Experts agree that quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health. More than 25 diseases are associated with tobacco use including cancer of the lungs, bladder, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, uterus, and cervix. Smoking also raises the chances of developing emphysema and increases the risk of having a stroke by 30 per cent. We all know the harm that smoking does to us and to those around us. Most smokers have tried to quit not once or twice, but many times. The smoking ban introduced in the UK in 2007 has served to focus the minds of smokers even more acutely.
So how does one stop smoking without experiencing the withdrawal symptoms, the increase in eating, the constant desire to smoke and the anxious sensation in the body?
Acupuncture works in erasing the desire and the need to smoke. It has become a method of choice to stop smoking. With a good success rate in reducing the physical and emotional craving, acupuncture is the easiest and most comfortable way to rid oneself of the smoking addiction. Very few withdrawal symptoms are experienced because the acupuncture treatment counteracts the effects of nicotine withdrawal. The patient feels a sense of calm and tranquility after the treatment. Sleepers (ear seeds) can be provided to help with symptoms and cravings between treatments. We can also help to control the appetite with acupuncture.
Acupuncture stimulates endorphins which come from the central nervous system. These endorphins are the body's natural opiates and they are ultimately stronger than morphine for the relief of stress. A series of five acupuncture treatments is recommended for smoking cessation.
Acupuncture treatments are painless and the effects are long lasting so long as the person maintains their commitment. The World Health organization (WHO) of the United Nations recognizes forty-seven different health conditions that are successfully treated by acupuncture and one of these is nicotine addiction. While some smokers have tried using the nicotine patch to stop smoking, they are often unsuccessful. The reason being that the patch puts nicotine back into your body rather than actually helping you to eliminate it. Acupuncture detoxifies the body taking nicotine out while allowing your natural endorphins to take over the comfort level. It helps you relax and balances the nervous system.
Be good to yourself and those who care about you, make an appointment for acupuncture treatment. Once you begin your treatments you may be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable you feel.