Recently acupuncture has proved effective in helping to stop smoking. Auricular acupuncture or auricular and body needles applied in combination are the two methods often used by acupuncturist for quit smoking. It is generally believed that the mechanism of giving up smoking by acupuncture is that an endogenous morphine (endorphins) is produced after needling.

Acupuncture can help you to Quit Smoking on three levels. First, by Detoxifying your body of the nicotine. So, unlike the patch, it is taking nicotine out of your body instead of putting back in. Second, using Acupuncture to stop smoking helps you to Relax. It balances your nervous system. Acupuncture helps your body naturally tune into your Relaxation Response. This is where you’re heart is beating more slowly and evenly, your breathing is deeper, more full and relaxed, and your digestion is more complete. Obviously, this state of being is healthier and a lot more fun isn’t it? Thirdly Acupuncture eliminates craving for tobacco. Stopping smoking by auricular Acupuncture is effective because many kinds of nervous branches are distributed in the auricle. They link with the brain, the internal organs and extremities. Stimulating the ear points by the nervous conduction may regulate functional activities of the body and lower response to smoke stimulation. Chinese Herbs are also prescribed to aid your transition to into a healthier state. During the initial treatment patients are instructed to refrain from smoking or having any cigarettes in their possession. The first 24-hours smoke-free are crucial and you have a 90% chance of being successful. I give five treatments total. Two treatments are given in the first week, two/three days apart. The last three treatments will be given a week apart.

Support Person- The decision to stop smoking can elicit uncomfortable emotions. Ask someone who is available to you in the next few weeks to act as a sounding board and provide encouragement when needed.

Affirmation- An affirmation is a positive statement repeated often to create desirable changes in your life. Repeating the affirmation helps not only to remind you why you are no longer smoking but imprints a new image of health so that the body can then produce health. Examples: “I am a non-smoker. I make healthy choices in my life.”

Setting Boundaries- Set up contracts with other smokers to refrain from smoking in your presence. This includes spouses. When possible stay away from smokers until you feel more confident with your non-smoking health status.

Managing cravings- Cravings feel like they will last forever but actually fade in two minutes. Plan what you will do during a craving. Examples: Take your herbs (if prescribed) repeat your affirmation; breathe deeply; walk to another place; sing a song; dance; call your support person.

Drink water- Research shows that dryness causes cravings. Sip water frequently throughout the day.

Refrain from drinking coffee- Research shows that coffee causes cravings and dehydrates the body.

Food choices- Eat a lot of carrots, celery and other vegetables throughout the next few days. Candies upset blood sugar level, which can aggravate smoking-withdrawal symptoms. Sugar substitutes such as NutraSweet are sweeter then natural sugar and cause further sugar cravings. r sugar cravings.