|
Smoking has been around for hundreds of years but
smoking today’s cigarettes is different. The regularly
inhaled smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals
including formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic
and a variety of others not to mention dangerous
pesticides. Nicotine is the substance we hear about
that causes the biggest obstacle to quitting…addiction.
Is it a physical or mental addiction, or both? Most
smokers who really want to quit need to address both
sides of the addiction coin. The following steps will
help any smoker begin to address the psychological
aspect of their addiction and help guide the way to
becoming smoke-free naturally.
The goal of many holistic therapies is to restore the
body to a natural healthy state. The best treatments are
not offered alone, but in conjunction with psychotherapy
or group support. Nutrition, supplements, herbal
medicine, massage, yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis, and
homeopathy are some of the many natural therapies
offered.
Acupuncture's use as a treatment for addiction was
discovered in 1972 by a Hong Kong neurosurgeon. He
accidentally determined that it reduced withdrawal
symptoms such as nausea and the shakes with his opium
addicts. Since this discovery, acupuncture has become
the most widespread holistic therapy for treating
addictions to cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, and heroin.
Acupuncture works on the theory that networks of energy
(“chi”), flow through the body along natural pathways,
and disease grows when that energy is out of balance or
blocked. By inserting needles at precise positions along
these pathways, acupuncturists aim to stimulate the
body's natural flow of energy, restoring balance.
Nutrition
and supplements are beneficial in supporting the body
during the natural detoxification when quitting
smoking. From a nutritional standpoint, it is important
to eat primarily a whole foods diet including fruits,
vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and increase fluids such
as water, fresh juices, soups and herbal teas to aid in
the detoxification process. The additional circulating
toxins in the body often require higher levels of
nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin A,
zinc, selenium, vitamin E and the B vitamins.
Many herbs
have also been used successfully with smokers, both as
cigarette substitutes and to aid in the withdrawal and
detoxification side effects. Lobelia leaf, also called
“Indian Tobacco” has been used a substitute for
cigarettes. Mullein leaf, coltsfoot, yerba santa,
sarsparilla, licorice and garlic have all had a
supportive role in smoking cessation.
At Naturopathic Milestones our
FIVE WEEK PROGRAM is designed to provide comprehensive
support to those wanting to quit smoking. The
benefits of not smoking begin within the first 20
minutes when body temperature, blood pressure and pulse
rate return to normal. Within 8 hours carbon monoxide
levels drop and oxygen levels rise to normal. Within
2-3 weeks circulation improves and lung function
increases up to 30%!
This
program includes a survey to establish the primary
triggers for smoking habits so it can be customized to
meet each individuals needs. Frequent visits are made
during the fragile first few weeks after quitting to
deal cravings. I use
acupuncture,
counseling and
herbal
medicines for support. A number of arrangements are
made and rituals performed outside of the office to
provide continued support, motivation and direction. It
is an excellent program for anyone who is really serious
about quitting yet needs significant support to do so.
This program is often followed by a second stage of
detoxification to help renew damaged tissues and organs
from years of toxins.
The Five
Week Quitting Smoking Includes the Following:
-
5 acupuncture treatments to
control cravings
-
Comprehensive Instructions to
create a supportive environment
-
Herbal remedies to control
cravings, including one which resembles nicotine and
therefore is a HERBAL PATCH
-
Herbal remedies to minimize
anxiety and irritability
-
Herbal remedies to assist with
the clearance of toxins from the lungs
The Purpose
of the Treatments are as Follows:
CONTACT DR. CHARNEY
TODAY TO ENROLL IN OUR 5 WEEK PROGRAM.
|