Acupuncture and Smoking Cessation

It's a new year and with it, brings new goals and resolutions for 2011. I've already seen a couple patients come in for smoking cessation, so I thought it would be a great time to talk about the benefits of acupuncture for smoking cessation.

Tried to quit smoking in the past and haven't had luck? Try Acupuncture! Acupuncture can be an effective tool to use to quit smoking. Acupuncture can minimize cravings, calm the nervous system, and strengthen will power. By applying needles to five specific points on each ear, significant changes in your body’s internal functioning can be produced. Points are used to stimulate the kidneys, liver, and lungs; organs, which are responsible for eliminating the drugs still in your system. Two additional points for the central nervous system are used, to help with anxiety, mood swings, and other results of withdrawal. Acupuncture also helps to stimulate production of endorphins, which are tremendously depleted by any drug use. The end result of assisting the healing process and endorphin production is that the patient should feel less of the pain and discomfort of withdrawal and a decrease in cravings.

Treatment will help eliminate most cravings, but not the habit. The treatment is based on a protocol of 5 points in the ear. We may also put in a few body points depending on your pulse and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

The following protocol is a simple but very effective treatment for any type of addiction.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Treatment protocol uses five specific ear acupuncture points for addiction treatment:

Sympathetic point: Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and has a strong analgesic effect to alleviate anxiety and nervousness that can accompany withdrawal.

Kidney point: Tonifies the source energy and essence that is often damaged through chemical abuse. The point can also help resolve fear and increase the willpower needed to overcome addiction.

Liver point: Promotes repair of the liver from drug and alcohol abuse and aids in resolving anger and aggression.

Lung point: Strengthens the immune system and accelerates detoxification. Emotionally, it is associated with grief and letting go

Here is a plan one of our acupuncturists has developed that we like to follow:

Today is the start date, and you will quit smoking 10 days from now. In the next 10 days, you may smoke as often as you want, BUT, you may not do anything else while you are smoking. No driving, no tv, no email, no phone, no conversation. Your attention must be 100% toward the act of smoking. Smoke the strongest cigarettes you can handle for the first 5 days at your regular rate, and then move to ultralights for next 5 days while reducing your intake to half what it normally would be. All the while keeping your attention fixed exclusively on the act of smoking. Come in for acupuncture once or twice during this time period.

Once the 10 days are up- that's it, you're done. THROW OUT ALL CIGARETTES! Come in for acupuncture 3-4 times the first week, 2-3 times the second week, and 1-2 times the third and fourth week.

Make sure you have someone who can help support and encourage you along the way!

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help curb cravings!

Try to refrain from drinking coffee and alcohol, since they not only dehydrate the body but are usually accompanied by smoking

Try to decrease sugar, which will also increase cravings. Fresh produce and whole grains will help curb cravings

Manage cravings! Cravings feel like they will last forever, but actually fade in minutes. Plan what you will do during a craving. Repeat an affirmation, "I am a non-smoker", breathe deeply, take a walk, use visualization, call your support person, exercise........

Lisa Nicodemus LAc