How Does Acupuncture Work for Detox?
Research has proven that acupuncture can activate the central nervous system to release endogenous endorphins that will competitively bond to
receptor with exogenous opiates, thereby reducing opiates toxin. In addition, it can regulate the automatic nerves system to balance organ functions.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can be used safely with any other health conditions, can be effectively done on the outpatient basis, requires no conventional medicine.
Treatment Course
The acupuncturist will set up a special program for the addict according to his condition: the substance to which he is addicted, the seriousness of
addiction, the length of addiction, quitting history, and his general health.
Treatment starts with the insertion of five tiny needles in each ear and some needles on body points; then the patient rests quietly for 30-45
minutes. This is a good time for him to relax, meditate or think about the changes to be made in his life. In detoxification treatment, points in the ear
correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. One of the points is for relaxation. The treatment triggers the
release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which helps to reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase
relaxation.
A typical session lasts about 30 minutes and takes place one, two, or three times a week. After the needles are removed, ear press needles or silver
pellets are often applied to stimulate the points between treatments to reduce craving.
How Many Treatments and How Long Will I Need?
For smoking cessation -
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary, depending on your situation. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment while
more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.
A smoking cessation program will often consist of 4-6 initial treatments scheduled in the first few weeks followed by monthly treatments for four
to six months.
For quiting drugs -
Daily acupuncture treatment is required for the first two weeks, followed by three treatments a week for several weeks, followed by two treatments
per week for several additional weeks. Final treatments should be once a week. If relapse occurs or stressful events occur in the patient's life,
additional treatments are recommended.
How Will I Feel During Treatment?
Some people say they feel very relaxed during treatment, others don’t. Once the needles are inserted, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some
people even fall asleep. These are normal responses to acupuncture. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.
Can Herbs Help Me To Quit Smoking?
Often a patient is prescribed herbs or supplements to control cravings or withdrawal symptoms. There are three areas to address for herbal
support; dryness and tissue repair, irritability and cravings.
1. Lung Yin Tonic: “Mai Men Dong Tang” is often used to moisten the lungs and mouth to prevent cravings and repair tissue damage caused by
smoking.
2. A Chinese herbal formula “Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang” can relieve irritability and anxiety associated with detox. Many people use this
formula to help them through stressful situations to prevent relapses.
3. Lobelia Tea (Ban Bian Lian) or Green Tea can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage
nicotine-cravings.
How To Receive Maximum Benefit From Treatment?
Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magical cure in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But acupuncture is effective in making it easier
to quit and remain smoke-free. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture can empower you to take control and begin a healthy and
smoke-free life. The following tips may help to maximize benefit
Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
The patient may feel reduced craving after the initial several treatments, however, success is not assured. Becoming drug-free is challenging and most
patients that visit our clinic have a history of multiple quitting attempts. Therefore, maintenance is necessary and we recommend monthly
treatment for four to six months at least. Even with a consistent regimen, relapse is often seen as so many things can trigger it. We suggest that you
keep in touch with us and come back if you “slip.”
Research has proven that acupuncture can activate the central nervous system to release endogenous endorphins that will competitively bond to
receptor with exogenous opiates, thereby reducing opiates toxin. In addition, it can regulate the automatic nerves system to balance organ functions.
Acupuncture:
- profoundly relieves withdrawal symptoms including cravings, jitters, irritability, body aches, headache, nausea, sweating, muscle cramping,
etc. - relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- promotes general relaxation, homeostasis, and increased energy
- aides the natural cleansing abilities of the liver, kidneys, and lungs
Acupuncture can be used safely with any other health conditions, can be effectively done on the outpatient basis, requires no conventional medicine.
Treatment Course
The acupuncturist will set up a special program for the addict according to his condition: the substance to which he is addicted, the seriousness of
addiction, the length of addiction, quitting history, and his general health.
