There are many different treatments available from shops, pharmacies and on prescription to help you stop smoking. These range from nicotine gum, lozenges and sprays to a variety of medications.
While these alternative therapies can be helpful for some smokers, there is no definitive evidence they work better than other proven methods of quitting. They also can be a challenge to use, as they may leave you feeling frustrated and craving a smoke.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that can be helpful for quitting smoking. It can help ease your cravings, decrease irritability and increase overall health and well-being. It also promotes lung tissue repair and detoxification.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body and in the ears to reduce cravings and eliminate cigarette withdrawal symptoms. Typically, patients receive acupuncture treatments one or two times a week to achieve the desired results.
There are many different types of acupuncture, and the type used depends on the individual’s needs. Some types of acupuncture are more effective than others, but they all have the same basic benefits.
The acupuncture association lists a variety of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture, including allergies, asthma, headaches, chronic pain and sports injuries. It recommends that you find a registered acupuncturist who is qualified to treat your condition.
In the case of smoking cessation, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other therapies. For example, it can be paired with hypnotherapy, which is an excellent method for breaking the cycle of smoking.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture can be very helpful in helping smokers quit. In addition to reducing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms, it can also strengthen the immune system and promote general wellness.
Other alternative treatments include herbs and hypnotherapy. Both are proven to help smokers quit for good. Herbs are custom-made for each patient, and doctors monitor their liver and kidney function closely to make sure they’re properly metabolized. Hypnotherapy can also be an excellent way to help you overcome the addiction and retrain your subconscious mind.
Acupuncture isn’t a cure for your smoking problem, but it can be helpful in making it easier to quit and stay smoke-free for good. You can find an acupuncturist by looking online or by asking friends and family for referrals.
Tobacco is a highly addictive drug. It can be difficult to kick the habit, especially when conventional therapies have failed. For many people, acupuncture is an effective treatment to assist them in giving up the habit for good.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is an alternative therapy that may help you quit smoking. It is safe and effective and can be used by anyone who has a smoking habit that they want to change.
A hypnotherapist will use a combination of suggestions and psychological therapy to help you break the habit of smoking for good. It is a science-backed therapy that works by helping you address the underlying motivations that drive your smoking habits.
According to the Australian Psychological Association, hypnotherapy is a form of mental health treatment that focuses on the subconscious mind and changing unhealthy behavior patterns. It is also an effective way to overcome anxiety and fears.
Although hypnosis is a very powerful tool, you must remember that it is not mind control. The hypnotist can only make suggestions that you agree to, and they are not meant to interfere with your ability to think clearly.
In a 2014 study, patients hospitalised with heart or lung illness who received one 90-minute session of hypnotherapy were more likely to be nonsmokers than patients who had nicotine replacement therapy or were on a waiting list for counseling-based treatment. They were also less likely to smoke after 12 weeks and 26 weeks after the treatment.
While the results of this research are promising, it is important to note that more studies are needed. For example, a 2010 Cochrane review found that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether hypnotherapy is more effective than other forms of treatment for smoking cessation.
Other research has shown that hypnosis can be an effective treatment for other medical conditions, such as weight loss and sleep disorders. It is also helpful for overcoming phobias, and it can be useful for improving self-confidence and coping with difficult situations.
A hypnotherapist can teach you self-hypnosis to counteract the urge to smoke. They can also teach you techniques for coping with stress and negative thinking, and can help you find ways to avoid temptation.
During your first hypnotherapy session, you will be asked to discuss your smoking habits and how you want to quit. Your therapist will then work with you to develop a customized plan that incorporates hypnotherapy and other treatment methods.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy is a noninvasive alternative to conventional therapies for smoking cessation. Using the latest technology, a laser emits energy to stimulate acupuncture points on your body and release endorphins that reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
LLLT is also an effective therapy for pain relief and muscle spasms associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis and other conditions. It increases ATP production in cells and enhances biochemical reactions to promote natural healing and pain relief.
Laser treatment uses a red or near infrared light at a wavelength between 600 and 1000 nanometers, with power densities ranging from five to 500 milliwatts. LLLT is sometimes referred to as cold laser treatment because it doesn’t heat or damage the skin.
It has been used in Europe and Canada for 30 years to help people stop smoking, reducing stress, anxiety, nicotine cravings and improving mood. LLLT stimulates the release of your own naturally produced endorphins that take away your need for smoking, and helps you to stay calm and relaxed.
In addition, the laser also activates acupuncture points that can help to suppress appetite and prevent weight gain when you quit smoking. Moreover, it can stimulate the release of endorphins to help alleviate the 3-5 day hump that many people experience when quitting.
Another benefit of the LLLT therapy is that it has no known side effects, compared to some other treatments that have been linked to depression and suicide. It’s also much safer to use than drugs such as Chantix and Zyban, said Dr. Martha Daviglus of Northwestern University in Chicago, who is hopeful about the potential of LLLT as an alternative to traditional smoking cessation methods.
If you are interested in low-level laser therapy, give us a call at Brunswick Medi Spa and we will schedule an appointment to talk with you about this treatment option. We will determine if you are a good candidate and review the risks and benefits.
LLLT is a noninvasive alternative to conventional therapies that may be helpful in the treatment of pain and anxiety. This treatment can be applied to a variety of areas of your body, including the ears, face and hands. It can be used to treat pain, stress, depression, snoring and more.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is an alternative therapy for quitting smoking that involves meditating and visualizing positive images of health and wellness. It may also help reduce pain and stress, and even enhance healing.
Research has shown that practicing guided imagery can promote relaxation, mental clarity, and better sleep. It can be practiced alone or with a professional.
To use guided imagery, you should start by finding a quiet space and focusing on your breaths. Then, you should listen to an audio recording that will guide you through visualization exercises.
Many people find that guided imagery is a good way to relieve stress, calm their bodies and minds, and help them reach their goals. Studies have shown that it can be useful for treating depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and insomnia.
If you have a medical condition, you should seek the advice of your physician before using guided imagery. You should consult your therapist before using this technique to deal with emotional or behavioral problems, especially if you are suffering from trauma-related concerns or other mental health issues.
Several factors affect your success with guided imagery, including how much you practice and how well the techniques are taught to you by a trained practitioner. You should begin with small amounts of time, such as 5 minutes per day, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing this practice.
A recent randomized feasibility trial showed that guided imagery can be effective in helping smokers quit. Compared to participants who listened to active behavioral control materials (CC), those in the guided imagery intervention condition (IC) had higher rates of cessation at 7 days and 6 months.
Researchers believe that a combination of motivational and cognitive-behavioral messages are important in successful smoking cessation. They also found that IC participants were more likely to use their guided imagery scripts in the future, which may help them maintain long-term quitter status.
The authors of this study recommend that you work with a therapist or other qualified healthcare provider before trying guided imagery to stop smoking. A therapist can be helpful in guiding you through the process and assessing your progress.