Smoking cessation acupuncture provides unique benefits which may not be available through other forms of smoking cessation treatments. In particular, acupuncture used for smoking cessation can provide the patient with physical relief from cravings caused by nicotine addiction and withdrawal. This can be accomplished without the use of chemicals or medications, which may have unwanted side-effects.
Smoking cessation acupuncture can be effective in promoting nicotine craving reduction for up to five years. Additionally, most patients undergoing smoking cessation acupuncture experience no side-effects from treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to be such a powerful treatment for reducing addiction that many courts order it for drug addicts to help them in their recovery.
Smoking is a formidable addiction that can have a significant impact on health and quality of life. Acupuncture can help smoker avoid such health problems as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancers of the lungs, throat and mouth. Although many smokers would like to kick the habit, nicotine can be a highly-addictive substance. Individuals who attempt to stop smoking may experience a myriad of physical symptoms that can make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to successfully quit.
The challenges faced by smokers in their efforts to quit are so overwhelming that many need help with this process. Smoking cessation acupuncture involves the use of acupuncture needles placed at strategic places on the body to stimulate symptom relief from nicotine withdrawal. While needles are commonly placed in the ear and on the neck, smoking cessation acupuncture is often tailored to meet the particular needs of the patient. Individualized acupuncture treatment improves the chances of success for patients battling nicotine addiction. Smoking cessation acupuncture is generally completed in five to ten weeks with one session provided each week.
Even though smoking cessation acupuncture can provide a needed tool to help smokers quit, additional supports during treatment may be needed to complement acupuncture therapy. For instance, some smokers find that counseling during the quitting process provides them with the emotional support they need to combat the psychological challenges of withdrawal. Additionally, some patients may require herbal supplements to help them control cravings between acupuncture sessions.
In most cases, smokers will need to engage in healthy lifestyle changes as well. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting enough exercise can enable a smoker to improve his or her overall health and well-being. Smoking cessation acupuncture combined with lifestyle changes can promote the physical health and stamina needed by the smoker to successfully combat nicotine addiction.
