Quit Smoking the Natural Way

When giving up smoking, there are many avenues one can take using Natural Therapies. The ambition for easier breath, for a bounteous sense of smell and the desire to feel healthier are a must to begin the journey to freedom.

In Australia, over 23,000 people a year die from a smoking-related illness. A pack a day (25 cigarettes) habit costs $70 a week on an average, and adds up to more than $3,500 per year. Out of 10 smokers, 7 want to quit. Tobacco abuse costs Australians 21 billion dollars a year in health care, business and social costs. These are scary statistics, but if you are thinking of quitting, there is help available to you. We've compiled some of the better known methods for quitting smoking for you to take a look at.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a natural process that we enter at various times of the day ourselves, and especially at night when we are falling asleep. There is a point in consciousness known as the hypnoidal point (an alternate state of awareness). Here, we are half awake and half asleep, relaxed and comfortable, safe and secure, aware and peaceful. A Hypnotist will work with the client, to facilitate change using positive commands and affirmations, boosting your motivation to quit smoking by allowing you to think like a non-smoker. The hypnotic state sees you open to suggestion in order to attain the results that you want.

It is as simple as being transported to the state of hypnosis where you will be subjected to some affirmations that determine that you no longer want to smoke before being gently awakened.

Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture and auricular acupuncture can both be used when quitting smoking. In traditional acupuncture, acupuncture needles or a low level laser is used on the auricular points of the ears, and also on the nose, hands, wrist and forearm. Three different areas are worked on: treating points for the addiction to nicotine to help block the body's need for the drug; treating diet points to control appetite and avoid weight gain; and treating stress and relaxation points to help avoid withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability.

Auricular acupuncture uses needles or a low level laser that is placed on the outer surface of the ear. A selection of points is used and it is often combined with body acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture works by causing the body to release endorphins. When a person is addicted to nicotine, they have higher endorphin levels, and when they give up, these levels of endorphins drop. Auricular acupuncture maintains the levels of endorphins and stabilizes their release. This form of acupuncture also creates a sense of calmness and relaxation, allowing withdrawal symptoms such as stress, anxiety, restlessness and physical cravings to be treated.

Counseling

Counseling is an option for quitting smoking. It is available as a one-on-one program or as group therapy and which you choose will depend on your personal preferences. Telephone help lines such as Quitline are also available. Counseling is ideal if you do not like the idea of using medication to quit. These counseling sessions need to be regular for there to be a benefit. The more sessions of any form of counseling, the greater the chance of success. Visiting a doctor for advice on quitting smoking or following a Quit pack is also helpful, especially if you are highly motivated to quit.

Going Cold Turkey

Going "cold turkey" simply means quitting cigarettes completely without cutting down. This is a successful method for around half of smokers that quit. Alternatively, you could cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke - reducing to five per day and gradually going down to zero. To help ensure that this approach works, it is advisable to set a quit date where you cut out cigarettes altogether and stick to it. When you decide to quit smoking making a plan will help you achieve your goal. Set an achievable timeline and keep in mind the benefits of quitting; breathing easier, feeling healthier overall, reducing the amount of phlegm in your chest and expanding your sense of smell. You can do it!