People who wish to use acupuncture to help them quit smoking have generally already decided to quit.
In most cases, they may have tried unsuccessfully to quit in the past, but the spread of laws that prohibit smoking in public places has helped them to make the final step.
Reasons for wanting to quit can be many and varied. Some people have developed health problems from smoking, like a shortness of breath, chronic coughs or increasing susceptibility to colds and flu. Others may decide to stop when a loved one develops a smoking related disease like emphysema or lung cancer. Some just want to spend the money they now spend on cigarettes on something more life affirming!
Whichever your reason for quitting, there is only one way to quit. Self motivation is paramount. Choosing acupuncture to help quit smoking will help you to maintain a strong desire to quit, and give you a greater likelihood of success.
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What Does the Treatment Involve?
The acupuncture program for smoking cessation at my Acupuncture for Health and Wellbeing clinic usually consists of five visits, each one lasting about an hour. During your first appointment, you will be asked about your smoking history and health background. This will help to understand your behaviours, habits and triggers that lead to smoking. You may be a social smoker, smoke for pleasure, for emotional reasons or when stressed. Nicotine is powerful and can be sedating or stimulating, depending on the individual. A few examples of triggers for smoking are:
Interview methods from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as taking the pulse and observing the tongue are employed, along with establishing some information about your health and its imbalances. The purpose of this interview is to determine the Chinese medical diagnosis for you and the individualised treatment you will receive.
Taking into account your unique smoking habits and physical and emotional make-up, your acupuncture treatment is designed for you. No two people are treated exactly the same. At this session, you learn to identify your particular triggers for smoking and how to avoid them. Acupuncture can reduce the cravings and lessen the withdrawal symptoms that accompany an effort to quit. Since the first month of quitting is the most difficult, the acupuncture sessions ease you through this time.
The treatment will prepare you to become a non-smoker and will help you to stop smoking. The five acupuncture treatments are spaced out over three to four weeks, usually two treatments the first week, and subsequent treatments based on your individual needs. The treatments will focus on any physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms that may arise, and also aid in relaxation. There are no "magic" acupuncture points for smoking cessation. Each patient is custom-treated according to his or her specific and unique diagnosis. Usually a combination of body acupuncture points and points on the ear are used. After the needles are inserted, you will relax for about 30 minutes.
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Are Any Other Techniques Used Between Sessions?
Exercise is encouraged and dietary recommendations are given (foods to avoid and foods to be included during the withdrawal phase). Sometimes a small metal pellet is tacked onto a specific point on the ear to reduce cravings.
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How Does It Compare to Other Methods?
Because the acupuncture smoking termination program is individualized, it is often successful for those who have been unable to stop smoking through other methods. Often, our patients may have tried Nicorette gum, the nicotine patch or some type of organized program. If the individual sticks with it, the acupuncture quitting program can lead to permanent cessation.
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How Much Does the Program Cost?
The total cost of the program is £150, which includes the initial consultation plus acupuncture treatments (5 in all). This package price is payable at your first visit. This compares easily with the price of smoking plus you will save a great deal of money (and your health) in the long run.
Our acupuncture program to help you quit smoking will only be effective if you meet me halfway. Acupuncture will not "do it" for you. You need to have a genuine desire to quit smoking. It's very important to enlist the support of friends and family. Everyone will respond to acupuncture and quitting smoking differently. Some may sail through the process with little or no problems, while others may have a harder time with withdrawal. Be assured that acupuncture can reduce the stress and difficulty of quitting smoking, and can aid you in your decision to quit smoking. We support you in your efforts to begin a healthy and smoke-free life!