| Smoking
is one of the most detrimental habit forming activities
we can participate in. Increasing numbers
of research studies have been published that detail the extraordinary
harm that smoking can cause. Lawsuit upon lawsuit has been
filed to rectify physical and emotional damage that big
tobacco companies
have created through their marketing strategies and addictive
additives. The courts have even ordered those companies to
create marketing programs to advise and warn about the
problems related
to smoking.
Despite all of this information millions of Americans continue
the habit. This should be proof enough of the addictive nature
of cigarette smoking.
There are many different approaches to smoking cessation;
the patch, inhalers and prescription drugs to
name a few. Fortunately,
there is a successful natural approach to smoking cessation.
Acupuncture can help people to recover from addictions, including
drugs, food, alcohol and tobacco. Western science has confirmed
that acupuncture treatments change chemical levels in the
body and regulate the nervous system.
Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian
countries for over 3,000 years. Treatment for
addictions started in
China when a doctor applied acupuncture needles to a patient
for
surgical pain. Several of the surgical patients were also
heroin addicts.
The doctor noticed that during the course of their acupuncture
treatments the withdrawal symptoms from heroin were reduced
or resolved completely. Current research studies show that
auricular
acupuncture treatments (ear) are very successful in reducing
or completely resolving addiction to smoking tobacco.
The course of treatment is usually 10 sessions. In the
first week four or five sessions consecutively are needed
depending
on the severity of the addiction, some only need three
sessions the first week. After the initial treatment
the course is
two treatments per week for several weeks then one treatment
per
week. If relapse occurs or something stressful happens
in your life, then additional treatments are recommended.
The smoking cessation program at the Family Healing Center
incorporates a tea to drink that assists in the reduction
of cravings. Due
to the increased levels of toxic residue smoking leaves
behind, a homeopathic liquid is given to assist with
your detoxification.
The procedure is simple, tiny sterile needles are placed
in each ear for 30-45 minutes. Additional body points
are used
to assist
the body in its own regulation and detoxification.
After the treatment ear seeds are placed in one ear
to continue
stimulating
the acupuncture points. The vacarria seeds are held
in place with small pieces of tape. The patient can
press
on these
points and assist in reducing cravings.Be sure to find a board certified and licensed Acupuncture
Physician to assist you in your smoking cessation
program.
In the state of Florida Acupuncture physicians are required to
complete a 5 academic year course of study after meeting the
mandatory academic prerequisites. After completing the required
coursework a national board examination test must be passed
and malpractice insurance obtained before a license will be
issued. Chapter 457 of the Florida code describes acupuncture
physicians as primary care practitioners who are able to order
and utilize laboratory testing. Acupuncture physicians are
regulated under the same federal laws and rules in regard to
the healthcare privacy act.
Nearly one in ten adults (approximately 20
million people) in the United States has
received acupuncture and sixty percent
say they would readily consider acupuncture as a treatment
option, according to the findings of a
national survey by the National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Nearly half (48%) of the individuals surveyed
who had received acupuncture reported that
they were extremely satisfied or
very satisfied with their treatment, and only eighteen percent
of
respondents reported being not very satisfied or not at all
satisfied with their treatment.
Christina Captain, DOM, AP, is a doctor of oriental medicine
and the owner of the Family Healing Center. Her clinic
is located in
Sarasota
at 1219
East Avenue South, Suite 104. Please call 941-951-1119 or visit
www.familyhealingcntr.com.
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