quit smoking cold turkey

Introduction

With the known affects that smoking has, not only on the human body but the world around it, many individuals that are addicted to nicotine still find it incredibly hard to quit. Many patients will have already been through numerous amounts of patches, gum, and counselling in order to quit, with no avail.

This article will explore a clinically effective method in the assistance of nicotine addiction withdrawal. This method, stemming from thousands of years of Chinese Acupuncture, and half a century of European medical research, innovation and practice is known as Auricular Acupuncture, and just may be the answer that smokers are looking for.

What is it?

Auriculomedicine (Also known as ear acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, auricular therapy etc) is a method that originally spawned from Lyon, France. It is a therapy that utilises fundamental modern medical science (primarily based on neurophysiology / neurology) and concepts of traditional acupuncture.

The actual method involves either placement of sterile, single use hair thin needles onto the external surface (outer) of the ear. Alternatively low level laser may be used. Generally a selection of points (normally 2 5) are used, and often combined with specific body points (again able to be stimulated by needle or laser). It is a 100% pain free method that often leaves the patient relaxed and very comfortable.

How does it work?

There are many theories about how acupuncture works, however, auricular acupuncture is an exception its effectiveness is known and well researched. When the auricle is stimulated, either with needle (considered more effective) or laser (less, but still effective), the body will release endorphins (natural pain relieving biochemicals).

Endorphins are secreted by the pituitary gland and certain parts of the central nervous system (CNS). Auricular Acupuncture has been shown to influence the blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of endorphins.

When an individual is addicted to nicotine (via tobacco smoke) they will naturally have higher endorphin levels. So, why then does Auricular Acupuncture, which induces endorphin release work?

For two reasons, one when an individual makes the step to give up smoking the endorphins within their CNS will naturally drop and will need to be maintained. And two, Auricular Acupuncture doesnt increase the levels of endorphins, it merely stabilises the rate of release. In this way, patients that have quit, and need help with withdrawal can be treated, and patients that need help in actually putting down the cigarette can be treated.

The other factors involved in Auricular Acupuncture are those associated with a sense of calmness and relaxation. This happens because of the release of the before mentioned endorphins and stimulation produced analgesia. This analgesic effect of Auricular Acupuncture occurs due to activity produced via reflex stimulation within the periaqueductal gray (PAG), hypothalamus, thalamus, and somatosensory and prefrontal cortex. This allows the withdrawal symptoms or anxiety, restlessness, stress, and other physical cravings to be successfully treated.

What is involved in a treatment?

First and foremost patients must be sure that the acupuncturist or doctor they see is trained and experienced in the specialty of Auricular Acupuncture (not just Acupuncture as taught by Universities). Most people who are knowledgeable in this method will have done training within specific clinics overseas, in Europe, or the United States. There are only a few practitioners in Australia that are able to utilise this method effectively.

Treatment will normally involve a full assessment of the individuals condition through various diagnostic means. One particular method of assessment that practitioners will apply is the checking of laterality dysfunction. Laterality is the state of harmonious interaction between the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. The dominant hemisphere (i.e. left side in a right handed person and vice versa) must first be established in order for proper point selection to be made. Laterality disorders may result from any physical or emotional trauma that has occurred during the patients life, it may occur at any time.

Laterality dysfunction may present itself through learning disorders (ADD, ADHD, dyslexia etc.), behavioural problems (depression, anxiety, stress), or productivity problems (such as concentration and confusion in co-ordination). Clinical research has found that individuals who are addicted to a substance (particularly nicotine) are trying to re-lateralise (balance) themselves. It has been seen, clinically, that Auricular Acupuncture is the best and quickest method to treat such disorders.

Laterality Dysfunction is often the cause of many acupuncture treatments (such as protocol based clinics) not being as effective. In actuality, laterality dysfunction can be seen as a blockage to therapy, and therefore must be assessed and treated first.

Following the above, practitioners will either use a filter or polarised object t in conjunction with a specific pulse method (known as the Vascular Autonomic Signal or VAS) to determine which of the points on the auricle are most active. The reason for this is that there are hundreds of acu-points located on the ear and without this method practitioners are merely stabbing in the dark. Protocol based laser therapies unfortunately are like this and therefore do often not completely assist the patient.

Patient Inclusion

It is important that the practitioner explain to the patient what the process is going to involve and how long it is going to take. In my experience any where between 2 6 treatments is necessary. Sometimes a follow-up or booster is recommended to ensure they are still on track.

Patients must also do some work as well. I often suggest before the first treatment to try and not smoke (at least for a few hours), as many patients will have a cigarette before the treatment to quell any anxiousness they may be experiencing. During the actual process it is also recommended to the patient to avoid the social settings or stressful situations in which they would normally smoke, this can be hard and is often determined by will power as well.

Conclusion

Auricular Acupuncture is a highly effective method of treatment for those wishing to quit smoking. The notions that surround acupuncture about being painful and uncomfortable do not apply to this method, most patients find that they enter a deeper sense of relaxation, which often boosts their confidence and determination to quit.

