Acupuncture and Addiction
Addiction affects millions
of Americans each year. Whether it's substance abuse from alcohol, nicotine or
other drugs, addiction is a disease that takes treatment and commitment to
overcome. Many times, rehabilitation doesn’t work the first time, but takes
many tries to really kick a habit for good. Acupuncture has been proven to be
an effective alternative option that can help treat addiction.
A study done by researchers
at Yale University found that around 55 percent of cocaine addicts seeking
rehab who were treated with auricular acupuncture were tested clean during
their last week of treatment compared to only 23.5 percent that did not.
Auricular acupuncture involves the placement of five needles in the outer part
of each ear, left in place for about 30 minutes. These points on the body
specifically are focused on to treat addiction. These points result in a
release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. When this happens,
cravings can decrease.
According to the Huffington
Post, more than 2,000 drug and alcohol treatment programs in the U.S. have used
ear acupuncture as part of their treatment plans. Ear acupuncture, known as
micro-acupuncture, has been proven effective in treating and helping curb
addiction. Lincoln Hospital in New York delivered 100 acupuncture treatments a
day for over 35 years as a part of their substance disorder program, finding
patient’s anxiety and agitation were reduced, as well as reaching patients who
were reluctant to attend treatment programs.
The American Cancer Society
also acknowledges acupuncture as a method for quitting smoking. Acupuncture
treatment can help reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as cravings,
irritability, jitters and anxiety. A study from the University of Oslo, Norway,
found that acupuncture reduced the desire to smoke as well as reduced the
craving for the flavor of cigarettes for up to five years after treatment.
Acupuncture works by
addressing the body as a whole and getting to the root of the problem. Each
acupuncture point is based on the meridian system, the body’s natural energy
system in which Qi flows through. When there is a blockage in this system, the
body cannot function properly. Acupuncture points work to release these
blockages and return the body back to balance and health.
Bishara Wilson
NewYork Sports Acupuncture
Sources:
http://bit.ly/1RJF8EX
http://bit.ly/1MirnLB
http://bit.ly/1MirnLB
http://bit.ly/1SNamju
http://huff.to/1PrpK2t
http://bit.ly/1G3y5Yr
http://bit.ly/1L7YWRM
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