Modern society advocates for civilized living, and we often see "no smoking" signs in public places. However, quitting smoking is undoubtedly a difficult task for smokers. Many people have tried various methods without success. Now let's explore the traditional Chinese medicine-recommended acupuncture and massage method for quitting smoking.
Origin of Acupuncture and Massage Method for Quitting Smoking
Acupuncture originated in China, but the acupuncture and massage method for quitting smoking originated in the United States. It is said that the "quit smoking" acupoint was discovered by an American acupuncturist. The acupoint is located at the midpoint between the Yangxi acupoint and the Lieque acupoint on the hand, and there is a depression when pressed. Smokers experience obvious pain when pressing this acupoint. Pressing this acupoint regularly, especially when cravings occur, can effectively suppress the urge to smoke. Acupuncturists or smokers themselves can use a fine needle to stimulate this acupoint and achieve significant results. The acupoints on one side can be needled, or both sides can be needled simultaneously, leaving the needles in for 15 minutes. This treatment is performed once a day, and a typical course of treatment consists of 4 sessions.
Principles of Acupuncture and Massage Method for Quitting Smoking
The acupuncture and massage method for quitting smoking mainly relies on traditional Chinese medicine massage and acupuncture. It works by regulating the nervous system to eliminate cravings and improve organ functions. Smokers implant short needles into specific acupoints on their skin and massage these acupoints when cravings occur. The stimulation from the short needles can promptly suppress cravings. Additionally, smokers should regularly receive acupuncture and massage on specific acupoints in a hospital to regulate and improve organ functions, thus eliminating the desire to smoke. However, the ultimate success of quitting smoking still depends on the smoker's personal willpower.
Methods of Acupuncture and Massage for Quitting Smoking
Ear acupuncture therapy for quitting smoking: This method involves needling acupoints such as the mouth, Shenmen, and lungs in the ear with a 5-fen fine needle. The needles are lightly stimulated, left in for 15 minutes each time, and the treatment is performed three times a week for a total of ten sessions. Alternatively, acupressure seeds can be embedded in the ear or Chinese medicine pellets can be placed in the ear and fixed with adhesive tape. The pellets are alternately used on both sides and are left in for 4-6 days each time. If the patient self-massages the acupoints three times a day or massages them when cravings occur, the effect will be better.
1. Long-term smoking damages the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems of the body. To quit smoking, one can press the quit smoking acupoint, located between the Lieque and Yangxi acupoints. Initially, smokers may find it difficult to resist the urge to smoke, but pressing the acupoint in the morning and evening or whenever possible will reduce the desire to smoke.
2. If restlessness, mood swings, fatigue, and abnormal appetite occur during the quitting process, it may be "quitting smoking syndrome." It is best to acupuncture and massage the Zusanli, Shenmen, Neiguan, Hegu, and other acupoints to quickly alleviate these symptoms. Regular acupressure on these acupoints is also recommended.
3. If smoking has caused lung qi deficiency, press the Feishu and Chize acupoints to tonify the qi. For smokers with excessive phlegm, press the Shanzhong acupoint to invigorate the spleen and transform phlegm. For chest tightness and palpitations, press the Xinshu and Juque acupoints.
Precautions for Acupuncture and Massage for Quitting Smoking
1. There are many methods for quitting smoking, such as electroacupuncture, acupoint plaster therapy, herbal tea therapy, brisk walking, and singing loudly.
2. Acupressure corresponds to various organs in the body, and long-term adherence is necessary for effectiveness.
3. During the acupuncture and massage treatment for quitting smoking, smokers should consume foods rich in vitamin E, such as whole wheat bread, nuts, green vegetables, legumes, and cereals. They should also drink plenty of water and consider taking daily supplements of complex vitamin B and N-acetyl cysteine to assist in the treatment.