About the author:

David S. White is an Acupuncturist and Auriculotherapy / Auriculomedicine practitioner in Sydney, Australia. He is clinical director of the Macquarie St. Clinic of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, lecturer in Acupuncture at the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SITCM) and President of the Paraplegia & Hemiplegia Acupuncture Society (P.H.A.S.). He completed his Masters dissertation on Auriculotherapy in the withdrawal of heroin and cocaine and practices this method in his clinic daily. David has authored numerous articles on Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Auriculomedicine.

If you would like to learn more about Auriculotherapy or Auriculomedicine please feel free to contact David S. White on (02) 9221 0699 or email him at david@sydneytcm.com Alternatively you may visit the clinic website at http://www.sydneytcm.com

You can imagine that sometimes a girl needs to keep it real to stay away from the couch in the psychiatrists' office.

Today is that day for me.

No, I am not necessarily being funny as quitting smoking and gaining weight is critical stuff. Why you ask? Because last week I came to the realization that I have gained 15lbs. since I quit smoking the last quarter of 2007...Yep! That has been some slow and steady weight gain that is exclusively attributed to giving up up smoking.

My original plan to control my weight was to use hootia lollipops. Those hootia pops worked well although I couldn't keep it up and found that in social situations they looked downright silly.

This morning, I had my assessment with my NEW trainer, Michelle. Today, I am smiling and feeling hopeful that these 15 pounds will depart very soon from my being. I will offer up more about that later in this article.

Encouragement for my continued success with not smoking comes daily from those around that don't smoke, continue to smoke and even strangers that may smoke or not. If anyone of those people would guarantee me that I would not get lung cancer or worse yet emphysema then I would start again ASAP. For me, cigarettes were like a best friend that only listened and a constant and consistent reward system for just about anything I would choose ...Um...I woke up this morning! guess I'll have a cigarette, Um...I just took a long brisk walk so I reward myself with a cigarette. Need I go any further? Those of you that smoke or have smoked (and loved it) in your past will certainly understand that aspect of smoking.

I will admit that I was beginning to become a victim of feeling like I was a complete social outcast and thus somewhat of a loser for smoking. Cigarettes were starting to run my life when it came to selecting restaurants, favorite friends, my travel destinations or even airports that I would choose for connections. I would not recommend that type of negative control in anyone's life.

Is it obvious to any of you that I am in the process of justification and patting myself on the back for not smoking. I am indeed feeling once again that I made a great decision. Venting is such a great comfort when no one is talking back to me. Oh! And Yes! It is so liberating and empowering not to smoke.

So you are planning on quitting smoking? One thing you need to know is that you should not plan on anything other than that when you 1st quit smoking. Focus on just that task. You will feel like you are giving up enough and then some. No need to set yourself of for failure.

I am beginning to think that my weight gain had quite a bit to do with several factors in my life. My age as well as sitting in front of a computer most of the day (like now) and my stubborn attitude as far as not wanting to give up another thing. Hindsight would tell me that I should have entered into a little more flexible state around November.

Exercise has been part of my daily regimen in a rather casual fashion since January until now. I knew that I was gaining weight although had convinced myself that I could manage and take control of the process of taking the weight off as quickly as it came.
WRONG this time...for me anyway.

Enter Michelle, my beloved new trainer. I want to share this information with you because realism is where it's at pertaining gaining weight associated with quitting smoking. The more you read the better success you will have with your end result. Today, I am a much happier person because I feel I have taken back control with some help from a trainer and not a shrink. I shared my story with Michelle and told her that all I want is to be able to wear the clothes in my closet that I wore the day I quit smoking. That would be full circle for me. She gave me all sorts of encouragement in addition to a few exercises to do at home as well as some healthy eating recommendations. I look forward to actually working out and training with her during lunch on Tuesday. The good news is that I won't be missing that cigarette after my workout tomorrow. I will keep you posted as to my success with the weight loss.

This article about Quitting Smoking and Managing your possible weight gain has been brought to you by Carol Clifton and iTalkbeauty where you come to talk beauty.

There are many natural ways to quit smoking and there is simply no need to use drugs, pills or patches. Discover these natural methods in this article.

Willpower Alone

The reason that I mention this is because it is cheap and free. But it is also highly unreliable. I strongly advise you to use some form of assistance to quit what is frankly, a difficult addiction. This way, you will have a higher chance of success.

Hypnosis

Although this method is expensive, relatively speaking, it is also said to be highly successful.

Before you object that this is not a natural method, consider that hypnosis is simply a method of suggestion. Each and every day suggestions are made to us in television marketing and even conversations with friends.

Hypnosis is merely a focussed form of suggestion that is highly effective.

Herbal Methods

The first of these is to try herbal cigarettes. Whilst they might not contain nicotine, they often have high levels of tar and other irritants. I don't advise you to follow this particular route.

The other herbal method is to try various tinctures or homeopathic remedies. If you want to go this route then I advise you find a good herbal store or a qualified homeopath. Chinese medicine is also said to be good.

Stop Smoking Laser

I'm including this because, although the laser is a modern invention of man, the process is completely non-invasive and does not involve taking any drugs.

During a session, a technician will pass a "cold" laser over various parts of the body, normally including the ears.

It takes around 20 minutes total and the effects are supposed to be very similar to having had hypnosis - your cravings are diminished and your willpower is increased.

How badly do you want to quit smoking forever? Get the facts, advice and tips that you need to be successful this time plus the top 3 natural ways to quit smoking, at http://www.QuitSmokingAdvisory.com