Can Acupuncture Help you Stop, and Eventually Quit Smoking
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing approach that is almost 3500 years old. It is based on the belief that chi, a vital energy force flows around 12 key channels around the body. Within these channels there are 365 acupuncture points, which can sometimes become ‘blocked’ preventing the smooth flow of the vital energy, resulting in degrading health.
Acupuncture is a highly effective method for treating all manner of addictions including nicotine. The application of acupuncture to help you stop and eventually quit altogether, involves the insertion of very fine needles into special points on the skin. The needles are generally left in the skin for up to 20mins. There is virtually no pain apart from the slight pricking sensation when the needle first goes in. The technique itself results in the release of special chemicals called endorphins which will provide a ‘natural high’ at the end of the treatment.
Following the first treatment, the patient is likely to cough up phlegm during the week after treatment as the body starts to adjust to life without smoking, and the tar and phlegm in the lungs starts to loosen. It is common to schedule a follow up session about 1 week after the first to assess progress, and decide whether further therapy is required. Many heavy smokers have reported success after only 1 or 2 acupuncture sessions.
Acupuncture as a method for quitting smoking is best for those individuals that are heavily addicted to the nicotine, but have clearly made the commitment to quit. This type of therapy will dramatically reduce the side effects of nicotine withdrawal, such as the cravings, depression and anxiety. The body will also start to repair itself, particularly in improving blood circulation and de-congesting the lungs, and the patient will generally feel very positive and optimistic as a result of the release of natural anti-depressants by the brain.
Combining acupuncture with more traditional approaches to quitting smoking can be an effective strategy, especially if you have tried and failed at simply using willpower to quit in the past. If you decide acupuncture to stop smoking is for you, make sure you see a qualified and reputable practitioners.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Stop-Smoking-Products.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of stop smoking programs, which you can readily research on his website.
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What Does It Really Take To Quit Smoking
Lets look at this exercise like a recipe, any good cook will tell you that a recipe can be completed without some of the ingredients called for, however the quality of the finished dish may not be up to par.
With that in mind, lets explore what is needed to finally be successful at quitting smoking.
The first and quit likely the most important ingredient is personal commitment, if you are not completely convinced that you want to quit smoking, your chances of complete and total success are limited, however if you are completely committed, your chances for success are greatly enhanced.
You will need a full measure of self-discipline.
- According to The American Heritage
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Ways to Quit Smoking - Part 1
October 25, 2008 · Posted in Quit Smoking · CommentHelp to quit smoking can be best obtained by helping your ownself by firm determination to quit smoking and help from family and friends. Also practicitng some simple
techniques and taking certain medications can help quit smoking.The first thing to do is to tell your mind that you are detemined to quit smoking. Make a firm decision in your mind. Even if you have failed in past, try again. Talk a lot to your ownself. Think about the benefits about quitting smoking and the evils of smoking. Say this to your mind “One cigarette takes away 4 precious minutes of my life.”
Their are several medications available for quitting smoking habit. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medications. However any medication should be taken only after it is prescribed by a qualified physician. The medications are -
Bupropion SR.
Nicotine gum
Nicotine inhaler
Nicotine nasal spray
Nicotine patch
Nicotine lozengeOut of the above, the Nicotine gum and the patch are available over the counter. Others are available by prescription only. But its good to consult a physician before taking it. In this article I’m going to talk about nicotine patches.
Nicotine Patch
Nicotine patches are another way to quit smoking. Patches are applied directly to the skin; each applied at an interval of 24 hours. There are a variety of different patches each with different content level of Nicotine. Nicotine patches are available only if prescribed by a qualified physician. They should exactly be as used as per the prescription. Over dosage or any experimentation with the application area of patches should be avoided.
The patch should be applied on upper arm, upper area of chest or the hip. The area should not be oily or very hairy (preferably hairless). If required shave off the hair in the area. The area should be kept clean and dirt free. Replace the patch if it falls off the skin. The patch should be wore for about 24 hours. Never wear 2 patches (though they might be on different areas of body) at a time. That would equal to over dosage.
This treatment takes anywhere from a month or five months depending upon your ability to resist the urge to smoke. The strength of the patch applied should gradually be brought down. Also the frequency of usage should be gradually brought down.Like in case of any other remedy, Patches may cause stomach upset, irritation or dizziness. If this continues, consult your doctor. Also consult your doctor immediately if u feels breathing problems or chest pain or any similar problems. Remember, if you follow the treatment religiously for about 5 months, you can get rid of the dangerous smoking habit for a lifetime.
Rob Mellor owns the quit-smoking-expert.com website helping normal people quit smoking in less than 40 minutes. Please visit the site for more information to quit smoking
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