By Katie Kuhn
Tobacco is one of the most highly addictive substances. Quitting tobacco, whether smoking, vaping or chewing, is never an easy process. You may be surprised to hear acupuncture can help you quit smoking.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a holistic approach to health. The desire to quit must still come from the individual. The patient must be ready to make that change, which may be more difficult than the physical nicotine addiction. Acupuncture helps with nicotine withdrawal, and the other side effects like irritability and insomnia. It is important to look at the reason they are smoking- it may be a habit they picked up from their parents at a young age, or they may use tobacco to deal with anxiety or stress.
Acupuncture treatment consists of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, which includes 5 points in each ear. Wrist and/or other body points may also be used. The needles are thin, single use and often painless. At Huron Point Acupuncture, each treatment takes about 45 minutes. Many patients need 1-3 treatments. The cost for smoking cessation acupuncture is affordable at only $25 per visit.
There are many other valuable resources available locally to improve your chances of quitting. McLaren Hospital offers smoking cessation counseling or call the Michigan Quit Line at 1-800-QUITNOW (800-784-8669). Hypnosis is a great non pharmaceutical option. Guided meditation may be beneficial, classes are held at Happy Dog Yoga Studio or the Blue Water YMCA. Enlist your family and friends as a support system.
If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture, contact Katie Kuhn at Huron Point Acupuncture or schedule an appointment today at huronpointacupuncture.com or find a Board Certified acupuncturist at NCCAOM.org/find-a-provider-directory.
