Why? We both already know. There is cancer, faster aging, it’s expensive, the smoke is annoying to others, and your wife or husband is bugging you to quit. When? The sooner the better. How? And now for the really serious part of the discussion—I’ll state it plainly.
Acupuncture, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, is a highly effective aid in the control of smoking and other addictions. It has been my experience that 7 out of 10 patients will quit smoking within 2 or 3 weeks. Most others cut down significantly on the number of cigarettes consumed.
If you want to be among the 70% who are successful, you have to be committed to stopping the habit. If you are only getting acupuncture because your significant other wants you to, it won’t work. Yes, you will feel less craving, your withdrawal symptoms will be reduced, cigarettes might not even taste nearly as good, but you will not completely kick the habit or will soon return to it. If you want to quit, you will experience these benefits, making it much easier not to smoke, and you will kick the habit much more easily than trying to quit on your own.
The treatments are very relaxing. They last around 45 minutes. A few thin needles are placed in the outer ear, and on the hands and feet. It is relaxing like a deep rest or a meditation.
And now for some science…
Beta-endorphin, the natural hormone which causes physical relaxation and reduces sensitivity to pain, is released by the acupuncture treatment. This production of beta-endorphin is part of the physical mechanism which makes it possible for you to quit smoking, reducing cravings and withdrawals. Not eliminating, but reducing, making it easier to give up the habit.
Please call if you really want to quit. Acupuncture usually makes the challenge much easier.
Want to be inspired? Read testimonials from patients who have quit smoking with the help of acupuncture.