Since 5000 BC humans have been smoking for numerous reasons. Traditionally smoking was used within Indian and Chinese civilisations as part of religious rituals. At the time these civilisations would burn an array of different herbs. It was only centuries after these civilisations formed that the smoking of tobacco became common place as a way to hallucinate or connect with the spirit world.
Today, however, smoking is rarely used for these purposes. Instead, for many it is an addiction which was formed at a young age in an effort to socialise or gain a form of respect amongst their peers. This addiction costs millions their lives annually, with the American Cancer Society predicting that six million people die every year as a result of tobacco. Further research also showed that about 600,000 non-smokers would die annually due to their intake of second-hand smoke.
At Cognisant PDC we work hand-in-hand with smokers who are looking to kick the addition. Rather than simply providing alternative additions, such as nicotine patches, we utilise an array of different methods. It is these methods that I’ll be exploring within this article as I reveal two other ways to stop smoking.
Hypnotherapy
It is the thoughts of a smoker that continues their addiction. These thoughts include the negative habits and thinking patterns which they go through on a daily basis as they purchase their cigarettes, smoke them and ultimately desire them again. It is these thoughts that hypnotherapy aims to control and stop.
In order to carry out hypnotherapy you will be placed into a deep and relaxed state. During this state your mind is more open to suggestions and clearer of the stress it may be going through at that time. This provides the hypnotherapist with an opportunity to make suggestions to the mind that will ultimately change your thought patterns. These suggestions could include ‘I dislike the smell of a cigarette’ or simply ‘I do not want a cigarette’.
Neuro Linguistic Programming
At Amersham based Cognisant PDC we’ve been performing Neuro Linguistic Programming for a number of years. It has been used since the 1970’s to treat issues such as phobias, disorders and addictions.
In the case of quitting smoking, Neuro Linguistic Programming allows a therapist to speak to the unconscious mind and alter the way it views the world. This essentially allows them to understand when you smoke and what triggers the desire to smoke in your mind, such as work, family or friends.
It is only once we’ve answered these questions that we can begin to understand how to fight the addition. You can then be provided with self-help techniques to accelerate the progress if needed.
Ready to Quit?
Whilst self-motivation and will power is required, hypnotherapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming provide alternative and proven routes to quitting smoking. Therefore, if you’ve tried before and have been unsuccessful, please contact Amersham based Cognisant PDC for your initial consultation. Within this we’ll be able to explain the process of these methods further and make suggestions on the tailored sessions we would recommend for you.