Quit Smoking - How needles and pellets can help you kick the habit

This month I’m running a special on the “Stop Smoking” Program so I want to explain a little more about what is involved with this treatment program…Here are excerpts from an article on AcuFinder.com. For the complete article, click here: https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Quit+Smoking+with+Acupuncture

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How Does Acupuncture Help Break the Cigarette Habit?

Acupuncture is successful with smoking cessation and has turned a growing number of cigarette smokers into permanent ex-smokers. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and aim at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health.

The acupuncture treatments focus on jitters, cravings, irritability and restlessness; all symptoms that people commonly complain about when they quit. It also aids in relaxation and detoxification.

The acupuncture needles used are hair-thin. They are superficially inserted into various points in the ears and body to assist with smoking cessation. In between treatments, small pellets are often taped to the acupuncture points on the ear. When a cigarette craving hits, gently pressing on the pellets stimulates the acupuncture points to calm the mind and eliminate the craving.

Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to quit and remain smoke-free for good.

Eight Tips to Quit Smoking

What Lifestyle and Dietary Changes Should You Make?

  • Exercise more. Getting moving is a great way to remind yourself why you shouldn’t smoke. Exercise can reduce your stress and help you relax far better than cigarettes.
  • Get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices to neutralize and clear the blood of nicotinic acid and to fortify blood sugar.
  • Carrots, Carrot juice, celery, leafy green salads and citrus fruits promote body alkalinity and decrease cravings.
  • Avoid junk food, sugar and coffee. They can upset blood sugar levels and increase blood acidity which can aggravate smoking withdrawal symptoms.
  • Lobelia Tea or Green Tea can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage nicotine cravings. Lobelia is traditionally used to rid the body of a strong toxin such as a snake bite.
  • Drink water. Research shows that dryness causes cravings. Sip water frequently throughout the day.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises to increase body oxygen and keep calm.
  • Schedule your acupuncture treatment!

If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me. 720-432-7073, acupuncture@thejadespring.com

Treating Anxiety with Acupuncture

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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, general anxiety “affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the US population with women twice as likely to be affected as men… Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.”

Among the treatment options for anxiety is acupuncture especially when combined with Chinese herbal medicine. There are several patterns of imbalance that can lead to anxiety, but for the most part treatment will be focused on balancing the Heart and Liver systems.

In TCM the Heart is considered the seat of emotions and is said to house the “Shen” (Mind). The concept of Shen includes our mental faculties, consciousness, memory, thinking and spiritual experience. For the Heart to house the Shen, it requires nourishment from the Blood to be peaceful and happy. When Heart-Blood is deficient it will lead to anxiety, mental restlessness, depression and insomnia.

The role of the Liver is important because this organ is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, which is essential for a balanced emotional state. When Qi flow stagnates it creates frustration, depression and will compound problems with anxiety. A depressed Liver system will also lead to internally generated heat which can agitate the Heart even further.

With acupuncture you will likely notice improvements after 4-6 weeks of weekly treatment and should see long lasting affects with about 12-16 treatments. Of course factors such as your diet and lifestyle will affect treatment outcomes, as well as how long you have already struggled with anxiety. TCM is a holistic form of medicine and we will make recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes that will support your healing.

If you or someone you love is ready to try a natural approach to this common disorder, consider scheduling a free evaluation and consultation so we can determine whether acupuncture would be a good fit for you. :-)