Every year, more and more people decide to quit smoking. Some find that smoking takes up too much time and money. Others decide that they rather not risk their health. Whatever their reasons, many smokers decide to quit only to find that quitting is not as easy as it sounds. In fact, quitting smoking, like quitting any addiction, can be very difficult. Acupuncture to stop smoking is a treatment that can be highly effective when sometimes even methods like the patch or the pill just don’t work.

Many people have heard of acupuncture but they have not considered it as an effective way to quit smoking. It takes more than a few sessions, but regular acupuncture treatments aid people seeking to quit smoking by helping them get rid of cigarette cravings and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. After treating smokers’ symptoms and talking with them, acupuncturists can help by starting to get their bodies in balance. Acupuncturists usually examine their patients physically to get a better working knowledge and help plan a course of action in order for them to quit smoking.

Treatment to quit smoking varies from person to person. Be aware that each acupuncturist has individual treatment styles and the frequency and number of treatments each smoker has to go through when trying to quit smoking based on their personal diagnosis. If you visit an acupuncturist to quit smoking, expect appointments a few times a week that last anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes. Although acupuncture treatments to stop smoking vary, most patients are treated with 30 minute sessions once or twice per week. Initially, there are between four to six treatments for a few weeks. As symptoms abate, treatments are also decreased to once per month.

Acupuncturists usually focus on several points on the body when dealing with people who want to quit smoking. Many acupuncturists deal with the shen men point to alleviate tension, the kidney to increase willpower, the master point zero to induce homeostasis, and the lungs to relieve symptoms of withdrawal. They may also focus on the tim mee, which is a point on the wrist, in order to help smokers quit, as well as the four gate points in order to calm the nervous system.

Some acupuncturists will recommend herbs and supplements as part of their stop smoking treatments so as to control the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. For instance, some acupuncturists will recommend green tea for the duration of the detoxification period to discourage the body from going through nicotine cravings. Soothing tonics are sometimes recommended by acupuncturists because of their ability to lubricate the lungs and mouth, therefore halting the craving of smoking cigarettes. Herbal medicines to decease the stressfulness of attempting to quit smoking and bring the body into balance are also frequently recommended.

During withdrawal, smokers are encouraged to exercise and rid their body of toxins by eating fresh fruit, vegetable juices, and clear soups. Patients are also recommended to eat carrots, celery, oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as leafy greens. It is important to avoid sugar, including chocolate, coffee, and other junk foods.

Quitting smoking takes a lot of courage and will power. Drinking lots of water, exercising regularly with proper breathing, and getting help from friends and loved ones is a must. Whenever the urge for a cigarette comes on, either go for a long walk, talk to a friend or do whatever can take the mind of the cravings.