Therapies involving low-level lasers operate on principles found in the 5,000 year old ancient Asian healing art of acupuncture.  Acupuncture stimulates pressure points found along the meridian system with needles in order to achieve different physical states and control different physiological functions.  Laser therapy replaces the needles with a non-invasive, low-level laser which is painless and proven to provide the same effects.  The treatments are proven to reduce tension, increase circulation and enable the body to relax more effectively.

Laser therapy is considered a non-medical procedure, yet rigorous training is necessary both in the disciplines of acupuncture and with technical training of laser utilization in order to effectively provide these treatments.  The lasers help promote the release of endorphins in the body.  Endorphins are natural chemicals in your body which both increase energy and alleviate stress.

Our laser to treat nicotine addiction is no more powerful than a 20-watt light bulb.  Addiction points along the meridian system are treated with a combination of a helium neon laser and electrobiostimulation.  The entire procedure is non-invasive and external.  The therapy is non-thermal and painless.

During the treatment, energy points on your hands, face and ears are stimulated with the laser.  You may feel a warm pulsating and a tingling feeling.  Most clients only feel a calming sensation from the laser.

The laser treatments act as a tool to assist the smoker in overcoming the initial physical withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction.  The initial 72 hours of quitting are considered to be the most crucial in the detoxification process.  The laser initiates a similar endorphin release for a period of 3-5 days following the treatment which assists in alleviating stress associated with giving up cigarettes.

This treatment has been used for over 30 years in Europe and Canada.

Alternative Smoking Cessation Treatments
The Patch: Can cause negative side effects such as increased blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, skin disease, vascular disease, insomnia, dizziness, nausea and rashes.

The Gum: Similar to the patch, except you must chew the gum up to 15 times daily for six months! Then, you are still addicted to nicotine in addition to the side effects from the patch with the additions of constipation, sever angina pectoris and vasopastie disease.

Prescription Pills: Zyban is the most commonly prescribed pill used today.  It must be taken for 12 weeks straight and its serious side effects include seizures, high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth and hallucinations! Wow.

Hypnosis: This method offers a success rate no different than a placebo and is not scientifically proven.

Acupuncture: Very similar in nature to low level laser therapy.  It consists of stimulating the energy meridians throughout the body which helps to relieve cravings.  Unfortunately, acupuncture is invasive and painful.  Laser therapy is more effective because the light energy is absorbed by the body and it takes much longer for the endorphin sensation to dissipate.

Other Information Sources:

• 1993 Double Blind Study on Smoking Cessation
• 1999 Anna Sheridan Laser Therapy Centre Project Evaluation
• International Clinical Trial Studies on the Effectiveness of Laser Therapy
• 1995 Monklands Hospital Pilot Study
• The North American Association for Laser Therapy: www.naalt.org
• The World Association for Laser Therapy: www.walt.nu