Acupuncture for Quitting Smoking
For those who smoke, and have always thought of eliminating this vile habit, acupuncture is one method that can be employed if other ways have been tried and failed. Acupuncture which is conveyed to specific key points in the body could help stop nicotine withdrawal symptoms, according to the Preventive Medicine Journal.
Acupuncture is a system in which very minute and sterilized needles of multiple lengths are introduced into the skin to medicate many ailments. Acupuncture is said to have been originated as far back as 5, 000 years ago from China, and is considered an integral element of contemporary Chinese medicine.
There was a study conducted where 46 volunteers were observed over the period of five years. 26 of these volunteers were rendered acupuncture treatment at specific targets to influence organs connected to smoking such as the mouth, airways and lungs. The balance of 20 volunteers was managed with acupuncture at targets connected to skeletal and muscular systems presumed to not have anything to do with smoking effects.
The first group which was given advantageous treatment gave testimonials that the desire to smoke has lessened considerably. Additionally, the blood intensity for chemicals connected to smoking was decreased than the latter group for up to eight months after treatment was administered.
The second group showed no promising results,; the crave to smoke did not lessen and quantity of cigarettes inhaled were the same amount before the treatment process.
Experts who conducted the research constantly enquire on amount of sticks taken, and participants’ blood was measured to seek out the concentration of two chemicals, cotinine and thiocyanate. The cotinine concentration reveals the amount of smoking during the previous two to three weeks, while thiocyanate shows the amount ingested during the last two to three weeks before the blood sample was retrieved. By appraising both strictures, it can be gauged on the participants’ level of honesty and commitment towards the desired goals.
For the volunteers, they were chosen based on smoking history; in this case these volunteers smoked for 23 years with an average of 10 to 30 cigarettes per day. The common denominator is that everyone in the group aspired to stop smoking, and is in unison to employ no other types of smoking termination during the three week clinical trial. However, volunteers were not informed specifically of which group they belonged to.
For both groups, acupuncture treatments comprised body ‘electroacupuncture’, ear acupuncture and ear acupressure. The members of the volunteer group were informed to execute the ear acupressure 4 times per day, on their own.
A skilled acupuncturist would be able to replicate this treatment based on modules written. Acupuncture treatments utilized were quite common, targeting organs connected to smoking such as mouth, throat, lungs and airways. If done correctly, patients would feel the positive effect and be on the road to full recovery.
The acupuncture research was targeted for two reasons; to measure length of time it takes to quit, and to assess smoking reduction.
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