A holistic treatment takes the entire person into account; instead of looking at illness or symptoms as an isolated problem, holistic methods focus on various aspects of the individual's lifestyle. When quitting tobacco use, individuals may turn to holistic remedies as a means of reducing their reliance on nicotine or easing the symptoms of withdrawal. Unlike many medications, many holistic treatments are relatively free of side effects. Holistic approaches such as therapy also address emotional or psychological components of the withdrawal, along with the physiological symptoms.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the healing art of applying needles to the body in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a technique for combating the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Findings of the Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center concluded that acupuncture can diminish negative aspects of withdrawal, such as negative moods and anxiety. A 2011 trial published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that acupuncture improved the rate of successfully quitting smoking, at least in the short term. According to findings in 2002 recorded in the "American Journal of Public Health," acupuncture in combination with health education improves the quitting rate during the short-term.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal medicine also offers remedies designed to ease the withdrawal process. Lobelia, much used as a replacement for nicotine, may be effective in treating addiction due to its impact on the human nervous system, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Other herbal remedies, while commonly prescribed, have not necessarily demonstrated effectiveness in scientific trails. Wild oats, alfalfa, eucalyptus, licorice and skullcap are among popular offerings from the field of herbalism. Use caution when trying any herbal remedies.
Lifestyle Changes
Holistic treatment doesn't necessarily mean taking natural supplements; modifying one's lifestyle is another means of reversing or easing nicotine withdrawal. MayoClinic.com recommends exercising regularly and eating healthy snacks to get through nicotine cravings. Creating a support network can help in dealing with anxiety, depressing or negative thinking or attempts at rationalizing "just one smoke." Part of a holistic approach to quitting smoking is to involve all parts of your life in the effort. Lighten your workload and suspend unnecessary responsibilities to relieve stress and make quitting easier. If necessary, plan for your withdrawal to coincide with your next holiday.
Counseling and Hypnotism
Attend to the psychological and emotional challenges of withdrawal by seeking counseling from a reputable therapist or psychologist. If you prefer a group approach, join a local support group for individuals undergoing addiction withdrawal. If you can't find anything in your area, schedule telephone counseling through your state's tobacco "quit line." Schedule appointments with a qualified hypnotist to ease or remove withdrawal symptoms. According to trials of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, hypnosis combined with a nicotine patch produced a considerably higher quit rate over six- and 12-month periods.
References
- "Neuroscience Letters"; Effect of Acupuncture on Anxiety-like Behavior During Nicotine Withdrawal and Relevant Mechanisms; Y Chae, et al.; October 2007
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Cigarette Addiction
- MayoClinic.com: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- MayoClinic.com: Treatments and Drugs
- "San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center"; Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation: a Randomized Trial; TP Carmody, et al.; May 2008
Member Comments