Acupuncture Center Chicago Square Logo

Call (312) 863-0731 For An Appointment

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

Acupuncture Center Chicago Square Logo

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

Acupuncture for Smoking

Acupuncture, herbs and hypnotherapy can provide natural remedies to cravings.

Acupuncture is a natural way to help curb nicotine craving for those who are trying to quit smoking. Acupuncture may not be as popular as nicotine patches or gum, but can offer relief. It is especially effective in the acute phase of withdrawal when patients wrestle with fatigue, irritability and severe cravings. Some people attempt acupuncture because they are unable to use drugs used for tobacco dependence. Unlike many prescription medications, acupuncture does not have side effects. Conversely, it is common to notice benefits such as improvements in sleep or mood.

Using acupuncture to the ears

Acupuncturists often target certain areas of the body for specific conditions. When it comes to treating the dependence on nicotine and smoking, pressure points in the ears are particularly effective in suppressing cravings. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association supports an entire protocol for this set of ear suppression points for those who suffer from addiction.

When patients are between acupuncture treatments, they can use ‘ear seeds,’ which are a form of acupressure. This process involves placing tiny balls on the ear in targeted areas. This technique allows patients to self-treat by applying pressure to specific points on the ear which can help temper the urge to smoke.

The cranial nerves, which are accessed through the ears, stimulate the nervous system to minimize the urge for cigarettes. In this treatment, the goal is not only to suppress cravings, but also to incorporate a relaxation response.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can encourage the brain to release endorphins, the “feel-good hormones”. This manipulates the body using needles and targeted pressure points to aid people as they work through their withdrawal symptoms.

Studies

Many patients can use acupuncture to successfully overcome tobacco addiction. Patients report fewer cravings, less irritability, improved mood and improved sleep.

Unfortunately, literature has shown varied results. Some research finds that acupuncture’s use for all types of substance abuse is helpful when accompanied by conventional treatments to reduce cravings. But other studies have not found conclusive evidence of a significant improvement.

Can I benefit?

The goal of acupuncture is to help curb the nicotine cravings. Generally, patients should be tobacco-free for at least 24 hours before their first acupuncture consultation.

In the beginning of treatment, it is recommended for a patient to have two or three acupuncture sessions per week. The visits can go down to once a week as withdrawal symptoms improve. Eventually, these visits are eliminated altogether when the patient is tobacco-free.

Best when used with other methods

Acupuncture is most effective as part of a larger approach which includes other areas of integrative medicine.

These methods may include the following:

  • Hypnotherapy, also known as training the subconscious mind to avoid tobacco, Acupuncture works most effectively to address the physical withdrawal symptoms.
  • Chinese herbs, which are customized for each patient by an herbalist, and are used to minimize urges and to aid with the withdrawal symptoms. As a best practice, clinicians will monitor a patients’ liver and kidney functions closely to ensure the herbs are properly metabolized and avoid unintended consequences.

Services We Offer : Conveniently Located in the Chicago Loop

Sunae Son, L.Ac, M.S.O.M. has spent much of her life exploring and researching western and eastern medicines, combining these practices over a decade of field and laboratory studies into mindful patient care in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chinese Bodywork

Bodywork helps to reconnect the body with the mind, which in turn improves chi and overall wellness.

Acupuncture

This ancient treatment has helped people for literally thousands of years to relieve a variety of different conditions.

Moxibustion & Infra-Red Therapy

The therapy involves the stimulation of acupuncture points in the body to increase the flow of chi.

Herbal Medicine & Dietary Counseling

Through gathering of different plants, our ancestors were able to decipher what these plants could be used to treat.