Acupuncture is one of the many ways smokers try to quit smoking. As with other methods, some people succeed and some don't. There are those who have to try it more than once in order to kick the habit. But it is worth a try. It may just depend on the smoker's will to become an ex-smoker. Acupuncture aims to treat specific symptoms in each individual by restoring energy flow that has been lost because of disorders. Smoking causes imbalances in the body, so energy sources need to be returned to those areas of the body, including the mouth, throat and lungs.
Step 1
Find a qualified acupuncturist. One search tool is Acufinder.com, which can direct you to a professional in your area.
Step 2
Get ready for some relaxation and detoxification of nicotine. Acupuncture treatments focus on the jitters and cravings your body may undergo when giving up smoking. Your acupuncturist will perform a physical examination and ask about any emotional and physical symptoms you may be experiencing.
Step 3
Be prepared to feel the tiny needles inserted into your skin. You may feel a pinch, but the needles will begin to stimulate the points on your body. This stimulation is a way to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms while returning energy to the parts of the body affected by smoking.
Step 4
Make sure your acupuncturist uses the method on the points that are directly affected by tobacco smoke. These include the mouth, throat, airways and lungs. This is how it was done in a study showing that acupuncture helped curb the desire to smoke, according to the American Cancer Society in a report in the November 2001 issue of Preventive Medicine. The acupuncturist may use needles in other areas of the body, depending on the evaluation before treatment. By reading your pulse or checking the color of your tongue, the acupuncturist may find weaknesses in certain areas.
Step 5
Use ear acupuncture as well. Certain points on the ear may influence the organs and energy pathways associated with smoking, according to acupuncturists. Your acupuncturist will explain the areas of your ear and the rest of the body that need to be treated. You may also be instructed to use daily ear acupressure techniques on yourself in between acupuncture visits. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but manual pressure is used.
Step 6
Listen the your acupuncturist's advice on therapies in addition to acupuncture. The acupuncturist may recommend herbs and exercises. Acupuncture works well with exercises, including deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation.
Step 7
Eat a healthy diet before and after your acupuncture treatments. That includes consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water and staying away from fatty foods, especially processed foods. Drink green tea during the detoxification process. This may also help you avoid nicotine cravings.
Step 8
Undergo acupuncture treatments as long as you want. There may be several treatments over a few weeks, according to Acufinder.com. Your acupuncturist can advise you, but it is up to you. There may also be follow-up monthly treatments for four to six months after the initial treatments. End your treatments when you feel confident that you have kicked the habit.
