Acupuncture
Acupuncture focuses on applying pressure to the pressure points that will circulate qi to calm the nervous system. This helps to treat cravings, irritability and restlessness. Physicians treat patients according to their specific smoking habits so treatments are designed specifically to suit individual needs. Registered TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Physician and Acupuncturist Amy Liang (Kiat Siong Clinic and Acupuncture, Blk 465, #01-30 Crawford Lane, 6292-2671) suggests that initially the patient should have three visits on three consecutive days for 30 minutes. After this, treatments should be twice weekly. Liang charges $35 per treatment. Treatments that also incorporate weight management cost $48.
Laser Therapy
A bit like acupuncture without the needles, laser therapy works on a similar philosophy to the older science. A laser is applied to pressure points on the ears, nose, hands and wrists to stimulate the release of endorphins. The idea is these will give the smoker feelings of relaxation, calm and well-being, reducing stress levels and the urge to have a cigarette. Phoenix Laser Therapy Centre (#26-01, Tower B Ngee Ann City, 391B Orchard Rd., 6836-9305) claims their Quit Smoking Program is completed after only three hour-long sessions over three days. But quick-fixes don’t come cheap: The total cost for the sessions is $540. Counseling is also provided.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicorette products provide low levels of clean nicotine (nicotine without the harmful tar and carbon monoxide of cigarette smoke, the primary causes of cancer and cardiovascular disease), to help smokers curb their withdrawal symptoms.
There are three kinds of product. Nicorette Gum is a sugar-free gum that can be consumed whenever cravings are experienced. The gum releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the mouth’s lining.
The Nicorette 16-Hour Patch is designed for use throughout the day, so it’s put on in the morning and taken off before bed. It delivers a controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, and as the smoker is slowly weaned off it, dosage should be decreased. The patch is available in three doses ($34.65 for seven 15mg patches; $31.50 for seven 10mg patches; $28.90 for seven 5mg patches) and it’s recommended that they are used for about 12 weeks.
To address the behavioral aspects of smoking, the Nicorette Inhaler allows smokers to still mimic the hand to mouth inhaling action of smoking, through a mouthpiece with a replaceable cartridge of nicotine. The amount of nicotine released is about eight to 10 times less than a cigarette. It’s recommended that six to 12 cartridges be used per day for a minimum of eight weeks and then the numbers should be reduced. A box of 18 cartridges costs $26.25. None of the Nicorette products should be used for longer than six months.
Hypnosis
The theory behind using hypnosis to quit is that it puts the smoker in a state whereby the conscious mind is bypassed. By changing habits in the subconscious, it is supposed to be easier to change conscious behavior. But success depends largely on the smoker’s willingness to go into a hypnotic state. Hypnotherapist El Solaris RP at Quantum Leap Wellness Centre (5A Mayo St., 9615-3348) suggests social smokers will need two sessions ($330) to stop smoking while other smokers will need four sessions ($660). Single sessions are also available ($200). Alternatively, try Osteopathic Treatment (#06-15/17 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd., 6734-6440).
