CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING THE DECISION TO QUIT SMOKING! I have put together some information on acupuncture and my treatment programme to help you implement that decision. MOTIVATION versus DEPENDENCY Acupuncture is an effective tool in giving up nicotine as it can significantly reduce the physical cravings, calm the nervous system and strengthen willpower. However, as in any smoking cessation programme, acupuncture can only help if you are ready to give up smoking and commit to the process. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP? Acupuncture intercepts messages from the brain that demand more nicotine and disrupts the addiction process. It can eliminate most cravings, but not the habit. TREATMENT PROGRAMME This involves using very fine needles in the ear and wrist and lasts for up to 40 minutes. A mild electrical stimulus is sometimes applied to some of the points. Ear seeds are used to create a mini-stimulus to some of the points in the ears between treatments. In the first week, you should aim for treatment every other day, twice in the 2nd week and then monthly for up to 4 months to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the initial series. I also strongly recommend the use of Chinese herbal tablets to help support tyhe lungs during thesi process. DOES IT HURT? Some people would like to try acupuncture but may not because they assume it will be painful. In most cases, only a slight sensation is felt when the needle goes in, lasting for a few moments. THE BENEFITS OF GIVING UP SMOKING Your body will begin to heal itself within 12 hours. The carbon monoxide and nicotine in your system will decline rapidly and your heart and lungs will begin to repair themselves. Within a few days, your senses of smell and taste will improve. You will breathe easier and your cough will begin to disappear. You will be free from the mess, smell, inconvenience, expense and dependence of cigarette smoking. PREPARING TO QUIT It is useful to think ahead when preparing to quit smoking. Some tips are:- identify your reason for quitting set a quit date, usually within 2 weeks identify you barriers to giving up (e.g. your spouse smokes, past failed attempts due to mood swings, weight gain etc.) make SPECIFIC plans AHEAD OF TIME for deaing with temptations. Identify 2 or 3 coping strategies that work for you get your friends' and afmily's co-operation. They can help by not smoking around you, providing a sympathetic ear and encouragement when you need it or by leqaving you alone when you need some peace!