Smoking is a difficult habit to overcome without help. Thankfully, acupuncture is a very safe and effective way to treat nicotine addiction. Acupuncture treatment focuses on reducing the craving for nicotine as well as the feelings of irritability and restlessness that come hand-in-hand with quitting. It also has a detoxifying and relaxing effect on the body.
Acupuncturists have found a specific point on the body, called "tim mee," that helps smokers by changing the way tobacco tastes. It can be found just above the crease of your wrist on the inside of your arm. Several other acupuncture points on your body and your ears are used to calm anxiety, treat addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture also releases endorphins, your body's feel-good chemicals, making you feel calm and relaxed. After acupuncture, most patients report that they no longer enjoy the taste of cigarettes or experience cravings for them.
Patients are sent home with ear seeds, a small seed with adhesive placed at specific points on the ear. These points are strategically placed and then pressed throughout the day to curb cravings and reduce stress.
Chinese herbs are used to help with dryness and tissue damage in the lungs caused by smoking, irritability, and cravings. Outside of an herbal prescription formulated for your individual needs by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner, sipping green tea has been proven to help reduce cravings during the initial period of detox.
Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment can help motivated smokers to reduce smoking, or even quit smoking completely, and the effect may last for a minimum of 5 years.
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine is a safe and effective way to overcome nicotine dependence and withdrawal. If you would like to curb your addiction today, you can call the office at 321-972-2940 to schedule your health evaluation.
Sources Used for This Article:
Anoka Massage. (2017). 6 Facts to Know When Using Acupuncture to Quit Smoking. Retrieved April 10, 2018, from https://www.anokamassage.com/6-facts-to-know-when-using-acupuncture-to-quit-smoking/
Joswick, D. (2001). Quit Smoking With Acupuncture. Preventive Medicine, 33(5), 364-372. Retrieved April 10, 2018, from https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture Information/Detail/Quit Smoking with Acupuncture.