Dr. Danny Han, DA, L.Ac., Dipl.Acup., MSOM EZ Acupuncture & Herbs
406 Farmington Avenue, Suite 1000, Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: (860) 502-9462 E-mail: info@ezacupuncture.com
Quit Smoking Permanently
with Acupuncture
For some people, the addiction to smoking is as strong as the physical addiction to nicotine. We recommend that all patients join a smoking cessation support group or find a quit buddy to quit smoking together. Always consult your physician before beginning any new therapy. The goal of this treatment is to help you stop smoking after the full course of treatment. Individual results will vary and a personal commitment to stop smoking is required to make this treatment successful. Nicotine addiction is a chronic disease and relapse after initially quitting is not uncommon. Most people make at least 2 or 3 attempts at smoking cessation before they are able to quit smoking permanently. This program is recommended for those who have already tried conventional smoking cessation methods (such as nicotine replacement therapy or going “cold turkey”).
This treatment is successful, especially when administered along with Chinese herbal medicine. For this reason, a free herbal consultation is included with the treatment fee.
How is This Treatment Performed?
This therapy involves stimulation of the auricle, or outer ear, as well as other points in the body to treat the physical and psychological addiction to nicotine, ease symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, improve organ function (especially the lungs), and to promote relaxation and detoxification. While the exact placement of acupuncture needles will vary from patient to patient, smoking cessation treatments usually include stimulation of the following points:
circulation
kidney function
The individually packaged needles are both sterilized and disposable. Each needle in inserted at least ¼ inch and is manipulated until the patient feels a heavy, achy or tingling sensation. This indicates that Qi has arrived. The arrival of Qi is an important process, which encourages the body to improve and regulate functions.
Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin. Unlike hypodermic needles, they are solid, without a hollow center. Most people commonly experience a mild tingling or dull, but these sensations subside once the needles have been place. There may be a small amount of blood at the insertion point when the needles are removed. The majority of patients report that the benefits of treatment offset any discomfort felt during the session.
How should I prepare for acupuncture treatments?
We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Please also avoid heavy meals and alcohol immediately before your treatment. Upon arrival, you will be required to complete a Patient Consent Form before receiving acupuncture services. Mr. Han will consult with each person individually and then 5 or more super-fine, pre-sterilized, disposable acupuncture needles will be placed in each ear. The acupuncturist may insert additional needles in the ears and body to promote detoxification and relaxation, based upon each patient’s individual’s needs and health status. After the needles are inserted, you will sit or lay comfortably for up to 30 minutes to allow the treatment to take effect.
First of all, you can expect the practitioner to do a full evaluation, which including taking your medical history, taking you pulse, observing you tongue and using palpation techniques to assess your condition. It is common to experience deep relaxation during an after acupuncture treatments. Also, while some patients require more rest or sleep after having their sessions, others feel more energized. You will also receive a free herbal consultation as part of your treatment.
Most patients experience an immediate reduction in nicotine cravings after the first treatment. Some also report that a change in the taste of cigarettes which deters them from smoking. Patients are expected to quit smoking by the end of this treatment, but some may require additional treatments and herbs to stop smoking permanently.
The biggest difference between this treatment and conventional smoking cessation therapies is that acupuncture and herbs are completely natural and contain no nicotine. Traditional therapies, such as nicotine replacement therapy, uses patches, gum or drugs that contain nicotine and other stimulants. However, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are nicotine-free and instead help to flush nicotine and other toxins from your body.
Are there any side effects to treatment?
Generally, there are no side effects to acupuncture treatments. As the body rebalances, most patients feel better. As a result of this rebalancing, patients may experience changes in bowel movements, urination patterns, appetite, sleep or emotional states. Also, on occasion, the original symptoms can get worse for a day or two before getting better. Otherwise, patients usually experience a sense of well-being, relaxation, as well as relief from migraines and insomnia.
Some patients experience dry mouth, so please drink plenty of water after and in between each acupuncture session. Taking an herbal prescription can also alleviate dry mouth. It is normal to experience a small amount of weight gain when quitting smoking. Additional acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine may help to control your appetite.
About Dr. Chul H. (Danny) Han, DA, L.Ac., Dipl.Acup, MSOM
Dr. Han is a NY and CT licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Acupuncture in Connecticut and Rhode Island. He was trained in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and Tri-State College of Acupuncture, which are leading institutions for the study and advancement of alternative medicines. He is also certified by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) in Clean Needle Technique. Dr. Han is committed to assisting his patients and community in their healing process and to educate them in health awareness. His holistic approach to treating patients includes a combination of techniques: acupuncture, cupping, herbology and moxibustion.
Appointments
Treatments are scheduled by appointment at your convenience. We recommend that you receive 2 treatments each week over 4 consecutive weeks. (All 8 acupuncture treatments must be completed within 6 weeks.) To schedule an appointment, please call us at (860) 502-9462.
