Want to leave smoking habit, read here to know the way

What happens when we smoke ?

When we smoke, we inhale a complex mixture of chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and other harmful substances. These substances are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to different parts of the body, where they can cause a wide range of negative health effects.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke that causes cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Tar is the sticky, brown substance that coats the lungs and airways of smokers. It contains a mixture of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens that can cause cancer.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when tobacco is burned. It reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the blood, which can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and other health problems.

Smoking is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and many other diseases. It can also cause bad breath, stained teeth, and other cosmetic problems.

Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the negative health effects of smoking. It can be difficult to quit, but there are many resources available to help people quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapies, medications, counseling, and support groups.

Why smoking cause addition

Smoking can cause addiction because it contains a highly addictive substance called nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant drug that affects the brain by releasing a chemical called dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward. When someone smokes, nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain within seconds. The release of dopamine gives the smoker a pleasurable feeling, which can create a desire to repeat the experience.

Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the regular release of dopamine and may start to crave more nicotine to maintain that pleasurable feeling. This can lead to addiction, which is characterized by a compulsive need to smoke despite the negative health consequences.

Smoking addiction can be difficult to overcome, but there are many treatments available to help smokers quit. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine patches or gum, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Counseling and support groups can also be effective in helping people quit smoking by providing emotional support and coping strategies.

It’s important to note that smoking addiction is a serious health condition that can have severe consequences. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the negative health effects of smoking, and seeking help and support is an important step in the quitting process.

 Strategies to quit smoking

Set a quit date: Choose a specific date on which you will stop smoking altogether. It can be helpful to choose a date that is meaningful to you, such as a birthday or anniversary.

Create a quit plan: Write down your reasons for quitting, identify your triggers, and make a list of coping strategies for when you feel the urge to smoke.

Seek support: Tell friends and family about your decision to quit, and ask for their support. You may also want to join a support group or talk to a counselor.

Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): NRT can help reduce withdrawal symptoms by delivering nicotine in a safer way than smoking. Options include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays.

Consider non-nicotine medications: Certain medications, such as bupropion and varenicline, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Try alternative therapies: Acupuncture, hypnosis, and mindfulness meditation are alternative therapies that may help some people quit smoking.

Avoid triggers: Identify your smoking triggers and avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you always smoke after meals, try going for a walk instead.

Keep busy: Find activities to keep yourself busy and distracted from the urge to smoke. Exercise, reading, and hobbies are all good options.

Change your routine: Try to break up your routine so that you are not doing the same things that you associate with smoking.

Practice stress management techniques: Stress is a common trigger for smoking. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins from your body and reduce cravings.

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can make it harder to quit smoking. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Use positive self-talk: Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and of the progress you have made.

Reward yourself: Set up a system of rewards for milestones in your quit journey, such as a week, a month, or a year smoke-free.

Clean your environment: Get rid of anything that reminds you of smoking, such as ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes.

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth often to get rid of the taste and smell of smoke.

Find a healthy replacement: Find a healthy replacement for smoking, such as chewing gum, snacking on fruits and vegetables, or taking a quick walk.

Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can weaken your resolve to quit smoking. Try to avoid it altogether, or limit your consumption.

Visualize success: Imagine yourself as a non-smoker, and visualize how much healthier and happier you will be.

Be patient: Quitting smoking is a process, and it may take several attempts before you are successful. Be patient with yourself and keep trying.

Stay motivated: Keep reminding yourself of your reasons for quitting, and stay focused on your goals.

Track your progress: Keep track of how many cigarettes you have not smoked, and how much money you have saved.

Avoid secondhand smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke can make it harder to quit. Avoid places where smoking is allowed, and ask others not to smoke around you.

Stay accountable: Tell others about your quit journey, and ask them to hold you accountable for staying smoke-free.

Celebrate your success: When you have successfully quit smoking, celebrate your achievement and be proud of yourself.

Alternative treatment for smoking addiction

There are various alternative treatments for smoking addiction that may be helpful, including:

Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help alleviate nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help individuals change their behavior. It can be effective in helping individuals quit smoking by addressing the underlying emotional and psychological reasons for their addiction.

Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, which can help individuals quit smoking.

Exercise: Exercise can help reduce nicotine cravings and improve overall physical and mental health.

Herbal remedies: Some herbs, such as lobelia and St. John’s wort, have been used as alternative treatments for smoking addiction. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies as they may interact with other medications.

Allopathic management of smoking addiction 

Allopathic (conventional) medicine offers several treatment options for managing smoking addiction. Here are some of the common approaches:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT involves using nicotine in the form of patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays to help manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. NRT products are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Prescription medications: Medications such as bupropion and varenicline can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications work by blocking the effects of nicotine in the brain.

Counseling and support groups: Individual or group counseling can help smokers develop coping strategies and identify triggers that lead to smoking. Support groups can provide encouragement and accountability to help smokers stay smoke-free.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps smokers identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to smoking.

