by Amy Allison
WHETHER FIRST- OR SECONDHAND, smoking has been conclusively linked to respiratory problems, multiple cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Breaking free of a tobacco habit isn’t easy, but natural remedies are there to lend a gentle yet effective hand. Check them out for yourself or an ill-tarred loved one.
what Homeopathy Yoga
why Homeopathic remedies Yoga's emphasis
stimulate the body's on the flow of
healing process; they the breath can
use natural ingredients motivate you to
in dillute amounts to swear off smoking
avoid side effects. by making your
Smoking-cessation poor lung function
combinations include more obvious.
lobelia (Indian Also, learning to
tobacco) to reduce calm your mood
cravings and nux with breathing
vomica (quaker buttons) can replace the
to relieve nervous habit of reaching
tension during for a cigarette
withdrawal. when you're
stressed.
the Research published In a study in
evidence in Neurophar- Alternative Therapies
macology showed in Health and Medicine,
lobeline, an a substantial number
alkaloid in lobelia, of smokers who par-
to inhibit the ticipated in five
effects of nicotine. weekly 60-minute
hatha yoga sessions
became more
motivated to quit.
caveats Avoid commercial Take it slow,
formulations if and respect your
you're pregnant. body's limits.
using it From Boiron's Quit Try Alternate
Smoking CareKit Nostril Breathing:
($10; affordable- Sit cross-legged,
homeopathy.com), eyes closed, and
take five pellets press your thumb
of Lobelia inflata against your
6C at each craving, right nostril.
and five pellets Inhale through your
of Nux vomica left nostril, counting
30C morning and "1 om, 2 om, 3
afternoon to relieve om." Press your ring
irritability, for finger against
a maximum of seven your left nostril;
days. Or consult release your
a certified thumb and exhale
practitioner; find through your
one at right nostril on
homeopathic.org. the same count.
Reverse. This is
1 round; do 10.
what Traditional Chinese Medicine
why TCM works to re-establish body
harmony disrupted by smoking.
Typically, practitioners prescribe
acupuncture to minimize cravings
and reduce anxiety; herbs to restore
lung health, promote vitality, and
relieve stress; and dietary and
other lifestyle advice to ease the
transition to living tobacco-free.
the Per the American Journal of Public
evidence Health, acupuncture nearly doubled
the efficacy of smoking-cessation
classes. And a Chinese study found
cigarette consumption dropped by
92 percent after one week of using
a nasal inhaler blending 16 herbs.
caveats Evidence for acupuncture alone to
stop smoking is mixed.
using it A qualified acupuncturist in your
area can be found by logging on to
aaom.org.At home, try the Smoker's
Herbal Aroma Nasal Inhaler ($20;
stopsmokingherbs.com) for two to
three minutes a day three times a
day, or for one minute whenever
you have the desire to smoke.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group