Want to have the prettier set of lungs as shown in this picture but are nervous about giving up? Well we can help.
Smoking, which is better described as nicotine addiction, is a complex addiction with both psychological and physical components. In general, people who find it most difficult to stop smoking are those who began in their teens and have smoked continuously since then. It is estimated that most smokers attempt to quit two or three times before finally kicking the habit.
Acupuncture has a growing number of converts as an alternative approach to stopping smoking that can be highly effective. It can reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and poor concentration.
Acupuncture assists people to quit by helping to regulate the actions of endorphin and other neurotransmitters that are thrown into disarray when one stops smoking; it is in this way that it can assist with lessening the frequency and duration of physical cravings; Generally acupuncture is given every 2-5 days, depending on the level of addiction, over the first 2 weeks after ceasing the consumption of nicotine.
How can Chinese Medicine help you give up?
Western medicine focuses on the effects of tobacco on the lungs while Chinese medicine considers it to deplete Kidney-Jing and Liver-Qi as well. In Chinese medicine, smoking weakens the Lung’s function of commanding the overall movement of Qi along the meridians (the channels through which Qi circulates). This is caused by the accumulation of heat in the lungs and stomach, which in turn causes fire in the Heart and/or stagnation of Liver Qi. Hence withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, palpitations, mood swings and restlessness occur.
On top of Acupuncture, Andrea will prescribe herbs and supplements that are used according to Chinese Medicine theory to:
- Stimulate detoxification
- Promote a heightened sense of relaxation
- Encourage endorphin production in order to overcome addiction
- Help the body cope with stress, improve circulation and promote mental wellbeing
The length of treatment depends on the patient’s response and on the severity and duration of the addiction.
Ear acupuncture will also be used as an adjunctive therapy for people trying to stop smoking. Auricular (ear) acupuncture is based on the same principles as acupuncture practised as part of Chinese Medicine. The therapy involves attaching tiny medicated herbal seeds or metal studs onto specific points on the outer ear (by using small, discreet plasters) in order for the patient to stimulate those areas everyday by pressing on the balls attached to the ear. Stimulating those areas using the auricular method can maintain the effects of acupuncture treatment in between the sessions, thus helping you to control withdrawal symptoms the moment they occur.
Our Acupuncturist Andrea is a NADA trained Clinician:
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Assocation auricular acupuncture protocol is used around the world to help people deal with and recover from substance abuse. The NADA protocol has been shown in a variety of clinical settings to be beneficial in the process of detoxification from substance abuse as well as to help with the emotional, physical and psychological attributes involved in addictions.
At five designated earpoints in each auricle (outer ear), NADA-trained clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while the patient relaxes quietly.
Andrea’s patients often report a dislike for the smell of tobacco after treatment and any cravings stop when they press ear points and herbal seeds placed during treatment. The desire to smoke will be greatly diminished and many patients feel an unpleasant taste in the mouth if they smoke.
Among these benefits reported by patients is a more optimistic and cooperative attitude toward the process of recovery, as well as reductions in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals.
Andrea is in clinics at NBIP on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
To book in visit www.nbip.com.au or call 02 8406 0679
