Health & Wellness Blog

Acupuncture for Quitting Smoking: A Proven Path to Freedom

Written by Sheila Arambulo | Apr 27, 2017 4:34:57 PM

Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult things to accomplish. Nicotine is extremely addictive and smoking is a powerful habit that can be very tough for many people to quit. However, quitting smoking is one of the absolute best things you can do for your health and the health of your family and friends. Quitting smoking is also a wise financial decision. As the cost of cigarettes grows higher and higher, the toll on your wallet, as well as your health, becomes more and more of a concern.

So, we all know it's a good idea to quit smoking, but the reality is that it is very difficult to accomplish. Different methods of quitting smoking are recommended by different people and the "right" way to quit smoking is constantly changing. Many of these quitting methods are practically as unsavory as the smoking itself. Prescription drugs carry many side-effects, quite a few of which are very dangerous. Vaping, while touted as an easy cigarette substitute and a fast way to quit, is still an unknown and poorly regulated product. Nicotine gum and patches accomplish little in the way of removing nicotine from your system, and instead merely replace cigarettes with another nicotine transmission system.

Beyond all of these methods is a method that uses no chemicals of any kind, has a proven track record in helping you quit smoking and one that is affordable and easy to obtain: acupuncture. If you are unfamiliar with acupuncture, the first thing that you should know is that, while it does involve very fine needles, it is actually painless and, instead, quite relaxing. Acupuncture is covered by some health care plans and there are many licensed providers in the area.

But how does acupuncture help you to quit smoking? A diligent course of acupuncture treatment can help you quit smoking in several ways. First of all, it can help you manage the stress and anxiety that can be caused by quitting smoking. Acupuncture is proven to have a positive affect on your mood and mental health, and this can help you quit smoking. Stress and negative emotions are known to be triggers for smokers, and if you can get ahead of these feelings then you have a better chance of resisting the urge to pick up a cigarette.

Acupuncture can also help you with your cravings for nicotine. These cravings can come on in powerful, physical manifestations and with an acupuncturist, at the ready, you can get past these cravings without caving to nicotine. Acupuncture can also help to lessen the withdrawal symptoms that many ex-smokers experience. These symptoms can range from headaches, upset stomach, gas, tiredness, insomnia, irritability and anxiousness. Acupuncture can help alleviate or control all of these symptoms. Without these painful and bothersome withdrawal issues quitting smoking can become much less daunting and more enjoyable.

Acupuncture is an excellent supportive therapy to assist you in quitting smoking. It has a long, proven, track record of helping to control many of the issues that a smoker faces when considering quitting smoking. So, if you're trying to quit smoking, think about adding acupuncture to your toolbox to help you quit!