Anyone who smokes knows the damage they are doing to their health, from increased risk of illnesses to longer recovery times from surgery and illnesses; they are also likely to know just how hard it is to quit – nicotine is a powerfully addictive substance. So much so, that it is estimated that most smokers will attempt to quit at least 2 or 3 times before finally kicking the habit.
Acupuncture’s role in helping people to quit is in making the physical cravings more manageable. So, when someone has truly made up their mind to quit, they will need their willpower to break the habit of smoking. Acupuncture will help reduce the physical cravings, irritability, increased hunger, fatigue and jitters that come with nicotine withdrawal.
The treatment approach comprises auricular(ear) acupuncture, as well as a specific point on the hand which has been shown to cause people to find less appeal in smoking and other points on the body selected based on each individual patient.
What the research says: Not all studies have been conclusively positive, however a meta analysis published in the American Journal of Medicine concluded that acupuncture can help smoking cessation.
Giving up smoking is one of the most significant single actions you can take to improve your health and well-being; and acupuncture will make the process easier.
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