In 2010, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) announced that almost 20% of American adults were deemed to be smokers with many of them having the desire to quit. This 20% equates to more than 45 million people who smoke on a daily basis. That same year around 70% of all smokers surveyed said they wanted to quit and only a little over 50% of them actually attempted to do so. The good news is that almost half of these adult smokers eventually were able to quit for good, according to the CDC.
Health professionals in smoking cessation have began adapting Eastern style treatments to address the rising number of smokers who seek help to stop their habit. These treatments include Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Both show promising results. Studies have revealed that the body needs to detoxify all traces of nicotine in the system for it to lose the desire to smoke. Natural approaches to stop smoking derived from Eastern treatments can help control the cravings and overcome addiction. A lot of smokers choose to adopt Eastern approaches to stop smoking over Western conventional treatments like over-the-counter and prescription products.
Acupuncture Can Help You to Quit Smoking
Traditional acupuncture treatment uses fine needles inserted into strategic parts of the body known as acupoints to boost and stimulate the flow of energy to specific areas. This healing procedure does not generate pain.
The origin of acupuncture is embedded among traditional Chinese medicinal concepts. Some years ago, acupuncture was shunned by a lot of healthcare providers. Now, however, it is a commonly accepted treatment in the West due to innovations to the techniques, as well as positive results from extensive and comprehensive studies.
Acupuncture is utilized to help treat a wide range of medical and health conditions. It is considered a very effective modality for the stoppage of smoking. Based on the same format as acupuncture, acupressure uses manual pressure instead of needles to stimulate the body and produce results equal to acupuncture’s. Studies reveal that when pressure is applied to specific points on the body, certain individuals experience relief from the withdrawal symptoms related to nicotine addiction.
Herbal Therapies
Eastern treatments to stop smoking also include herbal supplements that can help suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These supplements are designed to help in the repair of tissue caused by degradation, dryness and withdrawals that result in cravings for nicotine, irritability, and emotional address.
When used improperly, herbal supplements can harm your health, therefore it’s important for those undergoing this line of treatment to talk to a licensed herbologist or herbalist first before taking those supplements.
Green tea is one of the most commonly used herbs that can help control cravings. This tea can be drunk to aid in the detoxification process that will help reduce the degree of the cravings. Green tea keeps the system loaded with substances that are believed to counter the desire to smoke during the detoxification period.
Lifestyle Changes
Modifications in one’s lifestyle can greatly boost the desire to quit smoking. Some useful tips include:
1. Knowing the environmental triggers that induce cravings – This may include going to a party, arguing with a spouse or partner, or drinking alcohol.
2. Exercising to promote relaxation and reduce stress
3. Practicing meditation or deep breathing techniques
4. Avoiding caffeine and sugar – They can elevate blood acidity and increase withdrawal symptoms
5. Eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits
Other light changes you can make at home to lessen the effect of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and boosting your likelihood of successfully quitting include getting lots of rest and drinking adequate amounts of water every day. By getting adequate rest helps you better fight those oftentimes stressful and unavoidable situations which occur throughout the day. There is a connection between increased craving and dehydration, so by drinking more water, you can help prevent slip-ups. Whether you’re considering alternative or conventional treatments to stop your smoking habit, approaches are always available to enable you to overcome these trying times.
Acupuncture Health Center
1303 Astor St # 101
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 715-1824
bellinghamacupuncturecenter.com