Laser therapy is a fairly well known method used to help smokers break away from their habit. It first came on the scene in the 80’s and is currently available in many European counties, the United States and Canada. Of course, it’s come a long way since then and today is considered one of the advanced stop smoking methods.
The idea of using laser therapy to stop smoking can be a little misleading at first. The therapy is actually based on ancient Chinese acupuncture practices. The difference is that instead of needles, cold lasers are used. Stimulation of specific areas of the ears, neck and face increases endorphin production, thus improving mood and reducing cigarette cravings. The procedure is painless and most people find it very relaxing.
How does endorphin production help you quit smoking?
Endorphins are also known as the happiness hormones. The same hormones are produced in our bodies when we eat chocolate, drink hot cocoa or have a walk in the sun. Endorphins improve your general mood and in increased concentration they can reduce your cigarette cravings. Not only are your cravings reduced, but so are most of the cessation symptoms associated with an effort to stop smoking, such as nervousness, headaches, and anxiety.
How many stop smoking laser therapy sessions will you need?
The required number of sessions depends on your specific circumstances. Your therapist will consider the level of your smoking addiction and how well you respond to your first session. If you’ve only recently started to smoke one session might be enough. For severe smokers, two or three follow up sessions may be required. Generally, a complete course of treatment will take between one or two weeks.
Is the laser therapy expensive?
The cost depends on the type of the clinic you’ve chosen and the number of sessions you’ll require. However, the price is minor when compared to the cost of your cigarettes over the course of a year. In addition, some health insurance policies cover various stop smoking laser therapy, so it may turn out to be free for you.
Finally, many specialists suggest that the use of laser therapy is most successful when combined with behavior therapy. This is similar to
using hypnosis, where the combination of therapies addresses your physical needs as well as your psychological needs. The good news is that many laser therapy clinics also provide their clients with behavior therapy programs.
