Quit Smoking Program
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.
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
- 6 acupuncture treatments to control cravings
- Comprehensive Instructions to create a supportive environment
- Herbal remedies to control cravings and minimize anxiety and irritability
Post Quitting Detoxification Program
- Inhalation Therapy to help repair damaged lung tissue
- Herbal remedies to assist with the clearance of toxins from the lungs
- Support for cardiovascular system to aid reversal of atherosclerosis from smoking
Testimonials
March 31st 2009
Chers friends,
It has been another successful week, nicotine free!!!
The treatments by my naturopath Dr. ThaliaCharney have been most helpful; and have included acupuncture, counseling and homeopathic treatments. It has been most surprising to me that I have not felt any real urges at all to smoke! So, my toxic ‘friend’ is banished from my life, and better healthy friends and activities are around me.
In recovery,
Nancy Graham
