Acupuncture continues to gain the trust and interest of smokers who are determined to quit smoking and this ancient and traditional form of Asian medicine is considered by some to be one of the most effective smoking cessation methods. Smokers who seek out acupuncture treatment are often those who have the strong desire to quit right now rather than postpone what they consider to be the inevitable.

Acupuncture refers to the stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin using different techniques. The process has long been a component of China's healthcare system and is done by penetrating the skin using thin needles of different lengths. Acupuncture focuses on various aspects of nicotine addiction including cravings, restlessness, irritability, and jitters, most of which are symptoms people experience when they quit smoking.

Acupuncture, however, is neither a panacea nor a magic bullet to cure to smoking. It simply helps reduce your cravings for nicotine and lessen the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with smoking cessation. Acupuncture also helps you better relax and aids in detoxifying your body.

Treatment using acupuncture varies from one person to another. A person who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day will have a different treatment regimen than a person who smokes occasionally. The type of treatment will be determined during the initial consultation where the patient is asked about his or her smoking habits.

During an acupuncture session the acupuncturist targets and stimulates major points in your body that directly influence those organs that are commonly affected by smoking, such as lungs, mouth and throat. Treatment also includes parts of the body that affect the brain, which generates cravings for nicotine. While it can be very hard to imagine having needles stuck into your body, acupuncture is guaranteed painless, safe and effective.

Aside from needle insertion, some acupuncturists also advise their patients to take Chinese herbal medicines that will better help them lessen their nicotine cravings and remove toxins in between the sessions.

The acupuncturist, however, is not the only one responsible for stopping your smoking habit. You also have to do your job by remaining motivated and determined to attend all the sessions that you've agreed to attend. For you to achieve the full benefits of this method, attend sessions at least twice a week for three weeks <em>and don't miss a single one of them</em>.

Acupuncture is a viable alternative method that is worth considering if you want to permanently quit smoking. People who have undergone a series of acupuncture sessions have become non-smokers permanently. But while it may not help all smokers fully recover from smoking, it can certainly help reduce nicotine cravings and lessen the number of cigarettes smoked every day.