Acupuncture helps to decrease the physical cravings for tobacco. It also lessens the symptoms of withdrawal and has a generally sedative effect on the nervous system. Beta-endorphin, the natural hormone which causes physical relaxation and reduces sensitivity to pain, is released by the acupuncture treatment. This production of beta-endorphin is part of the physical mechanism which makes it possible for you to quit smoking.
A typical program consists of 3 treatments during the first week (when the withdrawal symptoms are the greatest) and 2 follow-up treatments during the second and third week. In order to insure long-term effectiveness of treatment, we sometimes recommend occasional follow-up visits for 2-3 months after the initial series.
Weight gain is less of a problem when acupuncture is used because the acupuncture points that reduce the craving for tobacco also help to control the craving for food.
Making it through the first three weeks is crucial and is the main focus of this program. Once over this major hump, the program requires much less intervention as it becomes easier and easier to resist the temptation. Research has shown that if you can make it to the six -month mark, there is a high probability that you will not start again. For this reason, after three weeks and up to six months, minor intervention is continued.
20 Minutes After Quitting
Your heart rate drops.
12 hours After Quitting
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting
Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
Your lung function begins to improve.
1 to 9 Months After Quitting
Your Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 Year After Quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smokers.
5 Years After Quitting
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmokers 5-15 years after quitting.
10 Years After Quitting
Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smokers. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
15 Years After Quitting
Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmokers