Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture
He Hon Lao, O.M.D., Ph.D.
Most smokers agree that cigarette smoking is expensive, not just financially but also because of the potential for poor health. It is now recognized that smoking is an addictive behavior, and that nicotine is an extremely addictive substance which, in the opinion of respected sources such as the Royal College of Physicians report of February 2000, should be treated like a hard drug.
It is possible, however, to kick the smoking habit. There are various methods to achieve optimal smoking cessation results. Not surprisingly, acupuncture has been found to be one of the most successful modalities. In June 1999, we conducted a retrospective study of smoking cessation using acupuncture in our center in Brooklyn, New York. The study consisted of 124 cases of adults from ages 22 to 77, with a mean age of 42.4 years old. The duration of smoking among this group was from 21 to 50 years. The amount of cigarette consumption was between one half pack and three packs daily.
The number of acupuncture treatment given for smoking cessation ranged between one and five visits over a two-week period. Using acupuncture, the results yielded 88 cases of complete abstinence, with another 14 patients showing a reduction in smoking of two-thirds of their original consumption. This translates to an overall effectiveness rate of 82.1 percent achieved within a two-week period. Other conventional smoking cessation programs require an average of six to 12 weeks to demonstrate results.
Aside from a more rapid cessation program, achieving smoking cessation with acupuncture has other significant results. No medication is required, and therefore compliance with taking medication is not an issue. Acupuncture is safe for pregnant women since there is no toxicity involved. The side effects from acupuncture are minimal to non-existent.
In this application, acupuncture works on several levels. As is well understood, when our body is low on food, we become aware of feeling hungry. Our unconscious mind tells us we need to eat to remove the feeling. However, our unconscious mind might tell us to wait until dinnertime, when we will be able to enjoy food with our family. Smoking behavior is similar to the experience of hunger. When a person is dependent on nicotine, and nicotine levels fall below a certain threshold, the person experiences discomfort. The unconscious mind knows that smoking a cigarette will relieve this discomfort. If we are willing to give up smoking, our conscious mind will focus on reducing this feeling of discomfort. This creates a battle between our conscious and our unconscious minds. Acupuncture works on both.
After an acupuncture treatment, the craving for nicotine will diminish automatically and the urge to smoke will be more manageable.
Acupuncture also works by reducing withdrawal symptoms. The body is a delicate interplay of biochemical rhythms. The body of a smoker has come to depend on tobacco in order to function properly. When a person quits smoking, these tobacco-dependent rhythms are disrupted. This is the source of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, restlessness, light-headedness, disturbed sleep, anxiety, hunger and craving. Acupuncture causes a biochemical reaction that restores the natural rhythmic flow of energy. This relieves discomforts and helps the damage caused by cigarette smoking.
Tips for Quitting smoking:
- Avoid alcohol. It may reduce the effectiveness of treatment
- Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays
- Develop a clean/fresh environment
- Do busy work with your hands and mind and mouth, chew gums
- Break patterns that you associate with smoking. Instead of smoking after a meal, take a walk
- Setup a support team: your friends/family members are always eager to help
- Don’t forget to reward yourself, a favorite activity, or buy yourself a gift
- Congratulate yourself every time you resist a craving
- Learn a lifestyle without cigarette
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