Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

SMOKING CESSATION
Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking!  Acupuncture is an integral part of a smoking cessation plan and can reduce cravings, restore balance, aid the body in detoxification, and help heal damage to the body caused by smoking. 

In addition to physical addiction, behavioral & social habits make quitting smoking a challenge.  When acupuncture is used in combination with anti-smoking counseling it increases the chances of success significantly (better than just acupuncture or just counseling alone).  I strongly urge you to call the tobacco quit line (1-800-QUIT NOW ) to get all the support you can while undertaking this endeavor to become smoke free. 

We are all familiar with the detrimental effects that smoking has on our bodies: sore throat, stained teeth, wrinkles, lung congestion, dry or phlegmy cough, bad breath, loss of taste, headaches, ulcers, eye disease, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, etc.  Chinese medicine views tobacco use as not only detrimental to the Lungs and Stomach, but also to the Kidney Jing (or essence) and the Heart and mental functioning.  The drying up of Kidney Jing can reduce lifespan and cause deficiency in the immune system as well as all other functions of the body.  Heat transferring to the Heart system can cause irritability and mental changes.  The good news is that within mere days of quitting smoking the body begins to heal itself and the risk of developing serious disease begins to decline dramatically.  It is never too late to quit and even long-term heavy smokers will reduce their risk of developing smoking related diseases within a few months to a few years after quitting.

Making a Plan to Become Smoke Free:

• Make a commitment to quit smoking
• Write down all the reasons you want to quit and hang them up in plain view as a reminder of your commitment
• Tell friends & family members your plan and ask for their support
• Decide on a quit date and throw out all your cigarettes and ashtrays on that day
• In the days leading up to your quit date smoke every cigarette with awareness.  This will start to change smoking from a mindless habit into a conscious choice
  
• Schedule to receive acupuncture treatments 2-3 times a week for a few weeks, and then once a week gradually reducing frequency as cravings and withdrawal symptoms begin to disappear.  Herbs may also be prescribed to help improve lung functioning and support detoxification pathways.  Preferably, treatment should start the week before your quit date.
  
• Get additional support & resources to increase success by calling the Tobacco Quit Line
  
• Drink lots of water to aid in detoxification and help eliminate withdrawal symptoms quicker
  
• Plan ways to distract yourself so when you do have an urge to smoke you can redirect your attention
  
• Make time to do something enjoyable every day to reduce stress and reward yourself for your efforts
• Take a short walk in place of your usual cigarette break and enjoy breathing clean air!
• Meditate or use a guided meditation CD to calm your nerves and learn to breath consciously
• Remember, don’t become discouraged if you fail.  The average smoker needs more than one try to quit smoking so don’t give up!