The cost of acupuncture for stop smoking isn’t as low as you may think. For example, you can expect to pay up to $150 for some treatments, according to this article from National Geographic. In addition, it’s not cheap to travel to a location that offers acupuncture.
For example, this is what a typical appointment will cost with an acupuncturist in New York City:
- First visit: $85
- Second visit: $35
- Third visit: $25
- Additional visits: $50
When you consider that there’s a $15 membership fee for the acupuncturist, the cost of acupuncture can easily add up.
On top of the cost, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of the medication you’ll be receiving. The cost of that is also not as low as you may think. For example, an at-home medication is typically $50 or $100 per month.
That means if you’re on a 60pill-a-day regimen, you’re looking at $300 a month to get rid of your smoking habit.
You can also expect to pay a visit to a clinic to pick up a prescription.
Does Acupuncture Work For Nicotine Cravings?
There’s no evidence that acupuncture can help you quit smoking. Some people do claim that it does help, but there’s no proof that it does.
The American Cancer Society even warns against self-treating with acupuncture, since it’s not clear how long it’s effective for.
Acupuncturists usually use an electric device that’s placed at specific points on the body, with a mild electric current to numb the area.
One study showed that acupuncture didn’t change cravings or nicotine addiction.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the following are not proven treatments used to help people quit smoking:
- Quitting smoking is a long-term process. It’s not possible to quit smoking with just one treatment.
- The American Lung Association does not recommend acupuncture for quitting smoking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any form of acupuncture for quitting smoking.
What Are The Side Effects Of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is considered safe, but it does have some side effects.
It’s important to know that you can do most of these things while you’re receiving acupuncture. But if you start feeling side effects, it’s important to let your acupuncturist know.
Here are the most common side effects of acupuncture:
- Soreness at the site of the needle insertion
- Headache
- Stinging
- Numbness
If you have a fever, nausea, or vomiting, let your acupuncturist know.
Some people who have had an acupuncture treatment report having allergic reactions to the needles used.
This is especially true for people with a history of anaphylaxis.
This is a medical emergency that your acupuncturist should be aware of.
How To Find A Good Acupuncturist?
If you’re looking for a good acupuncturist, you may want to start with this list of doctors who have been certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
These doctors have been certified by NCCAOM and have completed specific training in acupuncture.
These doctors have access to a large and growing network of acupuncturists in their community.
This is a great option for people who want to be sure they’re receiving quality care.
If you’re interested in getting acupuncture from a doctor outside of a certified acupuncturist network, you may want to consider a doctor who is licensed to use needles.
That’s because a licensed acupuncturist can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis.
You’ll also want to be sure that the practitioner you choose is licensed.
If you’re unsure, you can ask your doctor to check the license.
If you’re looking for a reputable acupuncturist, this list of doctors is a great place to start.
How To Pay For Acupuncture?
You may be wondering how you can pay for acupuncture.
You can pay for acupuncture by using a healthcare discount card.
You can also pay for acupuncture with a cash advance.
If you’re interested in any of these options, you should check with your insurance provider first.
If you have Medicare, you may be able to use a healthcare discount card.
If you have a HMO, you may have access to health savings accounts (HSAs), which can be used for acupuncture.
If you have an HMO, you may also have access to a special program called the Medicare Savings Program.
You can find out more information about these programs and the requirements to participate here.
You can also use a healthcare credit card to pay for acupuncture.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is used for a variety of health issues.
Acupuncture addresses pain by inserting tiny needles at specific points on your body.
It’s believed that the needles stimulate specific nerve pathways in your body, which can ease pain.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can:
- Reduce pain.
- Relieve a variety of symptoms.
- Improve your mood.
- Boost your immune system.
- Help you feel better.
- Reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture is used to treat:
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Skin conditions
- Hormonal and digestive disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Traumatic brain injury
Some people use acupuncture for other health issues.
For example, some people use acupuncture to treat cancer.
Acupuncture may also be used to treat migraines, chronic pain, and stress.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is considered safe because it has been used safely for thousands of years.
Today, the FDA recognizes acupuncture as a safe, effective treatment.
It’s also been shown to be safe for people with certain health issues.
For example, a study of people with HIV found that acupuncture was safe and effective in managing their pain.
The Bottom Line
Acupuncture has not been proven to help you stop smoking.
Although some people claim that it does, there’s no evidence to support that claim
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