Smoking is one of the most addictive and detrimental habits to one’s health known to man. The long-term effects of smoking can result in illness and reduce the chance of living a healthy and happy life. However deadly, people can find quitting the habit a very difficult thing to do. Which is why there has been such an emphasis on researching new methods and products to help quitters kick the habit for good. One of these options that smokers can try is by the use of acupuncture. Using acupuncture to stop smoking may not work for everyone, as the results of it vary somewhat between the sources, however for some it may well be the support they need to help cut the habit for good.

How Acupuncture Works

The use of acupuncture to stop smoking works by helping to reduce the smoker’s physical cravings for tobacco. It also works by lessening the withdrawal symptoms of smoking by releasing a sedative effect on the nervous system. Beta-endorphin, being a natural hormone in the body which causes physical relaxation as well reducing the sensitivity to pain, is also released during the treatment. This particular hormone (beta-endorphin) is part of the physical mechanism which makes it possible for smokers to quit - and quit for good.

What Happens During Acupuncture Treatment

Using acupuncture to stop smoking requires a number of treatments for it to fully work. Acupunctural treatments usually last on average for about 30 minutes and work by inserting needles into particular points on the body including the ear, hand and wrists to release a calming and healing effect on the body. Sometimes a mild electrical current is passed through these needles to augment the effect. “Ear-tags” (being very small retainer needles) are also inserted into the ear to remain there for a few days in order to exert a constant stimulus to special points so help reduce the smoker’s withdrawal symptoms.

The number of treatments required depends greatly on the practitioner as well as the extent of the smoker’s habit. However, a typical acupunctural program will consist of around 3 treatments in the first week, with 2 treatments following these up in the second week. To promote long-term quitting, the occasional follow-up treatments are usually recommended over the following 2-3 months of the initial treatment.

The Pros Of Using Acupuncture

One of the pros of using acupuncture to stop smoking is that clients tend to find weight-gain less likely to be a side-effect normally associated with the quitting of smoking as the acupunctural points used treat the craving for nicotine tend to also reduce the craving for food. As well as this, acupuncture can also be used as a treatment for other disorders and illnesses such as addiction to drugs (legal or illegal), chronic pain, injuries, chronic fatigue, headaches, depression, stress disorders, insomnia, allergies and many others. Although it may not work for everyone, as much of the result of the quitting of smoking lies with the smoker themselves, using acupuncture to stop smoking may be the answer for some as it can certainly be a huge support and asset for those who want to give it their best shot.