Wholistic Ways to Quit Smoking
By Helene Pulnik | Published on August 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
There are various methods and formulas on the market designed to help people quit smoking, including behavior modification and hypnotherapy. But how many people have tried ear acupuncture? According to Dr. Helene Pulnik ND, LAc, a naturopathic physician who owns Glastonbury Naturopathic Center and Wholistic Spa in Glastonbury, CT, it’s a great method to help you quit for good – and move on to an altogether healthier lifestyle.
One of the reasons why people start smoking is image. Usually teenagers or young people start smoking as part of the social scene, and over time they become addicted to the nicotine. Actually, they become addicted quickly, as nicotine is the most addictive substance known to man, more addictive than any other drug.
When asked why they continue to smoke when they know it is bad for their health, many people will give a short answer – that they are addicted. We all know that smoking is addictive for a reason. It relieves stress, it makes people feel calmer, and it has an overall relaxing effect.
Removing Obstacles to Good Health
So with this in mind, we adhere to one of the principles of naturopathic medicine, which is to remove the obstacles to good health. If people feel stressed, then they will find it hard to quit smoking, so we work on helping people deal better with stress issues in particular.
As with any addictive substance, quitting cold turkey is one option, while weaning off cigarettes is another. One of the most helpful treatments we use, however, is ear acupuncture for smoking cessation. It is very pleasant, and is also very effective.
Decreasing Cravings
Ear acupuncture works by decreasing the cravings an individual has. With smoking, the cravings are based on an intense nicotine addiction, so ear acupuncture will help you get over your addiction by stopping the cravings before they need to be acted upon. Ear acupuncture will also help you cope with the varied withdrawal symptoms you may experience and lower your stress levels, thereby helping you release more endorphins, or feel-good hormones.
Stress reduction and teaching people to deal with withdrawal symptoms are important aspects of helping cigarette addicts quit smoking for good. We also offer lifestyle counseling, which can help people develop healthy behaviors and positive habits to replace smoking.
When people choose to follow our program, it can be really wonderful to see them start eating well, exercising, reducing their stress levels, and feeling better about themselves overall. Choosing to stop smoking is really the icing on the cake for everyone involved in the process.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.