Quit Smoking with Acupuncture

Is your New Year’s resolution to finally quit smoking? If so, you are in luck. There are so many ways to quit and it seems like society is finally on board with helping you kick the habit.

And it’s no wonder! Smoking is not only dangerous, it also contains one of the most difficult drugs to quit. To say that withdrawal symptoms are "intense" would be putting it mildly.

If you decide to quit smoking for the New Year, you have so many resources at your disposal. These include nicotine gum, the “patch,” hypnosis, counseling, group therapy, and electronic cigarettes.

Acupuncture can also help. In fact, there is a procedure that involves five needles in your ear and is used to help you with addictions. NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is a "tried and true" protocol commonly performed by both acupuncturists and drug addiction counselors and typically produces highly successful results.

Acupuncture calms the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation and will get you through the first 3-4 days of detox. As the chemicals leave your body, acupuncture helps you cope with the physical sickness you may experience. Once the nicotine and other chemicals are no longer in your body, you should begin to feel better physically.

The emotional and mental process of quitting smoking is much more difficult. At this point, your treatment plan will change and you will focus on the stress and anxiety and psychological response that you will have. Different acupuncture points may be used and you may be able to start to lengthen the time between your treatment sessions. Combining acupuncture treatments with support groups, coaching, or counseling may also be beneficial.

When you are ready to quit, you will. And just because it doesn't work one time, doesn't mean you shouldn't try again. Be kind to yourself. Though acupuncture is very helpful, having a good support system and a positive attitude is the best medicine.