| A few years ago, I was walking with a friend | | | | intensity of cravings, they realize that quitting is |
| around one of the city lakes that has made | | | | up to them. |
| Minneapolis famous. My friend was from out of | | | | -They generally cut down from smoking a pack |
| town and during our walk, he lit up a cigarette. | | | | or even two a day, to a few necessary |
| We kept walking and talking, but very shortly | | | | cigarettes each day. Necessary cigarettes are |
| after lighting up, my friend put out his cigarette | | | | those that are smoked out of habit, such as |
| because he was getting dirty looks from a | | | | smoking with your first cup of coffee, or on the |
| number of people we were passing. | | | | drive home from work. Generally, before they |
| While I was sorry that my friend was | | | | quit, they are down to five or six cigarettes a |
| uncomfortable, I was also glad in a way. I was | | | | day. |
| glad that I live in a place where smoking is | | | | -They have a definite quit date. This gives them |
| becoming unacceptable in many places. I was | | | | a psychological edge in preparing to quit. |
| also glad because shortly after my friend went | | | | -They have used acupuncture most frequently |
| home, he quit smoking. This was no easy task, | | | | in the first week or two after they have quit |
| because he had been smoking for over thirty | | | | smoking. After the first few weeks, they have |
| years, but he did it, and is still smoke-free today. | | | | used acupuncture infrequently, and only as |
| As an acupuncturist, I have helped a number of | | | | needed. |
| people successfully quit smoking. I have found | | | | -Each person I have worked with has |
| that those people who have been successful have | | | | commented that getting tobacco out of their life |
| a few things in common, which I believe have | | | | was actually easier than they thought it would |
| contributed to their success. | | | | be. Few gained weight, and most felt better |
| -Every person that I have helped quit smoking | | | | than they thought possible. |
| realized that tobacco was detrimental to their | | | | If you are a smoker, quitting is the single most |
| health was ready to quit. | | | | important thing you can do to improve your |
| -They realize that there is no magic bullet. | | | | health. Acupuncture can help—do it today! |
| While acupuncture helps with the frequency and | | | | |