According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) energy, or qi, flows through the body affecting or being affected by different organs, systems and emotions, which may affect our ability to make good decisions. When we talk about addiction, we have to wonder what the connection is according to the principles of TCM, which states that willpower, drive and determination, called zhi, resides in the kidneys. The state of the kidney energy directly then correlates with the ability to have willpower. The kidneys in TCM is not just the organs, they are also perceived to hold the energy we originally get from our parents called “congenital qi,” along with the energy we have created ourselves through eating and drinking and maturity. Subsequently, some of our views about willpower and addiction may come from our parents and family and how they view those things.

Zhi is manifested as the urge to persist in one’s efforts, and when it is deficient, feelings of defeat, pessimism and depression may occur. Without strong zhi, someone might easily succumb to the temptations of addiction. Thus, acupuncture and TCM can help rebalance the body and mind to overcome a variety of addictions and can help manage most cravings.

In TCM, there is a protective layer around the exterior the body called “wei qi,” or defensive energy. By strengthening the wei qi, we can greatly enhance the body’s ability to adapt in times of stress and aid in healing, prevent illness and increase energy—basically recharging our battery and regenerating this vital energy. Strengthening our wei qi will help us look and feel our best, along with being more in control of our urges. Most approaches to treating addictions, at least initially, begin withdrawing or changing our behavior so that we participate in our addiction less and less. For many people, this requires a great deal of effort, which is why our zhi needs to be as strong as possible. It is easier for some people to overcome addiction and addictive behaviors by focusing on routine because it provides stability, although a new routine maybe necessary to break old habits.

If our first thought in the morning is to have a cigarette, that plan must include some other healthier ritual, or at least a replacement for the cigarette. It could be anything from having orange juice instead of coffee, doing tai chi or other breathing exercises, or even changing which side of the bed we get upon. It does not have to be dramatic, just a conscious change in our behavior.

Deep breathing with visualization can also strengthen willpower, and may be used as a tool to curb hunger and other cravings. Most patients reported a marked decline in appetite cravings with deep breathing, healing foods and exercises. Everyone experiences addiction in different ways, and as with all TCM treatments, each person must be assessed individually, with their own way of adjusting to these significant changes in their lives. Some respond better to radical change in habits, while others may require a slower process to adjust to the changes. 

Primarily acupuncture treatments for addiction focus on jitters, cravings, irritability and restlessness; symptoms that people commonly complain about when they quit. Acupuncture can also aid in relaxation and detoxification. People are often surprised that they feel much more in control after an acupuncture treatment. Along with the benefits from an acupuncture treatment, typical side effects are improved sleeping, less anxiety and a feeling of overall well-being.

In China, when someone gets up in the morning, the first thing they do is kind of take a head-to-toe assessment to determine how they feel, and then based on that, decide what things they might eat that would benefit them from whatever feeling they might have. In the U.S., quite to the contrary, we rush out of bed, through the shower, throw clothes on, drive through McDonald’s and then get to the office to say, “You know, I feel really bad! I wonder what caused that?”

With acupuncture treatments, most people become more aware of their body and with the different sensations that are caused by affecting the energy flow through it.

 

Sheryl Roe is a doctor of Oriental medicine and acupuncture physician, and a registered nurse located at 7552 Navarre Pkwy., Ste. 44, in Navarre; 90 Beal Pkwy., in the 8th Element Wellness Clinic, in Ft, Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-225-3460 or visit DrSRoe.com.

In addition to getting treatment, here are seven lifestyle changes to help curb cravings, improve your overall well-being and assist in recovery.

Exercise more. Exercise can reduce stress and help relax. 

Get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices to neutralize and clear the blood and to fortify blood sugar.

Carrots, celery, leafy green salads and citrus fruits promote body alkalinity and decrease cravings.

Avoid junk food, sugar and coffee. They can upset blood sugar levels and increase blood acidity, which can aggravate withdrawal symptoms.

Drink water. Research shows that dryness causes cravings. Sip water frequently throughout the day. 

Practice deep breathing exercises to increase body oxygen and keep calm. 

Lobelia tea or green tea can be sipped daily during the detox period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage cravings. Lobelia is traditionally used to rid the body of a strong toxin such as a snake bite.