Services We Offer Using Laser Therapy
How Laser Therapy Works To Help Quit Smoking or Quit Other Nicotine Products
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, with numerous adverse health effects. Despite the well-documented risks, quitting smoking can be an arduous task due to nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Various smoking cessation strategies have been explored, and one emerging technique that we have been using for 10 years is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Low level laser therapy utilizes low-intensity laser beams to stimulate specific acupoints and reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. Low-level laser therapy is believed to influence the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation and addiction. The laser light targets specific acupoints on the body, stimulating nerve endings and promoting a cascade of biological responses. By modulating neurotransmitter release, low level laser therapy may help alleviate nicotine cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and promote relaxation, making the quitting process more manageable.
Several studies have investigated the efficacy of low level laser therapy or cold laser in smoking cessation with very effective results. (https://www.pubmed.com). These studies have helped to show the potential for cold laser therapy and the positive effects in helping to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and associated reducing in cravings for nicotine.
One of the major advantages of laser therapy is its non-invasive nature, making it a safe and well-tolerated intervention. The procedure is painless, does not require medication, and has no side effects, making it suitable for individuals who may not tolerate pharmacological interventions.
Low-level laser therapy shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation. The existing clinical evidence suggests that laser therapy can effectively reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, leading to improved quit rates. Low level laser therapy provides a safe, non-invasive, and potentially effective option for individuals seeking to quit smoking.
Why Is It So Difficult To Quit Smoking?
Nicotine addiction: Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products, affects the brain’s reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine, making it difficult to stop using tobacco without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms: When someone tries to quit smoking, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, cravings, increased appetite, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can be intense and make it hard for individuals to maintain their quit attempt.
Habitual and ritualistic behaviors: Smoking is often associated with daily habits and rituals, such as having a cigarette after meals, during breaks, or while socializing. Breaking these ingrained habits can be challenging and may lead to a strong desire to smoke again.
Coping mechanism: Many people use smoking as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or other emotions. When attempting to quit, individuals might struggle to find alternative coping strategies, leading them to go back to smoking as a familiar way to manage their emotions.
Social and environmental influences: Smoking is often a social activity, and people may find it challenging to quit when they are surrounded by friends, family members, or colleagues who smoke. Additionally, exposure to places or situations where they used to smoke can trigger cravings and make quitting more difficult.
Fear of failure: Previous unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking can lead to a fear of failure, causing some individuals to avoid trying again or to give up too quickly.
Misconceptions and myths: Some people may believe that smoking is too ingrained in their identity or that they lack the willpower to quit successfully. These misconceptions can hinder their motivation to quit and make it harder to overcome the challenges.
Physical addiction vs. psychological habit: Quitting smoking involves addressing both the physical addiction to nicotine and the psychological habits associated with smoking. It requires dealing with the physical withdrawal symptoms and breaking the mental associations with smoking triggers.
Popular Services We Offer At Our Imagine Laserworks locations in Prince George and Terrace
-Quit Smoking, Vaping, Chewing Tobacco, Cigars or any other form of nicotine addiction
-Weight Loss and Sugar Addiction
-Substance Abuse challenges such as Alcohol, recreational drugs, Cannabis, and other related substances
-Anxiety, Depression and Stress
-Insomnia and other related sleep issues
-Menopause challenges
-Many more common health challenges. Please call or email us for more details about what you need help with