Quit Smoking With Laser Therapy
So the newest and hottest rage going in the world of low level laser therapy is it’s use in helping people to quit smoking. I’m sure you have heard all the radio commercials and seen all the print adds boasting high success rates. Should you get into this type of therapy? How successful is it? How does it work? All great questions that I will attempt to answer.
The laser stimulates acupuncture points in the ear, face and hand that release special hormones called “endorphins.” These endorphins are the body’s natural “feel good” hormones that are produced whenever someone smokes a cigarette. By stimulating a surge of endorphins the individual no longer has physical cravings for the addictive behavior.
There are 5 major nerves that innervate the ear.
1. Vagus Autonomic is a branch of the PNS
2. Trigeminal Nerve goes to the facial muscles, nerves and bones
3. Facial Nerve controls facial m uscles and taste.
4. Cervical Plexus innervates head, neck and shoulder.
5. Glossopharyngeal innervates the mouth and throat
Laser auriculartherapy is applied to acupuncture points in the ear and meridian points of the body. It does not focus on the acupuncture meridians but on the use of the ear as a localized reflex technique that modulates the central nervous system and endocrine system.
Auricular therapy points (AT) emerge only when there is pathology. These AT points correspond to anatomy and neurology. AT points have lower skin resistance and this is helpful in locating points. The ear contains tissue from all 3 germ layers from embryological development; endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. Success rates can be very high depending on the type of laser you have for the procedure. For example: A 500 mW Invisible Red Laser with Wavelength of 820nm will give you different success rates than a 200mW Visible Red Laser with a Wavelength of 635 nm. The physics of the laser stimulation are totally different despite having the same doasge applied. It can be frustrating to learn a protocol because there are so many variations, and people will recommend their own lasers for use. Be careful where you go and what laser you use. All protocols are not the same. They can be hugely different. If you want to know my recommendations you may call me directly or e-mail me for the information.
It is important for the patient to realize that Laser Therapy for addiction control can only be effective if they psychologically want to give up their addiction. No amount of hormone stimulation can override their mental habitual cravings. Laser therapy is not a quick fix program. There is a degree of self responsibility that comes with overcoming any addiction. It takes about 20-minutes for the procedure.
Dr. Perry Nickelston, DCVP Practice Development, K-Laser,USA
1-866-595-7749 Ext. 102
pnickelston@k-laserusa.com
Hey Doc,
Love your articles and the ability to retrieve old posts.
Could you please incorporate some pictures of the trigger points and AP areas.
Thanks,
Dr K