By: Liz Kelchak, L.Ac.
Do you have a desire to quit smoking? Does your family and friends want you to quit smoking? Are suffering from health issues that require you to quit smoking (COPD, heart disease, poor circulation, etc? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, what’s stopping you??
In order to make change in ones life one must be motivated. But as many of us know motivation only goes so far. In order to reach goals there often needs to be urgency to attain them. Your goal must be your own and it must inspire you, the goal should be clear, specific, and measurable. Tell others about your goal and reward yourself when reach a milestone in your goal.
Steps to take when you are ready to quit:
- Monitor your smoking habits with a log: When, where, and why? Decide what you’re going to do in replace of smoking.
- Set a quit date. Pick the date and mark it on your calendar.
- Tell friends and family about your Quit Day.
- Get rid of all the cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and at work.
- Stock up on oral substitutes –gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws, and/or toothpicks.
- Decide on a plan and set up a support system
- Drink a glass of water (We recommend 2 liters of water per day!)
- Be sure to supplement with Vitamin C (Vitamin C is a well known antioxidant.) 2,000mg per day
What if you’re not ready to quit? Start by cutting back! We recommend switching to all natural tobacco cigarettes that you roll yourself or can purchase through companies like American Spirit brand of cigarettes. By switching to natural tobacco cigarettes, you will be weaning yourself off 18 other harmful & addictive chemical additives that are in regular cigarettes! These chemicals make you more addicted and these cigarettes burn faster so you smoke more. Eliminating these chemicals will make it much easier to srop smoking all together.
How could acupuncture help you quit smoking? Acupuncture has successfully treating addiction using both body and ear points, also known as auricular acupuncture or ear acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture has been helpful in the treatment of addiction since the 1970’s. You will hear it referred to as the NADA protocol. NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.
In a typical session, both ears of the patient are needled at the same time, usually for 30 minutes. NADA protocol is typically delivered in a group setting. This is done to help build support among those being treated, and to break down factors of isolation. If you have other health issues, such as COPD, circulation issues or any health problems, full acupuncture treatments would most likely may be needed, not just auricular.
Patients treated with the NADA protocol often report an improved sense of well-being. Clients often state that they feel “energized,” “lighter” and “more relaxed” after undergoing a session. Some practitioners assert that the insertion of the needles also provides a non-verbal tool, which allows patients to sit in a safe, supportive environment, and helps them prepare for the next step in the detoxification process.
Dozens of studies have documented the effectiveness of the NADA protocol. Among the benefits reported by patients and health care providers are: improved retention in drug treatment programs; more optimistic attitudes about detoxification and recovery; reductions in cravings and anxiety; fewer episodes of sleep disturbance; and reduced need for pharmaceuticals.
Is acupuncture a cure to smoking cessation?
No, it’s not a magic bullet. You have to want to quit and be completely determined and committed for yourself. If you’re determined to stop smoking acupuncture can help you through the nicotine detox process by alleviating or reducing the side effects and increase your will power to succeed.
If you are ready to take the steps to quit smoking I encourage you to do it with the support of acupuncture. A safe, natural, and effective way to knock out this destructive habit. Call East Wind Acupuncture to set up your appointment now!