Acupressure can relieve the symptoms and side effects associated with quitting smoking. Though quitting smoking may seem difficult, the alternative -- staying a smoker -- can lead to lung cancer, stroke, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, blindness in senior citizens and decreased fertility. The American Cancer Society suggests focusing more on how you should quit. Whether you decide to quit "cold turkey" -- or instantly -- or rely on drugs, hypnosis or counseling to wean yourself from tobacco, you can use acupressure for smoking cessation on its own or as a complementary method.
Meridians
Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes meridians or channels of energy throughout your body. When you have imbalances in your body, applying pressure to certain points along a meridian clears or realigns that meridian, so that your body can balance itself. Each meridian is named after an organ and follows a path that may seem unrelated to that organ by Western standards. When you quit smoking, physiological changes in your body become uncomfortable and, sometimes, almost unbearable. By applying pressure to certain points, meridians balance to help you keep your commitment to smoking cessation.
Technique
Press on the point with the tip or second knuckle of your index finger or the eraser side of a pencil. Never use the point of the pencil or anything else sharp. Press deeply for at least 30 seconds. You may need to start gently and increase pressure. Apply pressure to all points on one side of your body before switching to the other.
Spleen 6
Spleen 6, a meridian, is located approximately one palm's width above the tip of the inner ankle bone behind the shinbone. This point is often used in conjunction with Stomach 36.
Stomach 36
Stomach 36 is approximately one palm width below the bottom outside edge of your knee cap. It's in the depression between your shinbone and the leg muscle. Use this point with Spleen 6. Apply pressure to Spleen 6, then Stomach 36, on one side of your body -- for instance, the right side -- before switching to the other.
Pericardium 6
Applying acupressure to this spot purportedly is useful for treating side effects that bother you when you quit smoking, like nausea or dizziness from cravings or withdrawal. It's located in between the large tendons inside the wrist just below the heel of your palm.
Lung 5
Lung 5 is within the crease of the elbow on the upper end of the crease, on the same side as your thumb. Use your opposite thumb to stimulate this point. Don't grip your elbow with your index finger unless you lack the arm strength to get deep enough. Even then, don't squeeze your elbow.
Governing Vessel 14
This point can feel weird if you're not used to stimulating it. Governing Vessel 14, or Ren Vessel 14, is located just below the breastbone in the sternum. Breathe while you stimulate this point.
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