Acupuncture for Anxiety in Metairie, LA | Big Easy Acupuncture

Acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and evidence-based approach to help reduce anxiety, regulate stress hormones, and restore calm to your nervous system.

Feeling anxious from work, health, family, or life changes is normal. But when worry, tension, and fear start to affect your sleep, focus, relationships, or ability to function, it can feel overwhelming.

You’ve probably tried to manage it on your own with deep breaths, mindfulness, or just pushing through, but it still feels like these feelings won’t turn off. You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re broken. Your system just needs help remembering how to relax again.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns in the U.S., affecting tens of millions of adults each year. Many people use counseling and medication, and are also looking for safe, natural options to support their nervous system. 

Many of our patients are busy professionals or caretakers whose minds never stop running. If you’ve tried counseling, supplements, or breathing techniques and still feel wired, acupuncture offers a different kind of nervous system reset.

At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Metairie, we use acupuncture, herbology, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to help calm the body, support the brain, and improve overall resilience so anxiety is easier to manage day-to-day.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that have common symptoms – such as nervousness, worrying, apprehension, and fear. 

Anxiety can show up in different ways, such as:

• Constant worrying or feeling “on edge” 
• Trouble relaxing or sleeping
• Tight chest, racing heart, or shallow breathing
• Irritability, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating
• Panic attacks or sudden waves of fear
• Avoiding people, places, or situations

Common diagnoses include:

• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Phobias
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety associated with Parkinson’s disease
• Anxiety related to other conditions like chronic pain

You don’t need an official diagnosis to seek help. If anxiety is getting in the way of how you want to live, you’re in the right place.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective on Emotions and Organ Balance

In TCM, brain chemistry and organ systems are seen as interconnected. Each emotion corresponds to an internal organ system:

• Excess Worry affects the Spleen
• Excess Grief affects the Lungs
• Excess Anger affects the Liver
• Excess Fear affects the Kidneys
• Excess Lack of Joy affects the Heart

Prolonged emotional strain along with lifestyle, diet, or environmental stress, can disrupt this balance, creating both physical and emotional symptoms that contribute to anxiety.

These connections aren’t meant to replace science. They simply show how emotions and the body influence one another. When your organs and nervous system are in balance, emotions feel more stable and easier to navigate.

How Acupuncture Helps Anxiety

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that uses very fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body. It helps regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Modern research suggests acupuncture can help reduce anxiety symptoms by acting on the nervous system, hormones, and brain chemistry:

• Encouraging release of natural “feel-good” chemicals (like endorphins/dopamine/serotonin)
• Modulating stress hormones such as cortisol
• Influencing brain regions involved in mood and emotional regulation
• Shifting the body out of “fight or flight” and into a more restful, regulated state

A large systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was associated with meaningful reductions in anxiety symptoms compared with control or sham treatments. 

In simple terms: acupuncture helps your body shift gears from wired and tense to calmer and more regulated.

Examples of Acupuncture Points Used for Anxiety Support

While each treatment is personalized, certain acupuncture points are commonly used to support nervous system regulation, relaxation, and emotional balance.

Some of these points include:

• Yintang (Third Eye Point) – Located between the eyebrows, this point is often used to promote relaxation, ease mental tension, and quiet racing thoughts.
• Shenmen (Heart 7) – Found on the wrist, this point is traditionally used to help calm the mind, support emotional balance, and improve sleep quality.
• Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) – Located on the inner forearm, this point is commonly used to help regulate the heart and nervous system and may ease symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, or nausea related to anxiety.
• Stomach 36 (Zusanli) – Located below the knee, this point supports overall resilience and vitality and is often used when anxiety is accompanied by fatigue, digestive issues, or low energy.
• Auricular (Inner Ear) Acupuncture Points – Certain acupuncture points on the ear are commonly used to support nervous system regulation. These points are selected to help influence vagus nerve tone and balance the body’s stress response, supporting relaxation, emotional regulation, and overall autonomic nervous system function.

Not every patient receives the same points. Point selection is based on your symptoms, medical history, nervous system patterns, and how your body responds over time.

What Anxiety-Focused Treatment Looks Like Here

At Big Easy Acupuncture, anxiety sessions are not “cookie cutter.” We look at how your stress shows up in your whole body, including:

• Energy and sleep
• Muscle tension, pain, or headaches bringing stress/anxiety from the long standing issues
• Digestion, appetite, thirst 
• Breathing patterns and chest tightness
• Hormonal changes or life transitions
• Medical conditions and medications you’re already using
• Lifestyle (How do you spend your time, stress triggers, discussion of hobbies)

What a Session Feels Like

When you come in, the room is quiet with white noise to help your mind settle. We will discuss together your goals and then after discussion we will move into the acupuncture session, 

Needle sensation is usually minimal – you may feel a slight pinch or tingle upon the insertion of a needle that dissipates quickly. Many patients become deeply relaxed or fall asleep with the needles retained for treatment.

