Want to stop smoking? Try acupuncture

Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

So you have decided you want to stop smoking. Galvanised by great determination and perhaps a fear of the health risks associated with cigarette smoking, you are now ready.

While not an easy task, it is indeed a reasonable and possible goal, given the many who have been successful in quitting and the many health benefits of doing so. Health benefits of quitting smoking include a reduction in risks for emphysema, bronchitis, lung and various other cancers, stroke, narrowing of the blood vessels, infertility, stillbirth and bone density reduction.

A plan is now required, as stopping cold turkey doesn't work for everyone. Fortunately, there are a few options available to help assist persons who wish to stop smoking, several of which may be used together to maximise the chance of success.

• Acupuncture: More and more persons are using acupuncture treatments to assist with nicotine withdrawal symptoms with successful results.
• Prescription medications.
• Counselling therapy.

Nicotine withdrawal

Why is it difficult to stop? Nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is the psychoactive drug in tobacco products that produces dependence. Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine or alcohol. Quitting smoking is difficult and may require multiple attempts. Users often relapse because of nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as: irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite.

How does acupuncture help you quit? It is used to reduce the craving to smoke cigarettes and lessens the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. Acupuncture helps to detoxify the body of nicotine and to eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal, as it is highly effective in:

• Calming and relaxing the mind.
• Enhancing the ability to concentrate.
• Minimising anxiety.
• Alleviating feelings of depression.
• Suppressing the appetite and diminishing food cravings.

Many persons lose the urge to smoke as they notice a change in the taste of smoke and come to think of it as unpleasant and distasteful, finding it difficult to finish an entire cigarette. Often after the first week of treatment, most people are willing to reduce their cigarette consumption by 50 per cent. Most people notice greater energy and find they can breathe easier.

Treatment procedure

During the procedure, extremely thin needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the hand, wrist and ear. Mild electrical stimulation is passed through some of these needles to augment their effectiveness. After treatment, press beads or magnets are taped to the ear and remain in place for a few days to maintain the stimulation.

Length of treatment

At least three weeks of treatment, twice weekly, is usually recommended. The total number will vary depending on the individual's daily cigarette use.

Dr Tracey-ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner, herbalist and doctor of acupuncture; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.