Quitting Smoking

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. When inhaled, nicotine is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream, where it stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to function normally, and quitting smoking can be challenging due to the physical and psychological effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Smoking addiction can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process, and many people struggle with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Quitting smoking is a challenge you can overcome with the help of acupuncture. As an effective tool, acupuncture enables one to quit smoking by minimizing cravings, calming the nervous system, and strengthening willpower. Acupuncture intercepts messages sent by the brain to the body that demand more nicotine, thereby disrupting the addictive process. It can eliminate most cravings, but not the habit.

Generally, acupuncture treatment reduces cravings from 20+ to only 3-5 a day. The person’s responsibility is to make it through those few cravings. Acupuncture can only work if the person is ready to quit and willing to commit to the process.

We ask that you refrain from smoking or using nicotine replacements for 5 hours before your appointment and avoid having any cigarettes in your possession. For treatments, we recommend 2 treatments the first week (at least one day apart), 1 treatment per week for 2 weeks after the initial week, then monthly treatments for 4-6 months.