Smoke Cessation and Acupuncture In 1973 Dr. H.L. Wen, a neurosurgeon from Hong Kong, discovered that acupuncture could suppress withdrawal symptoms in opiate or narcotic addicts with the stimulation of a certain point in the ear called the lung point. Subsequent to that discovery, people speculated as to whether acupuncture could help with the withdrawal symptoms in smokers and there were trials of this technique started in North America. Since that time, this has been a treatment that has been used effectively throughout North America. Today there is still speculation as to why this point in the ear seems to be effective in helping to decrease symptoms of withdrawal. The technique itself is a relatively simple procedure, which involves the insertion of half-inch needles into strategic points in the ear: lung, Shen Men & sympathetic ears. Needles are sometimes stimulated with an electro-stimulator for upwards of 30 minutes at a time. This is a treatment that is meant to be reasonably comfortable and not a treatment to be feared. The treatment regime involves an initial interview to determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for smoke cessation. Once the patient has been identified as appropriate, treatment may begin. The typical course would have the patient attend on consecutive days initially. Day 1 & 2 return on day 4, day 7 and day 10. Once the patient is smoke free for TEN days they attend once a week for 2 weeks following which they are advised to return at their discretion. In between treatments there is the insertion of small press needles that are employed to maintain the effect of the treatment. The acupuncture pins are not put in a "no smoking" spot, but rather, they are put in an anti-chemical-addiction spot. What is making you crave cigarettes is the nicotine which is a chemically addicting substance. It does not mean that you won't think of cigarettes or even wish you could have one, but it does give you a control over the addiction. Overcoming any chemical dependency is like climbing over a very high wall or fence. What the acupuncture pins do is lower the height of the fence by two-thirds. There is still a third that is your responsibility, but the odds are much more in your favor. When you got up this morning, you might have put on a watch, some earrings or glasses and, after a period of time, the body doesn't feel them anymore. Well, the same thing occurs with the acupuncture needles - after a period of time they are not effective because the body has become acclimatized to them. This period of time is two weeks. After two weeks the needles' effectiveness in controlling smoking decreases. One of the best things about this method of smoke cessation is that there are minimal withdrawal symptoms. In other words, the degree of irritability and agitation is negligible. Having stopped smoking, in approximately three weeks to a month, there will be an increase in coughing. Indeed, if you didn't have a cough, you might get one. This is the lungs clearing themselves out from years of smoking. So look on the coughing as a positive thing, not a negative thing. It will last for approximately a month, then disappear forever, much to your benefit. Also, it would be reasonable not to tell anyone that you are stopping smoking; simply do it. To a smoker, losing you as a fellow smoker is like losing you from a religious cult and the most intelligent of people and the best of friends will do their utmost to sabotage your efforts. However, once three weeks have passed and you have explained you haven't had a cigarette for three weeks, their attitude will be one of admiration and envy that you were able to achieve what they apparently are not able to do. So hang in there! The acupuncture needle controls the addictive side of cigarettes; the habit side of cigarettes is best addressed by gum. I would suggest that you buy an amount of gum equal to the amount of a single pack of cigarettes. Use only half a stick at a time, but chew it frequently and perhaps for only three or four minutes. Now you have done something with your hands - you've fiddled with them - and you have also taken something to your mouth. By chewing, you are stimulating the acupuncture needles and thus kicking in a little reinforcing dose of anti-nicotine. Finally, it must be emphasized that we are treating an addiction. These needles work, but do nothing at all about a so-called "slip" in the future. In other words, you wouldn't suggest that an alcoholic have a single drink at Christmas just because he's out at a Christmas function. In the same manner, there is no doubt that a single cigarette in the future with your friends will definitely lead to a return of your present smoking habits, probably within two days. So be warned! Instructions to Patients
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