Acupuncture and Smoking Cessation

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac Peacefulmind.com

There is both a physiological and psychological component to smoking.
Dopamine is a natural substance in your body that dulls pain and increases the feeling of pleasure. This is actually triggered when you are smoking. When you smoke, you elevate your dopamine levels. So when you don't smoke, your body craves a cigarette.

If you can quit, you can switch your dopamine levels back to normal. Smoking also becomes a behavioral addiction. You get used to the action of picking up something and putting it in your mouth. The hardest part of quitting comes in the first week. You feel sluggish, have cravings and start expelling phlegm and mucus from the lung's lining.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Chinese Medicine takes a unique approach to smoking cessation! Diet, exercise and good quality sleep are the proponents of any stop smoking program.

Acupuncture is used to strengthen the endocrine and digestive systems, detox the body, stop cravings and helps the body to regulate hormone levels.

Herbal medicine is an important component for working at the root of the problem. The theory behind this is simple. When stimulating the digestive system, the stomach and spleen can become more efficient at transforming and transporting the energy and stimulating the immune system. Clearing the lungs of phlegm and tonifying their actions is imperative. The large intestines play an important part in the detoxing process and work in conjunction with the lungs.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)
As an acupuncturist, I have used the NADA protocol for controlling nicotine addiction, drug and alcohol dependency and sexual addiction on hundreds of patients, all with reasonable to great results. Not to mention great results with stress reduction. The NADA protocol is simple, yet quite effective. Drug, alcohol and tobacco addictions are major problems that affect tens of millions of people in America. This is not just a problem in America, but is occurring worldwide. The NADA protocol is a series of treatments done with acupuncture needles for a certain period of time. It helps to reduces cravings, detox the body, diminish symptoms of withdrawal and helps to support people through the smoking cessation process. The addition of acupuncture into the treatment for addiction seems to be very beneficial, and almost the single ingredient that helps the protocol succeed.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

1. Exercise is encouraged and dietary and support systems are recommended to rid the body of toxins and avoid relapses:

2. Get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices and miso soup to neutralize and clear the blood of nicotinic acid and to fortify blood sugar. Carrots, Carrot juice, celery, leafy green salads and citrus fruits promote body alkalinity and decrease cravings.

. Managing cravings - Plan what you will do during a craving. Examples: Chew licorice root sticks or gum; repeat your affirmation; breathe deeply; exercise; call support person.

4. Avoid junk food, sugar, chocolate, coffee and cooked spinach. They can upset blood sugar levels and increase blood acidity which can aggravate smoking-withdrawal symptoms.

5. Herbal Tea such as Lobelia, Ban Bian Lian and stop smoking mixtures can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage nicotine cravings.

6. Drink water - Research shows that dryness causes cravings. Sip water frequently throughout the day.

7. Deep Breathing Exercises - to increase body oxygen

8. Support Person - Ask someone to act as a sounding board and provide encouragement when needed. Utilize your support person and check in daily to let them know how many cigarettes you smoked and how you are feeling. A friend (or your acupuncturist) can be there to get you through the rough patch (40 days).

9. Affirmation - An affirmation is a positive statement repeated often to create desired changes in your life. Repeating the affirmation helps imprint a new image of health so that the body can then produce health. Examples: "I am a non-smoker. I make healthy choices in my life."

10. Setting Boundaries - Avoid contact with other smokers, this includes loved ones. Stay away from smokers during the first few weeks, especially.


Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/stop_smoking.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit