An Introduction to Laser Smoking Cessation Programs
You are trying to quit smoking and one of the methods that you have heard of is Laser Smoking Cessation. You are curious to know more about this procedure because it sounds unlike any other nicotine addiction treatment out there.
How does it work?
Laser smoking cessation programs work on the premise that cool laser beams can be targeted at certain energy points in the body to reduce a person’s craving for nicotine. The energy points are in the face, hands, wrists and ears and are found to have a correspondence to nicotine addiction. So, a laser technician trained in this treatment is likely to spend a half an hour targeting various points in the body known to calm a person. It is said that the patient starts feeling the benefits of the calming and stress reduction right after the first laser session even if the nicotine craving takes a few more sittings to control. It is said that the laser stimulation produces endorphins which are effective in countering the impulse to smoke.
As addiction patterns are different among different people, it is hard to predict how long it will take for each person to get over their smoking addiction. But it is widely believed that it takes a minimum of 3 sittings with a laser technician for the treatment to start to take effect. The cost per session varies quite a bit but it may be helpful to note that it can be in the range of $100.00 per 30 minutes.
Why use laser smoking cessation treatments?
Unlike other forms of smoking treatment, there are no chemicals introduced into the body in this treatment.
It is a relative natural way to deal with the craving for nicotine.
It is minimally invasive in that there is no cuts or punctures on the skin and there are no scars or trauma.
Laser smoking cessation has a fairly high success rate although there is much skepticism about the process. Further studies on the matter will be needed for conclusive proof.
Laser smoking cessation addresses the stimuli such as stress and craving and thereby helps the body handle the impulses that prompt smoking.
Laser smoking cessation is found to be effective in the case of long-term smokers and people who only smoked for a short time.
Cost is the only truly worrisome part of the treatment for many people but if one thinks of it in terms of spending money of several treatments that do not work and choosing to spend money on one treatment that surely works, it becomes easy to opt for laser smoking cessation.
Those willing to try nicotine patches and acupuncture, sometimes worry about the fact that there are no results and laser smoking cessation is a viable alternative approach to the problem.
Things to keep in mind
Laser smoking cessation programs are a cure for a problem and it is important to see them as such. Do not substitute one kind of addiction with another form of dependence.
Choose a laser technician and facility that is reputable and preferably some experience in dealing with this problem.
Budget your treatment and give yourself three or four sessions to see the impact. However, be willing to reassess your path if you feel that this treatment is not effective for you.
This form of treatment can well be a boon for die-hard smokers struggling with nicotine craving.
People who are quitting smoking and dealing with other health problems should talk to their doctors about the advisability of the laser treatment for their particular health condition.