* It can “open up” energy blocks that will relieve pain and stress
* It can reduce cravings
* It can strengthen your energy and vitality

In the past years, Acupuncture has been used, among other uses, to help people stop smoking. The treatment included inserting the needles to specific points (among them, a few points in the outer ear). This treatment was supposed to reduce the cravings to another cigarette and help those people on their way to quit smoking. In the first few years of using this method, it was quit popular and gained a lot of followers that recommended it. That was mainly because the method is not invasive and is very suitable for people who can’t, or won’t take medicine and other “strong stuff”. But, for the last few years, the use of Acupuncture in smoking cessation has reduced significantly. This happens because of the following reasons:
* The percentage of people who actually stooped smoking while using Acupuncture was small. This indicated that Acupuncture is not the best choice for people who want to quit smoking.

* New solutions were introduced to the scene, such as laser treatment, and shots treatment. This article does not discuss these methods, so let’s just say that they proved to be by far more effective than Acupuncture.

To conclude, It is clear that Acupuncture has it’s place as an alternative method, and many people report getting results with it. If you want to give it a shot in your efforts to stop smoking, it is advised that you find a therapist with a proven back record of success with helping people stop smoking. However, I would say that as a means to help smoking cessation, there are much better solutions out there, so Acupuncture is in my opinion not the best choice.

Tobacco and gynecological disorders

Smoking decreases the secretion of estrogen. It may therefore be responsible for menstrual disorders with irregularities and pain. There is also often a change of tone of voice, which becomes hoarse, and an increase of hairs. Menopause occurs 1 to 2 years earlier than average among smokers. Hot flashes are more intense and the risk of osteoporosis is increased. Tobacco also promotes the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix.

Tobacco and skin

Due to a lack of oxygenation of the skin, smokers are more often dull complexion and “clouded”. The cellular exchanges have slowed and the waste is not eliminated. The skin loose his radiance and elasticity. Wrinkles appear prematurely, with 10 to 20 years ahead, especially at the lips. Smoking stimulates the production of free radicals that damage the elastin and collagen.

Tobacco and pill

35% of women aged 20 to 44 years who take contraceptive smoke, increasing from 4 to 10 times the risk of cardiovascular problems. Combining a contraceptive with cigarettes is a major health hazard, especially past 35 years. Indeed, nicotine promotes deposition of fat in the blood vessels and damages arteries. The blood thickens and the risk of thrombosis, stroke and cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is accentuated. These evils are aggravated by contraceptives.

Smoking and Pregnancy

Cigarette smoking decreases by 50% female fertility: thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm progression, lack of estrogen reduces the quality of the uterine wall and restricts blood flow necessary for the implantation of the egg. Smoking increases by 3 the risk of miscarriage, and by 2 ectopic pregnancies and premature births. There is also stunted fetus that is not well oxygenated. Its weight is generally lower than 200 g at birth. In addition, smokers lactating produce 25% less milk than non-smokers.

Tobacco and weight

Smoking reduce the taste and smell. In addition, nicotine stimulates the nervous system that causes a cut-hunger, slows the storage of fat in adipocytes and artificially increases energy expenditure to 200 calories per day compared to non-smoker. The smokers have a weight lower than they would if they do not smoke (around 4 kg). So when you stop smoking, you just go back to your normal weight. No need to worry! However physical activity is still recommended to stabilize the weight. If you start to gain to much weight, try to eat better by cutting in the fat and salt.

It may be a good idea to consult a dietetist to help stabilize your weight while you stop smoking. Consulting a dietetist is a sure way to establish a healthy and balanced diet. Using dangerous product like laxative and purgative are dangerous and not the solution to long lasting weight loss!

Kicking the habit using the old fashioned cold turkey method may work for some, but it’s not for everyone. Suddenly depriving your body of nicotine has many temporary effects on the body. A general foggy feeling, lack of concentration, inability to sleep, wild mood swings and increased appetite are all quite common. Luckily, there are many ways to curb these side effects. Nicotine replacement therapy is a phrase used to describe any kind of over the counter smoking cessation product, such as nicotine gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers. All of these aids come in varying degrees of nicotine and are designed to gradually ween the smoker off of cigarettes. A great number of people have used these products successfully, but many fail or simply find that their addiction has just been transfered to something else. The key here is to really mentally prepare for what your body is about to go through. A positive attitude is key.

There are many alternative and natural therapies aimed at helping people quit smoking. Laser therapy is nothing new, but has recently been gaining popularity. It’s basically the same thing as acupunture, but instead of using needles, trained technicians target pressure points with low level beams of light. Hypnotherapy has also become very popular in the past decade. The therapist will try to get in touch with the patient’s subconcious mind and convince them that quitting is their best option. Many new herbal supplements are available as well, both online and in health food stores, that claim to help cleanse the body of nicotine while limiting withdrawal symptoms. So far most of these alternative therapies have stood the test of time, working for some and failing for others.

You may already know what causes you to want smoke a cigarette. If you know what triggers your habit, you can expect to kick the habit much faster and permanently.

1. Make a promise to yourself that you are going to quit. Also, let everyone know you are quitting. Set yourself up for success by being accountable.

2. Remove all tobacco products, ashtrays, and cigarette lighters from your living spaces at home and at work. Be sure to rearrange furniture in your home if it represents a temptation. Move that comfy chair you always sit in to partake of a cigarette and you will remove a lot of unnecessary temptation to smoke.

3. You should know that certain people, places and situations can tempt you to smoke; even when you don’t really want to. Old habits die hard, so avoid unnecessary tempting situations.

4. It may sound unbelievable, but even when we are on track to quit smoking we can be derailed by our own thoughts. Don’t convince yourself you need a cigarette because of a stressful situation like a bad day at work. Do everything to recognize when you are about to go off the path to kicking the habit.

5. Above all, kicking the smoking habit is best fought at the mental level. Support your own efforts by becoming better informed about how to kick the habit. Try surfing the internet for free information or consider purchasing a self help program that will help you quit with a defined plan of action.

Often times when we are presented with so many options, we can suffer from analysis paralysis. Don’t let that happen to you. No matter which of the tips you decide to pursue, just be sure to get started as soon as possible. Take small steps if necessary and everything will fall into place. I hope you are able to realize your goals in the quickest most effortless manner. Best of luck!