Once the needles are placed, you rest while your nervous system shifts from high alert into deep regulation. Many patients describe this phase as their body finally letting go without forcing it. The needles are normally retained for 15-20 minutes while your body relaxes. 

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your first visit we will:

• Review your health history, medications, and symptoms
• Talk about your anxiety triggers and patterns
• Check areas of tension like the neck, jaw, shoulders, chest, and diaphragm
• Create a treatment plan that fits your presentation
• Begin treatment

A treatment may include:

• Acupuncture points to calm the nervous system
• Points to ease muscle tension, headaches, or digestive upset
• Cupping, guasha, or bodywork
• Breathing and body awareness coaching
• Herbal or lifestyle suggestions

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Everyone is different, but a common plan for anxiety is:

• Acute or recent anxiety:
  1–2 visits per week for 3–4 weeks, then taper as symptoms improve.
• Long-standing or complex anxiety (with pain, insomnia, or chronic illness):
  A longer course such as 8–12 weeks, with progress checks as we go.

Treatment plans are customized to meet the needs of each individual based upon presentation.

Research trials that showed benefit for anxiety often used 8 or more sessions, usually once or twice per week.

Herbal Medicine for Anxiety Support

In addition to acupuncture, herbal medicine can play an important role in supporting your anxiety recovery. Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside acupuncture to help calm the mind, regulate energy, and improve sleep.

At Big Easy Acupuncture, formulas are customized based on your presentation and adjusted week to week as you progress.

Anxiety, Pain, and the Rest of Your Body

Anxiety rarely shows up alone. It may come with:

• Chronic pain (neck, back, headaches, TMJ)
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Digestive issues (IBS, nausea, loss of appetite)
• Hormonal changes, hot flashes, or life transitions
• Sexual dysfunction
• Long-term illness, such as cancer or Parkinson’s disease

Prolonged or excess anxiety leads to a higher nervous system tone which will lead to:

• Reduced blood flow
• Higher muscular tensions
• Nerve entrapments due to tension leading to pain, mobility, or strength issues

Because acupuncture treats the whole system, we can often help address both the emotional and physical sides at the same time. 

What Patients Often Notice

After a few sessions, patients frequently describe:

• Feeling calmer and more grounded
• Sleeping more deeply
• Less tension in the neck, shoulders, chest, or areas tension is normally held
• Fewer headaches
• Improved digestion and energy
• A greater sense of control over daily stress
• A steady, balanced emotional state rather than reactive anxiety

If you’re ready to feel calmer, sleep better, and get your energy back, you don’t have to keep managing it alone. Acupuncture helps your body remember how to find balance again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How does acupuncture help with anxiety?

It influences the nervous system and brain chemistry. It can lower stress hormones, release endorphins, and activate the rest-and-digest response.

Is acupuncture a substitute for therapy or medication?

No. Acupuncture can complement other treatments such as therapy, counseling, or prescribed medications. Many patients find that acupuncture enhances their results by reducing physical tension and emotional overwhelm, making it easier to engage in other forms of care.

Is acupuncture safe for people with anxiety or panic attacks?

Yes. When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe. Needles are sterile and single-use, and most people find treatment deeply relaxing. Mild soreness or lightheadedness afterward is rare and temporary.

How many sessions will I need before I feel better?

Every patient is unique. Some notice improvement after just one or two sessions, while others need several weeks of consistent care. Research studies showing significant anxiety reduction typically involved 8 or more treatments over 4–8 weeks.

Can acupuncture help with anxiety-related insomnia or physical symptoms?

Absolutely. Anxiety often affects sleep, digestion, and muscle tension. Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, improve sleep quality, relax tight muscles, and ease symptoms like chest tightness, headaches, or stomach discomfort that often accompany anxiety.

How long do the effects last?

Many people feel calmer for hours or even days after a session. Each treatment builds on the previous visit. This leads the body to stay in a new state rather than reverting back to having the issues it had previously. Regular treatments help retrain the nervous system to stay in a more balanced state, leading to longer-lasting relief over time.

Anxiety Treatment at Big Easy Acupuncture in Metairie

If you’re ready to explore acupuncture as part of your anxiety care:

• Location: Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine – Metairie, LA
• Scheduling: Easy online booking 24/7 at bigeasyacu.com
• Care style: one-on-one sessions focused on nervous system regulation, pain, strength, mobility, and long-term resilience

Why choose Big Easy Acupuncture for Anxiety Care

• • • Specialized in nervous system regulation and pain management
    • One-on-one hands-on treatments in a quiet, private setting
    • Customized plans combining acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle support
    • Convenient online scheduling and flexible hours
    • Licensed Acupuncturist with advanced training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
    • Custom herbal blends to continue stress and anxiety treatments outside the clinic.

