Quitting smoking is one of the hardest but most positive endeavors an individual can take on to improve their overall health. Those who are successful can expect to lessen their chances of developing smoking-related conditions. These include heart disease, lung cancer, breathing problems related to COPD, and even broken bones and cataracts.
Methods to Quit Smoking
To help those wishing to quit the habit, but who cannot do it cold turkey, there are any number of aids on the market. Nicotine replacement is the basis for most of these products. They deliver a set amount of nicotine through the use of lozenges, sprays, gums, patches, and inhalers. A doctor also may prescribe medications such as Zyban and Chantix.
If all these methods fail, however, there still is the option of a smoking hypnosis program. Studies have shown that hypnosis can be highly effective in some people, while others seem to remain immune to it.
The ABCs of Hypnotherapy
The jury still is out as to exactly how hypnosis works. One definition states that you are put into an altered state of awareness. You are not unconscious or put into a trance. More likely, you are more relaxed and able to concentrate. You are more apt to take suggestions, like putting down cigarettes for good.
Brain scans of hypnotized patients have shown a high level of neurological activity. So you are not able to be persuaded to do something that is against your will.
For those whose will it is to give up smoking, the hypnotherapist often suggests that the patient envision unpleasant things about smoking. They may be told that cigarette smoke smells like diesel exhaust fumes or that it makes their mouth parched and dry.
The focus of a quit smoking hypnosis program are three primary ideas. The first is that the body is poisoned by smoking. Second, we need our body to live. The third is that we should do all we can to protect our bodies and show it respect.
As part of a hypnosis program, the therapist will teach the smoker the techniques of self-hypnosis. The patient then can call on these affirmations and repeat them whenever the urge to smoke arises.
Hypnosis is Not a Cure-All
About 25 percent of people fail to be able to be hypnotized. Those who can will have differing results as far as the intensity of the experience and the success of the treatment.
The American Medical Association also has not approved hypnosis as a smoking cessation treatment. However, many who have used this technique swear that it works well. As proof, they note they have no desire to light up, which allows them to take a deep sigh of relief.