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Acupuncture as an Adjunct Therapy for Addiction

Acupuncture for addiction has been very successful in helping curb chemical addiction and the behavioral compulsions that feed a person’s addiction. Whether the nature of addiction is chemical in nature, like in the cases of smoking, food, alcohol dependency or substance abuse, or behavioral like compulsive lying, gambling or sex addiction, acupuncture can help address the systemic imbalances and root problems in the body, providing a useful tool in cessation of the addiction.

How Does Acupuncture for Addiction Work?

There are various components of acupuncture that aid in the quieting of compulsive behaviors. Acupuncture can help detoxify the body of the chemicals causing the triggering of the addictive component, calm thoughtless actions or help curb cravings. Acupuncture for addiction release endorphins into the system — the “feel good” chemicals of the human body. Endorphins promote upbeat attitudes, positive thought processes, feelings of health, sense of general well-being and act as a natural pain killer.

Many acupuncture patients report experiencing a feeling of calmness following the procedure. Patients have used the phrase “acupuncture glow” to describe the sensation they experience after the treatments, which can be the same feeling addicts experience leading to addiction. The benefit is there is no harmful consequences.

Helping to Detoxify

Acupuncture can help ease addictions and addictive by aiding in the detoxification of the body from addictive substances. By helping curb cravings, acupuncture for addiction gives the patient an enhanced ability to abstain from reaching for the source of their addiction.

The endorphins released following the treatment will leave patients feeling energized, relaxed and with a positive frame of mind. Such optimistic attitude and overall well being will assist the patient throughout the day in making health conscious choices and maintaining a positive lifestyle.

Acupuncture Can Help Beat Addiction

There is no magic bullet in addiction cessation. The addict will need a lot of support and help to beat their addiction, and acupuncture can be a part of that help. However, it should not be considered a blanket cure. Whatever the assistance provided, there will always be hard work needed on the part of the patient to achieve their goal. What acupuncture for addiction can give is another weapon in their arsenal as they fight to stay healthy.

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