A plethora of products and treatments exist on the market to aid people in the battle to quit smoking. Laser treatment is one approach to cease nicotine addiction.
Function
Although it's frequently called laser surgery, the procedure is technically nonsurgical, since it is noninvasive. Referred to as cold therapy or low level laser therapy, this treatment uses low intensity lasers emitted from a lamp-like device. The lasers target specific "pressure points" on the body to stimulate energy at those points.
History
Laser therapy to quit smoking is based on the same basic principle of acupuncture, reflexology, and shiatsu: applying pressure to specific "accupoints" of the body stimulate changes, and trigger a shift in the body's inner energy. In this case, laser beams are used instead of needles. Enthusiasts claim lasers are more effective.
Effects
The laser beams aimed at the accupoints first function to relax the body. Then, they attempt to stimulate the release of endorphins, to simulate the effects of nicotine without the actual presence of nicotine. This ultimately aims to curb the need for nicotine.
Effectiveness
Like hypnosis, the effectiveness of laser therapy for quitting smoking is subjective. Results vary. Providers, such as Therlase and Healing Laser Clinics, Inc. in Orlando, Florida claim success rates of over 80 percent. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, nor any evidence to contest it. The effectiveness of habit-breaking methods vary between different individuals, though some in the media have referred to laser treatment as a "breakthrough" for quitting smoking. Success cannot be guaranteed, especially since the habit of smoking extends beyond just a physical addiction.
Considerations
Laser treatment for quitting smoking is painless, has no side effects, and no downtime. The session length is 30 minutes, and most providers, such as the aforementioned, as well as facts given on StopSmokingLaserFacts.com, suggest that only one session is required. Rather than a gradual decrease in nicotine intake, laser treatment aims to cease nicotine addiction immediately.
Cost
On average, one laser treatment session to quit smoking costs $400, according to the Stop Smoking Laser FAQ on LaserCare.us.
