Perhaps one of the most popular treatments of Chinese medicine is for “Quit smoking”. This treatment uses a special branch of acupuncture: “ear acupuncture”. In Ear Acupuncture, there are over 100 points on the ear. These are used to stimulate the functions of different organs and systems. Essentially, in Quit-smoking acupuncture, we stimulate the organs involved in smoking - Lungs, Mouth & Tongue to improve the energy function of those organs.
At Metro Health, we offer Acu-Quit™ which is a 10-treatment program specifically for quitting smoking. Part of the Acu-Quit™ protocol uses Ear points for relaxation/calming, stimulating the organs associated with smoking, and digestion. Why digestion? Because as you quit, your body has to “digest” toxins…that is, eliminate them from your system. Also, as your lungs start to repair, the tiny hairs (cilia) that line the lung tubes, begin their sweeping action again which causes many people to feel more sick or cough up phlegm which they did not do as a smoker. The ear points can help the body eliminate this phlegm and aid the lungs in their functions.
How does acupuncture work for Quit-smoking?
One theory is that by stimulating the energy of the organs associated with smoking, the body is more perceptible to “toxins” entering it. This theory explains why some people report less pleasure in smoking after acupuncture treatments.
Ear Acupuncture also helps with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Common reactions to quitting are anxiety, depression, irritability, eating more, physical shaking, feeling shaky inside, and poor memory/concentration. One point used is related to the Heart & Emotions (shenmen). This point helps calm the Shen which is used to relieve these mental-emotional symptoms.
Another normal side effect of quitting is to cough up more phlegm. This is because the tiny hairs in the lungs (cilia) are repairing. Their normal job is to move debris out of the lungs, helping you to breathe properly. Toxins in cigarettes damage the cilia, but, as you stop inhaling cigarette toxins, the cilia start to repair, so it's actually a good sign when you start to cough up more phlegm during quitting. Acupuncture can be of assistance in reducing phlegm and promoting better breathing.
At Metro Health, we offer Acu-Quit™ which is a 10-treatment program specifically for quitting smoking. Part of the Acu-Quit™ protocol uses Ear points for relaxation/calming, stimulating the organs associated with smoking, and digestion. Why digestion? Because as you quit, your body has to “digest” toxins…that is, eliminate them from your system. Also assist the lungs in their functions, as they repair. The ear points can help the body eliminate phlegm and aid the lungs in their normal functions.
Acu-Quit™ is a special, unique quitting program we run at Metro Health and medicine, combining Ear Acupuncture, Cognitive therapy, Diet advice and body acupuncture. It's cheaper than our regular consultation fees. At your first consultation, together you and your practitioner will establish a plan to help you stay quit.
The Acu-Quit™ 10-treatment program, takes one hour initially, and about half an hour per session after that. The cost is probably less than your smoking habit - $480. We recommend this program be taken over a 1-month period, appointments can be done 2 or 3x a week as needed.
It's still a New Year - there's never been a better time to Quit!
