Quit and Stop Smoking Laser

Techniques to stop smoking have been on the market for years. There are patches, shots, pills, and programs that tout their ability to help people quit the smoking habit. Not all types of smoking cessation work for all, but at least you have a choice to find one that may work for you. There is now another option that is being offered to those who are ready to quit cigarettes called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

Laser therapy itself is not new. It has been used in the treatment of stress, weight loss and insomnia, as well as musculoskeletal system injuries, due to its ability to enhance healing and repair injured tissues. It's newer application for quitting smoking is becoming popular because it is painless, has no side effects, and appears to work right away. Europe and Canada have been using it for the past 30 years and is now being offered in the United States.

How does LLLT work?

The Low Level Laser Therapy procedure involves using cold laser that is directed at targeted areas on the ears, face, hands, and wrist. There may be a calm and painless tingling feeling, or you may experience nothing at all. Only one treatment is needed to kick the habit, and a second treatment is offered if you think you need it. You will feel calm and enjoy a more restful sleep for the next few nights afterwards.

Endorphin levels rise and help you feel relaxed while smoking. Low Level Laser Therapy naturally increases endorphin levels allowing for the elimination of nicotine from your system, preventing the symptoms that are related to nicotine withdrawal. With laser treatment the cells are stimulated naturally to release endorphins over an extended period of time.

It takes between two to five days for nicotine to totally leave the body, and is why two treatments are usually offered to help with the cravings of quitting smoking.

Is it safe?

Low Level Laser Therapy has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and is presently on review by the FDA for treatment of addiction to nicotine. LLLT is non invasive and no drugs are needed. Laser therapy acts by promoting the release of endorphins in the body.

What are Endorphins?

Endorphins are the natural pain relievers in the body. Cigarette smoking causes the release of endorphins that make you feel calm. When you are addicted to nicotine, this changes the endorphin mechanism and how you feel without the nicotine after it wears off. In a couple of hours you begin to feel irritable and anxious for another cigarette. After lighting up and inhaling, endorphin levels rise and you feel cool and calm again. Additionally, endorphin levels rise as a response to the pain you feel when you bump your elbow or some other part of your body, helping to alleviate the pain.

If you've tried other methods of quitting smoking and was not successful, give laser therapy a try. It may be just what the doctor ordered.

by Barb Hicks, RN