Auricular Acupuncture Can Ease Your Addictions

Acupuncture and herbs have been used for generations to help people to step away from addictions like smoking, drinking, drugs and all manner of behaviors.

Specifically, you may have heard of auricular acupuncture being used to stop smoking.  This  procedure differs from conventional acupuncture in several ways.

Most conventional acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into channels of Qi (energy) in order to regulate the flow along these pathways. Auricular acupuncture is a little different. This technique employs ultra-fine needles on tiny points on the outer ear and ear lobe.  This technique is painless, bloodless, and said to be pleasantly sedating.

5 Things to Expect 

1. Expect auricular acupuncture to be a bit different for each person

There is no universal agreement about which points are used, the number of treatments required, insertion depth, or other technical details. But there are certain things that all treatments must accomplish.

Treatment must calm the spirit, but must also treat the organs that are being taxed. In the case of a smoking habit, that would be to strengthen the lungs.  Alcohol addiction, on the other hand, requires supporting the liver.  

2. Expect a series of treatments.

As a rule, the longer you've been hooked, the longer it will take to finally step away from your habit. I find that for most people smoking 10 years or longer, 5 treatments spaced over about 3 weeks seems to be effective.  A lifetime habit may take a few months to succeed.

3. Expect to stop at least day before you come in for your first treatment.

This allows the practitioner to see your withdrawal symptoms.  When withdrawing from a substance or behavior, people react differently.  Some become nervous, some can't sleep, some have changes in appetite, emotional turbulence, etc, These reactions must be dealt with to insure a successful result.

4. Expect a seed in your ear

Your acupuncturist is likely to tape a small seed or 'tack' to one or two points in your ear. During the times when you are not getting treatment, you can press on these points to stimulate their effects.

5. Expect to take herbal medicine also.

Herbal medicines played a big role in eliminating the scourge of opium addiction that plagued China in the early 20th century.  Today, Chinese herbs are potent allies of auricular acupuncture, amplifying its effects, and helping to restore balance and normalcy. 

Here are a few formulas that are commonly used:

• Wen Dan Tang to calm irritability, anxiety, and cravings
  
• Suan Zao Ren Tang helps insomnia and irritability
  
• Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan clear Lung heat and detox from smoke
  
• Gan Mai Da Zao Tang reduces cravings (supportive, not magic)
• Westlake Stop Smoking Tea