Quit Smoking with Acupuncture

Congratulations on deciding to quit smoking. You’ve taken the first step towards better health and a huge amount of other benefits.

Nicotine is known as one of the most addictive drugs. This, combined with flavour and physical habit, makes smoking extremely difficult to combat.

How Can Acupuncture Help Me Quit Smoking

Acupuncture helps to reduce nicotine cravings and alleviates withdrawal symptoms, making quitting less stressful. The NADA protocol is used worldwide to support people suffering with substance abuse. It has been shown to be of benefit to the detoxification process as well as assist with physical, emotional and psychological issues involved with addictions. It helps to;

 

  • stop cravings
  • increase relaxation
  • helps detoxify the body
  • restore balance in the body
  • Jump-start the healing process
  • alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, poor concentration, irritability and restlessness

 

The Treatment

Acupuncture treatment will depend on what is going on specifically for the patient but generally will include stimulation of acupoints on the legs and arms as well as the NADA protocol (points located on the ear). There is also a point that is specifically used to help people cease smoking. This point is located on the wrist and adjusts the taste of the cigarette.

As an addition to this treatment, and to assist further with cravings and symptoms of withdrawal, tiny ear seeds will be used to further stimulate the NADA protocol points.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This will depend on the individual and the severity of the addiction, but generally, the recommended treatment plan involves ten treatments over a four week period. After this time, additional acupuncture treatments can be performed on a weekly basis (if needed), with the intention of gradually increasing the intervals between treatments.

 

Tips

Acupuncture is effective in reducing cravings, however it cannot change habits. Sometimes the habit of smoking is harder to overcome than the physical cravings. For example, if you smoke when you are feeling stressed or if you enjoy a coffee and a cigarette in the morning. Other things that can assist include:

  • Exercise – exercise releases endorphins, makes you feel good and happy. Go for a brisk walk once a day
  • Support from family and friends – tell them your game plan and get them to help you through it
  • Join a support group
  • Find new smoke free activities – Sports, walking, running, stand up paddle boarding, cooking, yoga, meditation etc.
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