REAL STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO QUIT SMOKING

1. From TCM’s point of view, what health problems are related to smoking?

Smoking harms the Lungs the most.  TCM views the Lungs mainly responsible for the respiratory system, but apart from that, the Lungs are also in charge of fluids distribution in our body, and is related to our skin and sweating process.  Our lungs are most delicate amongst the Five Organs, the heat from smoking burns our Lungs and causes a loss of fluids resulting in the formation of grey or black phlegm, chronic cough, dull and dry skin etc for the smokers.  Overtime, with the harm done to the lungs, the individual will be at higher risks of other lung illnesses such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.  As our Five Organs are inter-related, a harm in the Lungs will also create a chain reaction in the other organs, namely Heart, Liver, Spleen and Kidneys.

The Lungs take in oxygen for our body and aids the Heart in supplying oxygenated blood throughout the body.  With a reduction in fluids and blood, oxygen supply will be reduced, resulting in health problems related to the Heart such as chest tightness, chest discomfort, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia etc.

With a poor Qi and blood circulation, our Liver, Spleen and Kidneys will be affected adversely giving rise to issues like bad breath, lethargy, low spirits, reduced memory capacity, slower brain processing abilities, infertility etc.  The Yin of the Stomach and Spleen may also be negatively impacted resulting in constant thirst, less sensitive sense of taste, and constipation etc.  When the Yin of the Kidneys are affected, one may also experience headaches and dizziness, ear tinnitus, lower back aches and weak legs, insomnia, bad dreams, hot flushes and night sweats etc.

2. What are the withdrawal symptoms that TCM may be able to help?

TCM will be able to assist in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, reduced appetite, headaches, dizziness, low emotions, anxiety attacks, insomnia, constant thirst, dry mouth and throat, tiredness and lethargy, shortness of breath, bad breath, night sweats, trembling limbs, inability to focus, constipation etc.

3. As this is a feature story, can you connect to us 2-3 individuals who have quit smoking?

(a) Lady, Banker, 35 years old, wanted to quit smoking because she is getting married to a new boyfriend.  Been smoking for 3 years and takes about 12-15 cigarettes per day.  Prefer to just do acupuncture, administered twice a week for 2 weeks, total of 4 sessions.  Successfully quitted smoking thereafter.

(b) Man, Occupation unknown, 42 years old, wanted to quit smoking to try for a baby.  Been smoking for 10 years and takes about 20 cigarettes per day.  Combination of herbal prescriptions, acupuncture and auricular acupuncture.  Weekly review and renewal of auricular acupuncture.  After the first session, he is able to reduce to 18 cigarettes per day.  Thereafter we see a steady reduction in his cigarettes intake count per week (week 2 – 15, week 3 – 12, week 4 – 10, week 5 & 6 – 8, week 7 – 4, week 8 – 0).  Successfully quitted smoking thereafter.

(c) Lady, Homemaker, Indonesian, 55 years old, wanted to quit smoking for health reasons.  Been smoking for 30 years and takes about 10 cigarettes daily.  Combination of herbal prescriptions, acupuncture and auricular acupuncture.  After the first session at the first review, patient feedback she felt there was a change in taste of the cigarette, and prefers to still enjoy the smoking experience, hence decided to give up quitting.  Patient did not return thereafter.

4. Are there any ways that TCM can help repress nicotine cravings?

TCM can use herbal prescriptions, acupuncture and auricular acupuncture to help repress nicotine cravings.  Herbal prescriptions are customized to the individual’s body constitution and are able to tackle the respective issues that one is facing along the quitting journey.  Acupuncture helps to calm one’s mind and spirits, thus making the individual less tempted to smoke, and it also helps to treat withdrawal syndromes, thereby supporting the individual to quit smoking.  Auricular acupuncture allows the individual to compress on the correct acupoints whenever they experience nicotine cravings and allow them to get distracted and helps with the quitting determination.

5. People tend to go smoking whenever they feel stressed / anxious.  What TCM supplements can help with these conditions?

1. Chinese herbs to regulate one’s emotions, soothe the Liver, and calms the Heart, mind and spirit such as 柴胡，白芍，香附，郁金，合欢皮，百合，麦冬etc.
2. Simple tea recipes like蒲公英桂花绿茶龙井茶 – 蒲公英 3g，桂花3g，绿茶龙井茶，or 绿茶，薄荷3g，藿香6g，甘草3g，brew and drink daily.
3. Take more white fungus and lily bulbs in your daily diet to nourish your lungs.
4. The individuals can also perform self-massage to certain acupoints to help get pass their cravings.  These points include 戒烟穴，合谷穴，丰隆穴，尺泽穴，神门穴。
5. Apply and self- massage auricular acupoints in the morning when they get up, after meals, and when they feel stressed and/or anxious.