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Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
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Issue #2015-11c
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Acupuncture to Quit Smoking
Acupuncture has been used to treat addiction for many years. Curbing addiction, especially when it comes to smoking, is not something that can be done overnight. There will be times when you think you won't be able to stay smoke-free and want to give up.
Considering acupuncture treatment when you are trying to quit can have great effects on helping you back on the road to better health. Acupuncture works by addressing the body as a whole. Illness arises when there is a blockage or stagnation in our natural energy flow. By using acupuncture points, this treatment helps to release these blockages and return the body back to its natural state.
The acupuncture point specifically used to help curb smoking urges is called "Tim Mee" and is located on the inside of the arm. This point helps change the body's perception of nicotine. This point combined with others can help reduce cravings. (Please refer to the right hand column's Acupressure points diagram to find the "Tim Mee" point.)
Not only can acupuncture help curb addiction, but it can also aid in symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine once you quit. Symptoms like jitters, mood swings and restlessness are common when quitting smoking.
When you feel anxious from these feelings, it is even easier to feel the need for a cigarette. Specific acupuncture points can help relax and detoxify the body to lower withdrawal symptoms. A study done at the University of Oslo, Norway, found that those who were trying to quit smoking and received acupuncture treatment reported a reduced craving for smoking and a greater distaste for tobacco. Acupuncture can not completely eliminate addiction, but it is a great aid in the recovery process after quitting. The first and hardest step is to decide to quit, there are many treatments including acupuncture that can help you on the way therein after. Contact an acupuncturist and learn how acupuncture can help you stay smoke free for a healthier body, mind and spirit.
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Steps to Stay Smoke-Free
So you've quit smoking, or maybe you're trying and not sure how long you will last. Either way, quitting is not easy, and staying smoke-free in the long term is even harder. You may have periods of time when you're feeling confident and a cigarette is the last thing on your mind, or you may all of a sudden have intense cravings. Below are some ways to help keep you smoke-free for a better, healthier life.
* Stay positive *
Having good and bad days are a part of life, and same goes for quitting smoking. Some days are going to be easier than others, but it is important on the bad days to remind yourself why quitting is worth it. Health should be number one in your life and according to the CDC, quitting smoking will lower your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory complications and more. If you have been a smoker, you know the side effects well. Staying positive and motivated to keep the bad habit away will pay off tremendously in the long run. Talk to others who have quit or join a support group. It is always great to hear from others who are going through the same experience as you and to see success stories.
* Know your triggers *
Smokers usually have triggers that give them the urge to light up. Be aware of what these are and find ways to avoid them. Common triggers include stress, drinking coffee, after a meal, drinking alcohol, if someone else is smoking or feeling restless. Once you know your triggers, you can know how to handle them in a healthy manner that doesn't include smoking. When you start to feel an urge, try deep breathing or go on a short walk. Keep your mind and body occupied.
* Take up a new hobby/activity *
Kicking a bad habit is the perfect time to take up a healthy one. Spend more time exercising or doing something you enjoy. Activities like biking, swimming or yoga are not only fun but also beneficial for your mental and physical health. If feeling stressed or down is a trigger for you, becoming more active can help lower these symptoms.
* Don't give up *
The decision to quit smoking was probably one of the best lifestyle choices you could make. You already took that first step, and although it may seem like an uphill battle, staying smoke-free will add years on to your life and improve your quality of life tremendously. Don't give up, and don't get down on yourself if you cave. It is never too late to quit smoking and begin the journey to better health.
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Alternative Treatments to Quit Smoking
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Recipe Corner
Turkey Burger with Spicy Avocado Mustard
Credits: The healthy Hedonist Holidays, Simon and Schuster Publishers
These well-seasoned patties are laced with sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts. Sautéed onions and bell peppers keep them moist, even when grilled. The avocado mustard makes a dynamite topping. You can also sauté these burgers in a skillet.
Yields 6 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes plus one hour to chill
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Storage: Refrigerate for up to one day before cooking and one day after. Freeze uncooked for up to one month. The mustard keeps refrigerated for up to three days.
Type of Dish: Lunch & Dinner
INGREDIENTS:
Turkey Burgers:
- 1 / 4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup onions, diced small
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green pepper, diced small
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 / 4 cup sundried tomatoes, reconstituted and chopped into 1 / 4 inch dice
- 1 / 2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg white
Avocado Mustard:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
PREPARATION:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry heavy-bottomed medium skillet, stirring constantly, until golden, about 3 minutes, transfer to a small bowl and set aside
- Warm the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and pepper, and sauté until softened, about 7 ~ 10 minutes. Add the cumin, chili powder, and jalapeño and sauté and 3 minutes.
- Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the turkey, tomatoes, pine nuts, salt and sprinkling of black pepper. Stir in egg white and form into 6 burgers.
- Refrigerate for an hour or longer.
- Make the avocado mustard: Mash the avocado into a small bowl. Stir in lime juice, mustard, and jalapeño and set aside.
COOKING:
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan on medium heat. Add the burgers, and cook 4 minutes on each side, crosshatching after two minutes to get pronounced grill marks.
- Cover and cook another 4 minutes or so on low heat (if using a grill pan, put a domed lid over the burgers) until burgers are cooked through, they will fell firm when pressed.
- Served hot, topped with the avocado mustard.
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The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate
and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed
and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
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