Alternative Methods to Stop Smoking
by Beverly Marshall
 A new year is around the corner; and this calls for an examination of what worked the prior year and what didn’t. Many people want to improve the lifestyle they are living and one of the first things on the list is to stop smoking. You could resort to taking Zyban or other prescription drugs to quit. These drugs are antidepressants, emitting chemicals into the brain, but it has become very popular to search for alternative methods to stop smoking naturally. Alternative therapies to quit smoking could include things such as acupuncture, using herbs, astrological theory, diet control, stress reduction, Ayurveda and more. Is all of this a little strange? Let’s take a closer look at each.
Diet can influence the way the brain functions because broken down proteins are amino acids. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is used to make dopamine which is a chemical in the brain that controls behavior. It is said that a well balanced diet with less of refined sugar or sweets is best for someone trying to quit smoking. Check with a physician to make sure you are not anemic or low on iron. A lack of iron in the body can shift the production of dopamine.
If a person is under tremendous stress all the time; this can deplete dopamine from the brain. Some things that a person can do to reduce stress are to increase humor and decide to laugh more. Find the humor around you. Exercise more. Endorphins released will make you feel better and want to smoke less. Find spirituality through a church of choice, read books or just pray. Listen to music as this has been found to increase dopamine in the brain. Spend quality time with friends and family that are supportive of your decision to quit smoking. Start a hobby that involves your hands such as; woodworking, knitting, sewing, painting or whatever is of interest to you. Hands that are active aren’t reaching for cigarettes. Think about getting a pet. If you have a little warm body loving you unconditionally, that goes a long way to stopping the urges to smoke.
Vitamin and supplements are known to improve dopamine in the brain. Always check with a physician before taking supplements. Some of them would include: magnesium can assist with cravings, Vitamin B Complex helps to reduce stress and replenish dopamine.
Ayurveda is an ancient medical practice from India and is over 5000 years old. An herb such as Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is the root of an evergreen shrub that promotes strength. It can reduce stress, promotes dopamine, boosts the immune system and helps with overall health.
The Chinese practice of acupuncture is quite popular to treat smoking naturally. Hairline needles are inserted into various meridians or energy points of the body. They remain for about twenty minutes. Acupressure can be used by the practitioner putting tiny balls in the ear and when a craving for cigarettes happens, the person just needs to press on the ball that is on the energy point.
Astrology is the study of the zodiac or positions of the planets in any given month. Each of us has a sun-sign and there are some generalizations of personality that correspond to each sign. These are general quick stop smoking tips for each sign:
* Aries – Most likely to quit cold turkey. When the initial ideas hits you to quit; throw away your lighter and cigarettes and just go for it. You have the will power to quit.
* Taurus – Taste oriented people so concentrate on the bad taste of cigarettes; especially in the morning. Reward yourself for being stubborn enough to want to quit. Chewing gum may help you.
* Gemini – This sign rules arms, hands and lungs. Need I say more? Keep yourself constantly busy with things other than smoking. Carry things, wear more jewelry on your hands, have manicures, just keep your hands busy.
* Cancer – Does smoking make you feel more secure at home or did your parents smoke? Work on your emotions on “why” you smoke. Fight the urge to smoke after a meal. Promote the notion of a long healthy life.
* Leo – Does smoking make you feel part of the crowd, or do you look good doing it? Smoking is publicly admonished so it isn’t a way of fitting in anymore. It stains your teeth and you smell bad. Now what’s looking good about that?
* Virgo – Very health conscious so heavy smokers are somewhat unusual. If trying to quit; realize the reality and practicality of smoking vs. not smoking. You should be able to quit smoking easily as you are very adaptable and flexible.
* Libra – Your life is all about balance, so make a list about pros and cons of smoking or not. When the cons outweigh the pros, it won’t be hard for you to see how to stop.
* Scorpio – Your desires are key to quitting smoking. If you totally make up your mind to stop; it is a no brainer that it will happen.
* Sagittarius – You feel like you are lucky person; but smoking may make you feel like your luck has run out. Concentrate on the dangers and the unhealthy signs from smoking. Be mindful of details and how many cigarettes you smoke and concentrate on your sense of humor.
* Capricorn – Do you think smoking makes you more professional? You are very success oriented; so your practical reasoning sees that this is a dead end. Setting examples is important; so concentrate on what message you are sending others if you continue to smoke.
* Aquarius – Use your intelligence to stop smoking and help your friends stop too. Become the reform leader. Break the smoking routine and try quitting cold turkey.
* Pisces – See reality and not fantasy. Smoking is dangerous to your health so face the music. Find a motivational force and decide to quit. Try increasing your artistic talents and keep your hands busy too.
The saying goes; “If you have your health, you have everything”. I believe that is true and want to do everything I can to stay healthy and prevent illness. If stopping smoking is on the top of the to do list this year; try some alternative methods and see if they work for you.
Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer, certified Aromatherapist and Feng Shui consultant. Her many articles offer guidance, suggestions and common sense ideas to change your life. If you are interested in products and information regarding complementary alternative medicine, natural health remedies, health care issues and more; her many articles can be found online.
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