Smoke Cessation
New Laser Treatment Holds Promise
by Kathy Tsapelis, Founder of Bodyline Medispa

Ever wonder why you are addicted to cigarettes? You really think it's only from nicotine? Well take another guess! Though nicotine is an addictive drug, smoking addiction is both physical and psychological. The physical is the oral fixation, while the psychological is "the want" that occurs in the synapses of the nerves in the brain.

Smoking has many side effects that include raising heart rate, irritating blood vessels, and increasing the risk of developing blood clots, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Other diseases that can occur are cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus, kidney, and pancreas. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or COLD ) are still more diseases associated with smoking.

Smokers are exposed to over 4,000 toxic chemicals, which include cyanide and formaldehyde. In the United States, 1 in 5 deaths is attributed to smoking. With all this information of how cigarettes are dangerous to your health, you would think people would take quitting smoking more seriously. It is not easy, however, and many smokers who are willing to quit just can't seem to stop.

There are many treatments and products available for people who want to attempt smoking cessation. These include nicotine replacement therapy and supportive behavior change programs. Smoking cessation improves the health of the lungs and increases respiratory capacity. Another important benefit is the improvement in decreased blood pressure and pulse and an increase in oxygen in the blood, also allowing carbon monoxide to drop in the blood.

The problem for many smokers who try kicking the habit is that it is mentally and emotionally unpleasant. Current medical reports indicate that endorphin levels (endorphins are the "feel-good" chemical that the body naturally produces when you do something pleasurable) are considerably higher in smokers than in non-smokers. When you stop smoking, the result is a sudden drop in endorphin levels, which leads to withdrawal symptoms and cravings. There is one cessation treatment, however, that circumvents this side effect - the K-laser therapy.

This laser treatment is the application of a cold, non-invasive pain-free laser beam to specific points of the body, which stimulates and releases endorphins. It helps to balance endorphin levels, thus helping to control the addiction and pacify the cravings. This is often described as biostimulation of energy on the meridian points associated with the desire to smoke. It is similar to acupuncture meridian points.

This type of laser therapy is a relaxing experience, reducing stress and inducing a calming effect - something you probably have not been promised in the past as you tried to stop smoking. In just 20 minutes of your first treatment, you can take the first step to becoming smoke free.

The low-level laser used in this treatment produces a light beam of high wavelength and low energy, and the reason it does not burn is that it is no more powerful than a 60-watt light bulb. This is same type of laser used by surveyors and also on compact discs, and can now help with appetite control and the urge to smoke.

??One key component to the success of smoking cessation, however, is that the patient must want to quit. Changing your pattern and associations for a while, especially for the first 7-14 days after your first treatment, will help with the habitual part of the smoking addiction. You may have additional treatments if necessary throughout the year. These are on a need-be basis, as one treatment is usually sufficient. When you quit smoking you don't have to wait weeks or months to reap the benefits of your new and healthy lifestyle. According to the American Cancer Society, these are the changes that take place in your body when you stop smoking:


Within 20 minutes

- Body temperature of feet and hands increases to normal

- Pulse rate drops to normal

- Blood pressure drops to normal


After 12 hours

- Pulse rate will slow and skin temperature will increase

- Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

- Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal


After 24 hours

- Chance of heart attack decreases due to improved cardiac function and circulation to your hands and feet. Finer motor coordination will improve


After 48 hours

- Nerve endings start to rejuvenate

- Ability to smell and taste is enhanced


After 72 hours

- Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier

-Lung capacity increases


Within 2 weeks to 3 months

- Circulation improves; walking becomes easier because stamina and vigor has improved

- Lung function increases up to 30 percent


4 to 9 months

- Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath all decrease

- Cilia regrows in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, reduce infection

- Body's overall energy level increases


1 Year

- Risk of heart disease decreases 90%

- Heart will have returned to nearly normal condition


10 to 15 years

- Risk of lung cancer will be roughly the same as you had never smoked. Enjoy your life as a non-smoker!

With all the evidence and modern technology available, now is the perfect opportunity to take your health into your own hands and take advantage of the cold laser therapy to become 'Smoke Free." You simply just have to "want" to quit