According to a 2008 National Health Interview survey in 2008, an estimated 24.8 million men and 21.1 million women in America are smokers. People who want to quit smoking list a variety of motivators including cost, health risks and the concern of family members. Holistic health care offers those who are trying to quit alternatives to will power and drugs. While many patients claim acupuncture or laser therapy helped them successfully quit smoking, there isn't enough evidence to support these claims at this time.
Risks of Smoking
The American Heart Association notes that smokers are at greater risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke than nonsmokers. In the U.S. alone, cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 440,000 deaths annually and remains the most preventable cause of premature death. Secondhand smoke has also been connected to disease and death. In fact between 22,700 and 69,600 premature deaths are related to secondhand smoke annually.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, also referred to as cold laser therapy, uses low-intensity laser light for a variety of purposes that include pain management and smoking cessation. These lasers are sometimes used as acupuncture tools instead of a needle, making them a popular option for those who fear needles. The practitioner will stimulate acupuncture points in an effort to balances the body's energy by achieving a release of endorphins, which are similar to the effects of nicotine on the brain. The theory is that simulating the brain's response to nicotine with the laser instead will cure the addiction. This theory has yet to be proven conclusively. As of October 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers these laser devices experimental.
Acupuncture
While acupuncture dates back over 2,000 years, the technique used to help with smoking cessation was developed by Michael Smith, who developed a drug detoxification protocol in the 1970s. Based on his work, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association was formed in 1988. The NADA protocol is currently used in the acupuncture profession to treat all types of addiction including smoking. There isn't one set acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation. Most treatments are designed to fit the specific needs and triggers of the patient. Points will be selected by the acupuncturist on a map of the ear designed and researched by Dr. Paul Nogier of France. These points may include points to treat stress, anger, anxiety or insomnia. After the treatment, the acupuncturist may choose to insert ear tacks or seeds that remain in the ear for several days. This ensures that the points will be continually stimulated until the next treatment, helping the patient resist the urge to smoke.
Safety
Laser therapy and acupuncture are considered safe with minimal risks when administered by a qualified practitioner. Unlike the cold laser, acupuncture needles are recognized as a Class II medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The government regulates proper use of acupuncture needles, including ear needles and ear tacks. Practitioners must use needles that are sterile and single-use only. Neither laser therapy nor acupuncture is to be self-administered for safety reasons; improper use can result in injury and infection.
Considerations
Ask your doctor if laser therapy or acupuncture is right for you. Be sure to find a licensed acupuncturist or ask your general practitioner to refer you to one. Your acupuncturist should be able to tell you how many treatments you will need. It is important to remember that certain variables, such as how long you have been smoking and how much you smoke, may determine how many treatments you need. Laser therapy and acupuncture are not a substitute for the medical care provided by a physician.
References
- American Heart Association: Cigarette Smoking Statistics
- American Heart Association: Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Diseases
- American Cancer Society: Cold Laser Therapy
- Institute for Tradition Medicine : ACUPUNCTURE ASSISTANCE FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM TOBACCO SMOKING
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
