There are many steps to quit smoking (i.e. cutting down, nicotine patch, cold turkey, nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, etc.), so why do 10 million Brits still struggle to quit smoking? If you are one of the 70% of smokers who wants to quit, consider the effects Acupuncture and Chinese medicine could have to help you in your journey to stop this nasty habit for good.
Tobacco was introduced in China 1575 and has since become a major cause of preventable disease and premature death. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can reduce the craving for cigarettes and The World Health Organisation has agreed that Acupuncture has a therapeutic effect on dependence of tobacco.
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.
Acupuncture and Herbs 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 can 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 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.
If you want to kick the habit, book into the AcuMedic Anti-Smoking programme where a fully qualified CMIR-registered Chinese Medical doctor will provide you with a full Chinese Medical diagnosis and consultation to understand the nature of your addiction, and determine its root cause. It’s your turn to quit!
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