Can TCM Help me Quit Smoking?

Yes! Acupuncture makes it possible.

How is the acupuncture done?
Very fine needles are slid under the patient’s the skin at special points on the outer ear and hands. You feel a prick when the needle passes through the skin, and then local warmth or tingling. Needles are left in the place for 20-30 minutes and then removed. Tiny magnet balls are then taped over some of the acupuncture points in order to provide continuing stimulation. These are left in place for a week or until the next treatment.

For best results, a treatmenting cycle takes four to six followed-up visits to complete.

What result can you expect?
Relaxation is the first effect, within a few minutes of the start of treatment. Acupuncture is a very calming experience.

Craving is either reduced or eliminated completely and compulsive Behavior is relieved. Withdrawal Symptoms are in most cases eliminated except for some irritability for some people.

But… the habit will still be with you. You won’t want or need a cigarette but your hand may still reach for one. You will have to make an effort to change your habits, but you will find that change is possible. It is much easier to deal with habit when you are not also trying to deal with craving or withdrawal symptoms.

How long will the treatment last?
Some people have no urge to smoke after the first cycle of treatment. The second treatment cycle helps prevent withdrawal symptoms. Others find that they smoke much less after the first treatment cycle and are able to quit completely after the second. The third treatment reinforces and carries you through the detoxification period.

Quitting completely should be your goal. Remember that nicotine dependency is like any other addiction. With just one cigarette, you have opened the way to re-addiction, returning to your old habit.

When you have been off nicotine for ten days you can consider yourself detoxified. Acupuncture makes it possible for you to stay in control. If you feel yourself slipping you can always get a booster treatment, whether it is a week or a month or a year after quitting.

Many people who start smoking again do so in periods of stress. They don’t crave nicotine, but they have the old memory that it used to make them feel better. If this happens to you, remind yourself that smoking doesn’t make your problems go away, but it is itself a problem that you don’t need to take an again. Your acupuncturist will help you find other ways to deal with stress.

Can Any One Have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is suitable for almost all who want to quit smoking, regardless of age or gender. Pregnant women should inform the acupuncturist of their pregnancy but the procedure is safe for them.

How Can You Insure Success?
The single most important factor is that you want to quit smoking. Acupuncture for smoking cessation is partnership between you and your acupuncturist. No one can be made to quit, but anyone who wants to quit can be helped.

You already know that “smoking is hazardous to your health.” You owe it to yourself to quit. And acupuncture can make it easier for you.

The best insurance of success lies in yourself and how committed you are to quitting. We have also found that when two living partners come in together each does better than if one comes in alone while the other continues to smoke. People who work together and quit smoking together find it easier to quit than those who do it alone. So to have the best chance of success, be sure that your commitment is strong, and bring a buddy.

Does Acupuncture Combine Well With Other Therapies?
Acupuncture and group work or classes are an excellent combination. Acupuncture deals with the detoxification, and classes are directed at the habit. Hypnosis is also compatible in the same way. Acupressure reinforces your acupuncture and we will give you instruction. Nicorette gum is not compatible because it is putting nicotine into your system. You cannot detoxify while you keep adding the same substance.

What About Weight Gain?
Nicotine is an artificial stimulant to the metabolism. When you stop taking in nicotine your metabolism returns to normal. To avoid gaining weight you should plan to reduce calories somewhat at the same time that you cut out the nicotine. Most people find it easy to cut down on fats in their diet. Of course you should not add foods as a substitute of smoking.

- E. Davis

K.J. Clinic, 2006