Congratulations! The simple fact that you are reading this article means that you have already made an outstanding decision for your health – to stop smoking. Once you make the leap of making the decision you are seriously on your way to kicking the habit and becoming a non-smoker. Thus, beginning your journey to better health. Every year, millions of Americans “try” to quit smoking and a full half of them succeed. Of course, when someone says they are ready to “try” to quit smoking this is a key indicator that they will be part of the 50% that tried. So, if you are serious about quitting and you are ready to stop then acupuncture can help you significantly improve your odds of success!

Although there are many things that health professionals disagree about the one thing that virtually all agree upon is that quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health. More than twenty-five diseases are associated with tobacco use, including cancer of the lungs, bladder, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, uterus and cervix. Smoking also raises the chances of developing emphysema and increases the risk of having a stroke by 30%.

There is plenty of incentive to quit, but that doesn’t make it any easier. The good news is that acupuncture has helped millions of people to kick the smoking habit.

How Can Acupuncture Help You Quit the Habit

Some of the largest stumbling blocks to becoming a non-smoker are the stress, anxiety and depression associated with quitting. Fortunately, acupuncture treatment is quite successful at calming and relaxing the mind, reducing anxiety and alleviating depressive feelings. Specific acupoints in the ear and wrist are used to accomplish this. Additional acupoints may be included that help suppress your appetite, stimulate repair and healing of organ systems, and reduce food and nicotine cravings.

Receiving So Much More

Using acupuncture to quit smoking yields enormous benefits. Aside from taking care of the stumbling blocks that can cause you to resume the habit, acupuncture can help restore your body to a healthy state of balance and well-being. If you are ready to become smoke-free, acupuncture can provide you with the support you need.

Here are a few tips to guide you through your acupuncture care:

• Drink plenty of filtered water during the process.
• Eat balanced, healthy meals with a variety of vegetables and fruits.
• Refrain from sugar, which can cause further sugar cravings and unwanted weight gain.
• Manage your cravings. They will actually fade within a few minutes. When cravings arise, distract yourself. Before you know it, the craving will have passed.
• Scrub your skin with a dry brush or loofa to facilitate the cleansing process and help blood circulation. Take daily baths or showers.
• Avoid spending time with other smokers so that you are less tempted to smoke.
• Take a walk outside and take deep breaths. Upon exhale, gently place your teeth together and exhaling with the sound of “sssssssss.” This sound stimulates the lungs.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to quit smoking. The focus is upon achieving a balance of body and mind, and eliminating cravings so you can become smoke-free and healthier.

Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help you quit smoking. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.