6 Key Smoke Out Tips
Have you been wanting to quit or know someone who is ready to kick the habit? Today is the perfect day to get started, as it is the 37th Annual Great American Smoke Out Day! Put on by the American Cancer Society, the goal of today is to make a realistic plan to quit. So, what are some tools you can implement into your life today or share with a friend? Pacific College Faculty Member KC Conover, LAc shares 6 tips for beginning your smoke out journey.
- Support Program - This tip is the most crucial, Conover says, so if you’re going to pick one, start here. Quitting smoking isn’t just about quitting the literal smoking a cigarette part, it’s about quitting the entire ritual surrounding the smoking. This can include everything from having the cigarette in your hands, the smell, the social activities that go along with the smoking, etc. A support program can help with all these extra struggles that come up during the cessation process and they’re free! See the American Cancer Society for details.
- Acupuncture - Can acupuncture really help someone quit? Yes! Acupuncture can treat the physiological cravings experienced by a person who is giving up any addiction. Another Pacific College Faculty Member Donna Keefe, LAc relays that Western doctors admit that their addiction patients who get acupuncture show up to their sessions more often and have a quicker healing process than patients who don’t get acupuncture!
- Herbs - Acupuncturists often prescribe herbs to their patients to help with the side effects of the quitting process in between acupuncture sessions. There is no “one size fits all” herbal prescription however, acupuncturists tailor herbal combinations to fit the individual patient and treat their specific condition. See your acupuncturist to find out what’s right for you.
- Patches, Gum, Etc. - These remedies are tride and true and can be used alongside any of the other tips. Many patches and gums contain nicotine to help with the cravings, but there are natural herbal alternatives too that do not contain nicotine and can be just as effective.
- Massage Therapy - Massage can be a powerful tool in aiding the body in detoxification and withdrawal. Massage is also relaxing and feels good so naturally it can help with a person’s irritability factor.
- Eating Habits - You may think, what does my eating have to do with giving up smoking? But what you put into your body has alot to do with your body’s ability to detox. Try eating better foods and giving up alcohol; the good news is, this journey may lead to you giving up more than just one bad habit.
Take note: “Gradual is key,” Conover says, “being too drastic with anything can doom the plan for failure.” So, pick one or two tips to try and let us know if you have any other tips that have worked for you!
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