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Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter   Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
Issue #2015-11c

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. 


              

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.  
  

Alternative Treatments to Quit Smoking 

 



* Cayenne pepper * 
Cayenne pepper can lower cravings for cigarettes by lowering the respiratory response to tobacco and other chemicals found in cigarettes. Adding the cayenne pepper to a glass of water every day can help decrease your desire for a smoke.

* Herbal cigarettes * Herbal cigarettes are often used as an aid to help smokers quit smoking. These cigarettes do not have any tobacco or other harmful chemicals that are found in normal cigarettes. They are not addictive and usually made with herbs such as cornsilk, mint, clover or lemongrass. When breaking the habit of the physical act of smoking is still hard, these can be a great short-term option.

* Lime * Lime has been known to be a natural alternative to nicotine gum for quitting smoking. Squeeze lime into water throughout the day to help lower cravings. Lime also has an anti-infective agent to help the body's immune defense.

* Fava Beans * Because fava beans contains I-dopa, which your body converts to dopamine, these beans have been known to reduce nicotine cravings. Nicotine has addictive properties because it also releases dopamine in the brain by finding alternatives that have the same effects, your nicotine cravings will be reduced. There are many recipes that can be made with fava beans and are easily available at the grocery store.

* Acupuncture * Research has shown that acupuncture not only reduces cravings, but can also reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability and the jitters. Acupuncture works by targeting special acupuncture points on the body that help return the body back to its natural energy flow, resulting in better overall health.

* Massage * Many people who are trying to quit smoking experience anxiety. For smokers who have smoked regularly for years, massage maybe an effective option in reducing anxiety associated with quitting.


Recipe Corner 
Turkey Burger with Spicy Avocado Mustard

By Myra Kornfeld
This recipe is from myfoodmyhealth
for source link, click   here

 
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:
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Refrigerate for an hour or longer.
  5. Make the avocado mustard: Mash the avocado into a small bowl. Stir in lime juice, mustard, and jalapeño and set aside.
COOKING: 
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Served hot, topped with the avocado mustard.

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.
Monthly Acupuncture Column Featured in SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine 

Toni Eatros, AP,
Acupuncture Physician, 
is the  featured acupuncture columnist in the popular SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine.
  
Be sure to check out the November issue, on stands now, entitled Ladies... It is Time to Reclaim Your Goddess Within.... Including Your Sexual Desire

Click the link below 
to view October's Article, entitled 
Acupressure Points

Rubbing acupuncture points with your finger for 
30 - 60 seconds can stimulate and promote the circulation of Qi within your own body, restoring health and well-being.

-------------------------------
Tim Mee  



Yes, a stop smoking acupuncture point.   This point is used to alter the way cigarettes taste.  

 Location:
On the thumb side of the wrist approximately one fingers breadth above the transverse crease of the wrist.  
 
Functions: 
Assists with stopping smoking.  It changes the taste of cigarettes, making them less desirable.
 
 
 
  
Research Update:

Acupuncture & Addiction   
-------------------------------

According to the Huffiington Post, more than 2,000 drug and alcohol treatment programs in the U.S. have used ear acupuncture
as part of their 
treatment plans. 
 
Ear acupuncture, known as auricular acupuncture, has been proven effective in treating and helping curb addiction.   

Lincoln Hospital in New York delivered 100 acupuncture treatments per day over 35 years as a part
of their substance disorder program,  patient's anxiety and agitation were reduced, as well as reaching patients who were reluctant to attend treatment programs.

The American Cancer Society also acknowledges acupuncture as a method for
quitting smoking.

Acupuncture treatment can help reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as cravings, irritability, jitters and anxiety.

A study from the University of Oslo, Norway, found that acupuncture reduced the desire to smoke as well as reduced the craving for the flavor of cigarettes for up to  years after treatment.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment in aiding quitting smoking, contact an acupuncturist today and learn how you can get back on the road to better health.


Sources:
#1: Acupuncture, Hypnosis May Help People Quit Smoking: Study

#2: American Cancer Society

#3: Quit Smoking With Acupuncture

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