Understanding your habit is one of the first steps you can take in your journey to stop smoking. Before you stop, try and become aware of when you smoke and why.
While Zombolas Acupuncture will help you break the physical addiction to nicotine, many smokers find breaking the habit --- the psychological addiction --- is much harder. It helps to remember that sometimes we ascribe too much power to cigarettes. Cigarettes don't have the power to change anything or to make things better. Remind yourself that you are in control. Together with a positive mental attitude, Zombolas Acupuncture will help you to stay stopped --- and enjoy life as a non-smoker!
At Zombolas Acupuncture, we use a proven method of ear acupuncture. The whole body is represented on the ear, as depicted in this picture below.
The prescription we use at Zombolas Acupuncture was passed down from Dr. Shi Neng-Yun to myself. Dr Shi was the head of the acupuncture department at Xiamen Chinese Medicine Hospital. He was also an adjunct professor at Xiamen University. By the time he retired in 1992, Dr. Shi was an honorary member of several Chinese medicine organizations such as the National Council of Acupuncture Research, Fu Jian Province Acupuncture Association, The Hong Kong Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Cultural Association, and the Singapore Acupuncture Association.
The needle protocol consists of 4 needles painlessly inserted in the ear at specific points, which have shown to help with smoking cessation and nicotine withdrawal. Many patients are pleasantly surprised as I insert the needles, and comment how painless the insertion is. Although historically, manual manipulation of the needles was the protocol, I have replaced manual manipulation of the needles with electrical stimulation of the needles for two reasons:
- It is a less painful method of stimulating the acupoints.
- It further enhances the effect of the acupuncture treatment; thus enabling you to reach your goal of being smoke free quicker and easier.
All patients have remarked that the electric stimulation was warm and enjoyable, and many found this to be the best part of the treatment.
The smoking cessation program of Zombolas Acupuncture consists of:
- Three acupuncture treatments in three consecutive days (one per day).
- The program also incorporates the use of herbs in "tea bag" form. This tea tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Yin, clears the lungs, and benefits the movement of urine. It is used to aid detoxification of nicotine, repair the lung, and to reduce the desire to smoke cigarettes. This tea is designed to facilitate excretion of stored nicotine through the urine and stool, so as to reduce the craving for cigarettes. Many patients find this tea to be very refreshing and enjoyable.
Once the treatments have been completed, it is strongly recommended that you follow up with monthly treatments for the next few months until your cravings and urges to smoke have completely disappeared.
We at Zombolas Acupuncture understand that not all patients are the same, and urge you to return for a "booster" treatment as soon as possible in the event that you feel the strong need to smoke. We will do our best to fit you into our schedule on an emergent basis should it be necessary. Due to the success of our smoking cessation program, no patient to date has ever had to take us up on this offer.
Knowing how your body and mind could react to giving up smoking can be vital to your success. Remember that most signs are indications of recovery, so be positive!
The first few days:
The moment you stop smoking you body begins an amazing journey of recovery. Here is what happens during the early days:
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20 minutes |
Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal and circulation improves to your hands and feet. |
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8 hours |
Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal and your chances of heart attack begin to fall. |
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Day 1 |
All carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body and the lungs are beginning to clear out mucus and debris. Remember to breathe deeply through cravings and drink plenty of water and the detoxifying tea. |
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Day 2 |
After two days nicotine is no longer traceable in your body and your sense of smell and taste are improving |
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Day 3 |
This could be your toughest day for physical withdrawal symptoms, remember they will fade with time so push on by keeping busy and drinking lots of water and detoxifying tea. |
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Day 4 |
You may feel restless and empty. Your body may be craving nicotine and this can feel like physical hunger so drink as much water and detoxifying tea as you can and keep snacks on hand. Try going for a walk or to the gym for a workout. |
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Day 5 |
By now your breathing will be easier, you skin and eyes clearer and you should be feeling your energy levels pick up again. |
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1 week |
Sleeping patterns should return to normal. You may have a sore throat or cough more than usual as your lungs reject the tar and debris collected over the years. |
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2 weeks |
Blood vessels throughout your body are beginning to open up again and your circulation is improving even further. Walking and exercise become easier. |
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3-9 months |
Breathing problems, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing improve. Lung efficiency increases by 5-10%. |
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5 years |
Risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker |
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10 years |
Risk of lung cancer falls to around half that of a smoker. Risk of a heart attack fall to about the same as someone who has never smoked. |
Huge Appetite:
You may find you're unusually hungry. Because your body is in a state of repair, it needs more energy than usual. Fresh fruit, dried fruit and fruit juices are all great sources of natural energy and won't pile on the pounds.
There are three main reasons people gain weight when they quit smoking:
- Nicotine is a stimulant, which means it speeds up your metabolism and so helps your body to burn up more calories.
- When the oral gratification of a cigarette is gone, many people turn to food as a substitute for smoking.
- Smoking can cause a reduction in appetite and when you quit smoking, food may also taste better, so you may eat more.
Try not to change your diet at the same time as you're trying to quit smoking because the combination of the two might just tip you right over the edge… Don't go on a fad diet because you'll only suffer in the long run --- your metabolism will slow down and when you eat normally again you'll gain weight even more easily.
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If you get the urge to snack all the time don’t panic! This urge will go away in a few weeks. Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fats (e.g. biscuits, crisps, cakes and chocolate) and try low fat, low calorie snacks instead (e.g. fruits, raw vegetables, low calorie canned drinks and sugar free gum). |
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High fiber foods such as vegetables, beans and fresh fruit will fill you up without piling on the pounds. |
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If you eat carbohydrates like pasta, potatoes, bread, and rice, you will feel fuller and you’ll be less prone to snacking. |
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Use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, including low fat spreads, thinly spread. Cut down on dairy products, use low fat versions of food e.g. low fat salad dressing, and try to eat white meats such as chicken and fish that are low in fat and when you cook try to grill, bake or steam. |
Each program is individually tailored to meet the needs and achieve the goal of stop smoking.
The program includes:
- Three treatments of painless ear acupuncture.
- Pleasant gentile electric stimulation. (This has proven to increase the therapeutic effect of the needling).
- Two boxes of special detoxifying tea. (This tea eliminates nicotine from your body).
- The book "Stop Smoking With Zombolas Acupuncture" full of helpful information about your journey of smoking cessation.
- The knowledge that many before you are now smoke free with this exact same program.
Compare the cost of a 1 pack per day smoker is over $1,270 per year,
A savings of just under $1,000 in your pocket the first year alone, to spend any way you wish.
Not to mention all the health benefits you will also get!