Treatment starts with the insertion of five tiny needles in each ear and some needles on body points; then the patient rests quietly for 30-45
minutes. This is a good time for him to relax, meditate or think about the changes to be made in his life. In detoxification treatment, points in the ear
correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. One of the points is for relaxation. The treatment triggers the
release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which helps to reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase
relaxation.
A typical session lasts about 30 minutes and takes place one, two, or three times a week. After the needles are removed, ear press needles or silver
pellets are often applied to stimulate the points between treatments to reduce craving.
How Many Treatments and How Long Will I Need?
For smoking cessation -
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary, depending on your situation. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment while
more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.
A smoking cessation program will often consist of 4-6 initial treatments scheduled in the first few weeks followed by monthly treatments for four
to six months.
For quiting drugs -
Daily acupuncture treatment is required for the first two weeks, followed by three treatments a week for several weeks, followed by two treatments
per week for several additional weeks. Final treatments should be once a week. If relapse occurs or stressful events occur in the patient's life,
additional treatments are recommended.
How Will I Feel During Treatment?
Some people say they feel very relaxed during treatment, others don’t. Once the needles are inserted, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some
people even fall asleep. These are normal responses to acupuncture. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.
Can Herbs Help Me To Quit Smoking?
Often a patient is prescribed herbs or supplements to control cravings or withdrawal symptoms. There are three areas to address for herbal
support; dryness and tissue repair, irritability and cravings.
1. Lung Yin Tonic: “Mai Men Dong Tang” is often used to moisten the lungs and mouth to prevent cravings and repair tissue damage caused by
smoking.
2. A Chinese herbal formula “Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang” can relieve irritability and anxiety associated with detox. Many people use this
formula to help them through stressful situations to prevent relapses.
3. Lobelia Tea (Ban Bian Lian) or Green Tea can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage
nicotine-cravings.
How To Receive Maximum Benefit From Treatment?
Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magical cure in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But acupuncture is effective in making it easier
to quit and remain smoke-free. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture can empower you to take control and begin a healthy and
smoke-free life. The following tips may help to maximize benefit
- Your will power and your cooperation are important for success
- You may need someone to support you
- You need affirmation repeatedly
- Stay away from smokers during the first few weeks
- Drink more water, get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that can neutralize nicotinic acid in blood, promote body alkalinity and decrease
cravings - Avoid junk foods, sugar, chocolate, coffee, and cooked spinach. They can upset blood sugar levels and increase blood acidity which can
aggravate smoking-withdrawal symptoms - Lobelia Tea (Ban Bian Lian) or Green Tea can help to detoxify
- Deep breathing exercises helps to increase body oxygen
- Managing cravings – plan what you will do during a craving. Examples: Chew licorice root sticks or gum; repeat your affirmation; breathe
deeply; exercise; sing a song; dance; call your support person - Treatment time should be used to sit quietly, relax and reflect or meditate
- Do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee in the half hour before and after treatment
Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
The patient may feel reduced craving after the initial several treatments, however, success is not assured. Becoming drug-free is challenging and most
patients that visit our clinic have a history of multiple quitting attempts. Therefore, maintenance is necessary and we recommend monthly
treatment for four to six months at least. Even with a consistent regimen, relapse is often seen as so many things can trigger it. We suggest that you
keep in touch with us and come back if you “slip.”
Evergreen Chinese Medicine
| Smoking Cessation & Detox |
| Special Clinics |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
In 1972, a Hong Kong neurosurgeon, H.L. Wen, M.D., accidentally discovered that acupuncture can alleviate
symptoms of drug withdrawal while using acupuncture-anesthesia for surgical procedures. Since then,
acupuncture has become an accepted tool for treating smoking cessation and drug and alcohol addiction
worldwide.
symptoms of drug withdrawal while using acupuncture-anesthesia for surgical procedures. Since then,
acupuncture has become an accepted tool for treating smoking cessation and drug and alcohol addiction
worldwide.