Questions and Answers About Stop Smoking Laser Treatments
Written by: Priscilla Crouch
Q: How does laser therapy for smoking actually work?
A: Pulses of light emitted by the laser are absorbed into the skin when applied to certain acupuncture points on the body. This light is said to stimulate endorphins, which are "feel good" chemicals naturally found within the brain that increase energy and decrease stress. The release of these endorphins help to eliminate the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are synonymous with stopping smoking.
Q: Where is the stop smoking laser used on the body?
A: The laser is applied to several parts of the body when used as a stop smoking treatment, and includes the ears, side of the nose, hands, wrists, and arms.
Q: What does the stop smoking laser feel like?
A: While the exact sensation may differ slightly from person to person, the majority of people say they simply feel relaxed, with some reporting periods of lightheadedness that quickly passes.
Q: How long does an average treatment session take?
A: The actual laser treatment itself takes less than a half hour to complete, although there may be a consultation prior to treatment to explain the procedure. Also allow time for instruction or additional information following the treatment.
Q: How many treatments are needed for success?
A: Many people report that they've stopped smoking after only one treatment, however, everyone's response is different and may require several sessions to deal with cravings.
Q: Does the stop smoking laser interact with or adversely affect medication?
A: The process is completely natural and doesn't contain any type of drug to interact with medication already in the system. The stop smoking laser process utilizes electrobiostimulation with a low-level helium, neon laser and isn't applied to the body internally.
Q: Are there any health requirements I must meet before having laser therapy for smoking?
A: People having laser therapy should generally be in good health, as well as not having any photosensitivity to light.
Q: How many years has the stop smoking laser been used?
A: That depends upon the country as the practice originated in Europe nearly 40 years ago, and has since been used in Canada for approximately 18 years, and in the United States since 2001.
Q: Is the stop smoking laser approved in the United States by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)?
A: Laser therapy hasn't yet been approved by the FDA for quitting smoking, although it has been approved for alleviating neck, shoulder, and wrist pain.
Q: Is this form of laser therapy expensive or covered by health insurance?
A: The price of laser therapy for stopping smoking will largely depend on the center that is providing the treatment, but the cost is usually around three to four hundred dollars per session. Depending upon the individual policy of the facility as well as the person's insurance company, coverage may or may not be accepted.
