Because of its extreme effectiveness and natural way of treating tobacco addiction, acupuncture is one of the most sought after treatments in the world to help smokers cease their unhealthy habit. Acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation focuses on certain acupuncture points in the body to help remove the urge to smoke. Ultra fine needles are inserted into these points by a licensed and skilled acupuncturist in a painless procedure to provide the person the means to control his urge to smoke. Despite the use of needles, acupuncture is actually a painless procedure. It’s also a safe and very powerful treatment for substance addictions which is the reason why so many smokers have been able to stop smoking permanently.
Reduced Smoking Desires
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2,500 years and is the most popular form of traditional Chinese medicine. It is very popular in the countries of Northeast and Southeast Asia and is often used to treat pain, sexual and reproductive problems among other conditions. Acupuncture has been widely accepted in Europe for hundreds of years and for some decades now in the United States. When it comes to smoking addiction, this treatment has produced consistent positive results. During treatment for smoking addiction, acupuncturists usually target the points located in the mouth, lungs, and airways; parts of the body known to be affected by smoking.
The treatment for smoking addiction may require several sessions of treatment. During the course of these treatments, smokers will gradually experience a lower urge to smoke. They usually begin to smoke less and less until they get to a point where they don’t see any point in continuing their habit. This is because acupuncture helps remove the toxins that have accumulated in the patient’s blood that may be causing his/her addiction to tobacco (nicotine).
The needles used in an acupuncture procedure are made of stainless steel and are single-use disposable needles. Normally, these needles are wider at the top with a plastic coating or a copper wire wrapped around them. This helps the acupuncturist grasp the needles in a much better way. When a needle is inserted into the skin, the patient may sense a numbing or tingling sensation at first that is later replaced with a feeling of calmness and relaxation after a short while.
Some patients may feel pain and experience a slight bleeding when a needle is inserted into the skin. Most, however, only feel a slight sting or numbness upon the insertion of the needle into their body. Depending on the severity of your addiction as much as 30 needles may be inserted in one treatment session. This may seem unsightly and scary but under the hands of a qualified and experienced practitioner, the treatment is usually very relaxing and painless.
People should remember that this modality has been around for over 2,500 years which says something about its effectiveness. It is important to overcome your fear of needles to be able to experience the myriad benefits acupuncture can provide you. Who knows, it might help completely cure your smoking addiction. You’ll never know till you try.
Cindy Chamberlain is a licensed acupuncturist and a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) of Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC in Overland Park, KS