Acupuncture is widely used for smoking sessation in the United States and abroard. It helps to break the addictive behavior and balance body's brain chemistry to adjust cravings. Patients are then encouraged to work on breaking the habit of smoking. Acupuncture and herbal therapy is also targeted on healing damage caused by smoking over the years and restoring overall health and balance. Initially patients are scheduled to come twice weekly for 2 weeks with follow up sessions recommened biweekly or monthly for overall health benefit and support. Regular acupuncture visits are important to help patients manage uncomfortable feelings they may experience while attempting to quit smoking, like anxiety, frustration, tension.

Once you are ready to quit smoking, please get support from your family and close friends. Change your regular routine, exersice, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking triggers like caffeine, sugar, spending time with smokers, find a constructive way to manage daily stress. Remember, cravings usually don't last a long time, so distract yourself with getting out of the house, chewing gum or fresh veggie, relaxation technique like yoga, saying an affirmation like "I am a non-smoker. I make healthy choices." Once 24-hours smoke-free, there is a much greater chance (90%!!!) of being successful. Reward yourself by going shopping, for example!

Please refer to these useful resources for more information:

www.smokefree.gov/steps-on-quit-day

www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/quit-smoking-timeline

www.health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/10/want-to-quit-smoking-acupuncture-can-help-you-with-cravings/