Acupuncture and Addictions – Smoking Cessation
I’m heading into my 5th month without a cigarette, post treatment.
– Ioannis
Do you want to break free from addictions?
Few addictions are harder to cut than nicotine addiction. Like most addictions, it is embedded in a complex network of physiological (brain cells) and psychological factors. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to support your health and well-being. However, acupuncture is not a miracle cure for nicotine addiction. It can be a powerful component of a comprehensive treatment program. Other ingredients may include counseling, training, medication, nutritional support and even meditation.
Smoking, like any other addiction, usually acts as a form of escapism from a situation, a painful feeling, a thought, or a memory. Acupuncture is increasingly used to stop smoking and addictions. In fact, a certain type of acupuncture, called auricular acupuncture, or acudetox, involves placing needles on the ear and helps you by reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms
Addiction Reduction
Acupuncture slows down the body’s response to stress, which can help you limit your craving for nicotine, especially in the early stages of cessation, in which you experience fatigue and irritability. The body learns to rest, relax and breathe deeply.
Release of hormones for good mood
Studies show that acupuncture activates functions of the brain that produce chemicals, endorphins, which bring euphoria and help stabilize mood, while they moderate irritability.
Improving overall health and well-being
When you start eliminating unhealthy habits, you feel better physically. This well-being feeling helps you keep trying and adopt new healthier habits.
Effectiveness
According to statistical survey results, 40-50% of people who use acupuncture to stop smoking remain non-smokers one-year after the end of treatment.