Smoking causes an estimated 438,000 deaths per year and is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and increases the risk for other cancers, including laryngeal, pharyngeal, esophageal, kidney, bladder, pancreatic and cervical cancer. Secondhand smoke causes almost 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Quitting smoking is not only beneficial for your health but also protects the health of those around you. Acupuncture can be a natural and effective method for quitting smoking.
Identification
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of holistic healing that involves the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles at various points on your body. Acupuncture needles are said to affect your qi -- pronounced "chee" -- the life force energy that allows you to walk, talk, eat and breathe. Acupuncturists manipulate your qi with acupuncture needles to balance your mental, physical and emotional states.
Effects
Acupuncture can be beneficial to treat physical addictions and addictive behaviors like smoking. Recent studies show that 40 percent of people who used acupuncture combined with counseling were successful at quitting smoking. Acupuncture treatments help reduce cravings by balancing your brain chemistry and can help detoxify your internal organs from the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke. Acupuncture also can help relieve the stress associated with quitting smoking and promote relaxation, thereby improving your chances of success.
Treatment Method
The majority of acupuncture points for quitting smoking are in your ears. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association uses a specific protocol of five auricular, or ear, acupuncture points that help your body detoxify from addictive substances like nicotine. Your acupuncturist will put needles at these five specific points, which correspond with your nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. He also might put needles at points on your arms or legs to help regulate your system and assist with relaxation and detoxification. Your acupuncturist also might prescribe Chinese herbs to help reduce cravings between treatments.
Treatment Frequency and Duration
Your acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. In general, most treatment protocols involve two to four acupuncture sessions per week for two to three weeks. Make sure you are mentally and emotionally ready to quit smoking and committed to the treatment process to help improve your chances of success. Many people who use acupuncture to quit smoking report a change in taste sensation and stop enjoying the taste of cigarettes either during or after treatment.
Find an Acupuncturist
Locate a qualified practitioner in your area. State laws vary regarding certification or licensing of acupuncturists. Contact your local health department to understand the laws. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association trains acupuncturists on specific protocols for addiction treatment, and can be contacted for a list of certified acupuncture addiction specialists in your area (see Resources).