Motivational interviewing: This is a technique that helps smokers explore their own reasons for quitting and develop a plan for achieving their goals.

Combination therapy: A combination of NRT and prescription medication or counseling and support groups can be more effective than using a single treatment approach.

It’s important to note that quitting smoking can be difficult and often requires multiple attempts. However, with the right treatment and support, many smokers are able to quit successfully.

Homeopathy medicines for smoking addiction

Homeopathic remedies that are sometimes used for smoking addiction:

Caladium: This remedy is used when smoking is linked to sexual problems, such as impotence or decreased libido.

Avena Sativa: This remedy is used when there is a craving for tobacco, and it helps to reduce the intensity of the cravings.

Ignatia: This remedy is used when smoking is related to emotional stress or anxiety, and the smoker may use smoking as a way to cope.

Lobelia Inflata: This remedy is used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking, such as irritability, restlessness, and anxiety.

Nux Vomica: This remedy is used for smokers who are irritable, impatient, and easily angered.

Staphysagria: This remedy is used for those who smoke as a result of suppressed emotions, such as anger or frustration.

Natrum Muriaticum: This remedy is used for smokers who crave salty foods and may be emotionally closed off or reserved.

Tabacum: This remedy is made from tobacco, and it is sometimes used to help reduce the craving for tobacco.

Arsenicum Album: This remedy is used for smokers who experience anxiety and restlessness as a result of withdrawal symptoms.

Pulsatilla: This remedy is used for smokers who are emotional and easily influenced by others, and who may be prone to feelings of guilt or remorse related to smoking.

It is important to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper diagnosis and treatment. Homeopathic remedies are individualized to the person, and a remedy that works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, homeopathic remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Ayurvedic management of smoking addiction

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. It offers a holistic approach to health and well-being and has a unique perspective on the causes and management of disease. Ayurveda views smoking addiction as a problem related to the imbalance of the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. Here are some Ayurvedic management strategies for smoking addiction:

Panchakarma therapy: This is a detoxification process that involves five different procedures to eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma therapy can help remove the accumulated toxins from smoking and restore the balance of the doshas.

Ayurvedic herbs: There are several Ayurvedic herbs that can be used to manage smoking addiction. Some of the popular herbs are Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi. These herbs can help reduce the cravings for smoking and also alleviate stress and anxiety.

Diet modification: According to Ayurveda, smoking addiction is aggravated by the consumption of spicy, sour, and salty foods. Therefore, a person trying to quit smoking should consume more of sweet, bitter, and astringent foods. This can help reduce the cravings for smoking.

Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation can be effective in managing smoking addiction as they help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. Practicing yoga and meditation regularly can also improve the overall well-being of a person.

Lifestyle modification: It is important to make certain lifestyle changes to overcome smoking addiction. This includes avoiding places and situations that trigger the urge to smoke, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a regular exercise routine.

It is important to note that Ayurvedic management of smoking addiction should always be done under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. It is also important to complement Ayurvedic therapies with conventional medical care if necessary.

Acu points for smoking addiction

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including addiction to smoking.

Acupuncture points used for smoking addiction are typically located on the ears, hands, and feet. Here are some of the most commonly used acupoints for smoking addiction:

Ear Shen Men: Also known as the “Spirit Gate” or “Heavenly Gate” point, this acupoint is located on the upper third of the ear. It is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be major triggers for smoking.

Ear Sympathetic: This point is located in the lower third of the ear, near the earlobe. It is believed to help with addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Hand Yang Ming: This point is located on the back of the hand, in the depression between the thumb and index finger. It is believed to help reduce cravings and promote relaxation.

Hand Shao Yang: This point is located on the hand, between the ring finger and little finger. It is believed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Foot Tai Chong: This point is located on the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe. It is believed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Foot Tai Xi: This point is located on the foot, between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. It is believed to help with addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

During an acupuncture session for smoking addiction, the acupuncturist will insert thin, sterile needles into these and other acupoints to help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and promote relaxation. The needles are typically left in place for 20-30 minutes, and the treatment may be repeated several times per week for several weeks, depending on the individual’s needs.

Yoga for smoking addiction

Yoga can be a helpful tool in addressing smoking addiction. Here are some yoga practices that may be helpful:

Pranayama: Pranayama is a breathing exercise that can help calm the mind and reduce stress, which can be helpful in reducing cravings for cigarettes. Some pranayama techniques that may be helpful include Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalbhati (skull shining breath).

Yoga asanas: Certain yoga asanas can help strengthen the respiratory system and reduce stress. Some poses that may be helpful include the Triangle pose, Cobra pose, and Seated Forward Bend.

Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and increase mindfulness, which can be helpful in addressing addiction. You can try sitting in a comfortable position and focusing on your breath for a few minutes each day.

Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra is a type of guided meditation that can help reduce stress and increase relaxation. This practice can be especially helpful for those who are dealing with addiction.

It’s important to note that yoga should be used as a complementary therapy and should not replace any medical or psychological treatment. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or meditation practice, especially if you have any medical conditions.