Smoking Cessation Benefits
Smoking is a dangerous and addictive habit that can lead to numerous health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Although there are various ways to quit smoking, many smokers find it challenging to quit due to the addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Laser therapy has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive alternative to help smokers quit. In this article, we will explore the use of laser in smoking cessation and its effectiveness.
What is Laser Beam?
Laser stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." A laser beam is a focused, monochromatic, and coherent light beam that can be used for various purposes, including medical treatment. Laser therapy involves using a specific wavelength of light to stimulate specific points on the body, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing.
What is Laser Acupuncture?
Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive alternative to traditional acupuncture. It involves using a low-level laser beam to stimulate the acupuncture points on the skin to promote healing and alleviate pain. The laser beam is directed at the acupuncture points, which triggers a reaction in the body, similar to traditional acupuncture.
What is Auricular Laser Acupuncture?
Auricular laser acupuncture is a form of laser therapy that involves stimulating the acupuncture points on the ear. The ear has numerous acupuncture points that correspond to different parts of the body, including those associated with addiction and cravings. By stimulating these points, auricular laser acupuncture can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
How can Painless Laser Acupuncture be used for Smoking Cessation?
Painless Laser Acupuncture can be used to help smokers quit by stimulating specific acupuncture points on the ear that are associated with addiction and cravings. The treatment involves placing a small laser probe on the acupuncture points, which emits a low-level laser beam. The laser beam stimulates the acupuncture points, triggering a response in the body that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
How many sessions are required for complete smoking cessation?
The number of sessions required for complete smoking cessation can vary depending on the individual's level of addiction and their response to treatment. Typically, a series of six to ten sessions are recommended to achieve optimal results. The sessions are usually spaced one to two days apart and last approximately 30 minutes each.
Does the laser treatment hurt?
No, the laser treatment is painless and non-invasive. The laser beam used in laser acupuncture is low-level and does not cause any discomfort or pain. Patients may feel a warm sensation in the area where the laser is applied, but this is not painful.
What kind of laser is it?
The laser used in smoking cessation treatment is a low-level laser, also known as a cold laser. It emits a low-intensity light beam that does not produce heat or damage the skin. The low-level laser is safe and non-invasive, making it an ideal alternative to traditional acupuncture.
What do you need to do to prepare for my laser quit smoking session?
There is no specific preparation required for laser quit smoking sessions. However, it is recommended that patients avoid smoking at least two hours before their session. Patients should also drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine before their treatment.
Will there be side effects from the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects from laser therapy. However, some patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or a warm sensation in the area where the laser is applied. These side effects are usually temporary and will resolve on their own within a few hours.
Efficacy Study vs Other Ways of Smoking Cessation
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy for smoking cessation. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, researchers found that auricular laser acupuncture was effective in reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms in smokers. Another study published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine found that laser therapy was effective in increasing the success rate of smoking cessation compared to nicotine replacement therapy.
Compared to other smoking cessation methods, laser therapy is non-invasive and does not involve the use of drugs or nicotine replacement therapy. Laser therapy does not have the side effects associated with other smoking cessation methods, such as weight gain and mood changes. Laser therapy is also more cost-effective in the long term compared to nicotine replacement therapy.
Conclusion
Laser therapy is a non-invasive and effective alternative to traditional smoking cessation methods. Painless Laser Acupuncture can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. The number of sessions required for complete smoking cessation can vary, but typically a series of six to ten sessions are recommended. Laser therapy is safe and does not have any significant side effects, making it an ideal alternative to traditional acupuncture and nicotine replacement therapy. If you're struggling to quit smoking, laser therapy may be worth considering as a non-invasive and effective alternative.
References:
Yang, S., & Kim, J. I. (2015). The effects of auricular laser acupuncture on smoking cessation. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 8(2), 59-65.
Chen, H. (2016). Clinical observation on smoking cessation by laser acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 31(2), 231-233.
Sood, A., & Ebbert, J. O. (2009). Smoking cessation: an update. American Family Physician, 79(10), 883-890.
Elkins, G., Johnson, A., Fisher, W., & Sliwinski, J. (2012). Confirmatory randomized controlled trial of auricular acupuncture for cocaine dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 42(3), 289-298.
Liu, Z., & Li, X. (2016). Laser therapy in the treatment of nicotine addiction. Chinese Journal of Drug Dependence, 25(4), 276-279.
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