches or gum, but they all provide relief, particularly during the active withdrawal phase when individuals struggle with fatigue, irritability, and persistent cravings.
Jamie Starkey, a licensed acupuncturist, explains, "Some people resort to acupuncture when they can't tolerate drugs used for tobacco cessation. Unlike prescription medications, acupuncture has no side effects. In fact, it often results in side benefits such as improved sleep or mood."
The Mechanism of Action
Acupuncturists focus on specific body areas for various conditions. For smoking cessation, pressure points in the ears are particularly effective in suppressing cravings. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association even has a protocol centered around these ear suppression points to combat addiction.
In between acupuncture treatments, individuals can use ear seeds at home. This form of acupressure involves placing tiny balls on the ear with adhesive tape in targeted areas, allowing self-treatment through applied pressure to temper the urge to smoke.
According to Starkey, "The cranial nerves, accessed through the ears, stimulate the nervous system to suppress the urge for cigarettes. We aim not only to suppress cravings but also to engage the relaxation response."
Individuals may experience fewer cravings, decreased irritability, improved mood, improved bowel movements, and improved sleep after acupuncture.
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture
Acupuncture's goal is to help minimize nicotine cravings. Starkey advises, "I usually advise patients to be tobacco-free for at least 24 hours before their first consult for acupuncture. If they take this step, it indicates they have the mindset required to be tobacco-free."
It's crucial to be mentally prepared to quit and accept the idea of discarding cigarettes. Once patients are committed, Starkey begins seeing them two to three times per week initially, followed by weekly visits as withdrawal symptoms subside, and eventually, discontinued visits when they are tobacco-free.
Before the first visit, it is best to consult with the acupuncturist regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Enhancing Success with Additional Methods
Acupuncture is even more effective when combined with other integrative medicine techniques. These may include hypnotherapy and Chinese herbs customized by an herbalist for each patient to decrease urges and help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Starkey concludes, "Regardless of the method chosen, whether through a tobacco cessation program, acupuncture, herbs, hypnotherapy, or a combination, it's all worthwhile in the long run."
- Enhancing one's mental health during the smoking cessation journey is equally important, and therapies like hypnotherapy can provide additional support in managing cravings.
- A well-balanced diet, falling under the umbrella of nutrition, can also play a significant role in overall health and wellness, helping the body recover from the harmful effects of smoking.
- Science continues to evolve, and research on the effectiveness of acupuncture extends beyond smoking cessation. For instance, it has shown promising results in various fields such as pain management, stress reduction, and mental health.
- Fitness and exercise are crucial components in maintaining overall health. Regular physical activity not only helps in combating the weight gain often associated with quitting smoking but also boosts mental health by releasing endorphins that induce feelings of happiness and calmness.