Feel Right. Move Free. Live Easy.

Let’s help your nervous system finally exhale.

Evidence Summary

Modern research supports acupuncture as a safe and effective complementary approach for managing anxiety. Studies show it helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, release natural endorphins, and influence brain regions involved in mood and emotion. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrate significant improvements in anxiety symptoms compared with control or sham treatments. While results vary by individual, acupuncture consistently shows benefits for both physical tension and emotional regulation, making it a valuable addition to comprehensive anxiety care.
References

1. Gao, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, Z., et al. (2021). Acupuncture for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 784756. Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI / PMC).
2. Healthline Editorial Team. (2023). Acupuncture for Anxiety: How It Works, Benefits, and Risks. Source: Healthline.
3. Henry Ford Health. (2020). Get the Most Out of Acupuncture for Anxiety. Source: Henry Ford Health Blog.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2022). Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More. Source: MSKCC.org.
5. Evidence Based Acupuncture. (2023). Acupuncture and Anxiety: What the Research Says. Source: EvidenceBasedAcupuncture.org
6. Nebraska Medicine. (2022). Acupuncture Treatment for Depression and Anxiety. Source: NebraskaMed.com.
7. JAMA Network Open. (2022). Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Psychological Distress Among Patients with Anxiety or Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Source: JAMANetwork.com.

If you struggle with your weight, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 30% of all U.S. adults meet the criteria for being obese.¹

Americans spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. People are even turning to surgery as a weight loss option. This is a drastic measure and can cause unwanted side effects.

Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk, and it’s never too late to get started. People seeking to address their weight concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss.

A traditional approach to healing

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. According to TCM, the reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to lose weight, are numerous. Your acupuncturist is well versed in uncovering the root cause(s) or imbalances that have affected your weight.

Your acupuncturist will also take into consideration other factors that may have led to weight gain, including your lifestyle, and emotional and mental well-being. By taking your whole self into account, you and your acupuncturist can get to the root of your health concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms.

What will my acupuncturist do?

During your first visit, your acupuncturist will take an extensive health history and perform various exams. At the completion of your first visit, your acupuncturist will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an explanation of your treatment plan. Your treatments will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in your body, and will also help to support you in reaching your weight loss goals.

Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver.

A partnership for better health

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” By working with your acupuncturist, and committing to long-term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight.

In addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner may also recommend other lifestyle changes. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount, people are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss. By working together with your practitioner, you can help your body regain its natural balance—and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

Sources:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity
U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia, Article – Obesity. 4/19/2004.
Komada, J., Article – Acupuncture for Weight Loss, 2003.
Pitchford, P., Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, 1993.

Acupuncture for Stress | Big Easy Acupuncture, Metairie LA

Natural support for tension, overload, and nervous system fatigue

Stress is a normal part of life. Work, family, health, and daily demands all add up. The problem starts when stress does not turn off.

Many busy professionals, caregivers, and active adults live in a constant state of tight muscles, shallow breathing, poor sleep, and mental overload. Over time, the body can start to get stuck in that mode. This can affect how you move, how you sleep, and how you feel day to day.

At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Metairie, we help people reduce stress in a grounded, practical way by supporting the nervous system and releasing physical tension.

Common Signs of Ongoing Stress

Stress does not always feel emotional. Often, it shows up in the body first. This is common for people with demanding jobs, active schedules, or long days that leave little time to recover.

Physical signs include:

• Tight neck and shoulders
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Headaches or pressure
• Low back tightness
• Shallow breathing
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Feeling tired but wired
• High blood pressure
• Digestion or waste elimination issues 
• General aches and pains
• Chest tension or heart racing
• Trouble having sex 
• Stress rashes (hives)
• Slower recovery from workouts or long workdays

Behavior changes may also occur. Some people cope with stress through buffering or distracting behaviors, such as:

• Alcohol use
• Gambling
• Eating disorders
• Compulsive activities
• Substance use

These are signs our nervous system may be overloaded

What Stress Does to the Body

When stress is constant, your nervous system stays alert for too long.

This can lead to:

• Muscles staying tight and guarded
• Constant fight or flight mental state
• Reduced blood flow and slower recovery
• Poor sleep quality
• Digestive changes under pressure
• Faster fatigue and burnout

Your body is designed to handle stress in short bursts, not all day every day.

How Acupuncture Helps With Stress

Acupuncture helps shift the body out of constant alert mode and into a calmer, more balanced state.

At Big Easy Acupuncture, stress-focused care helps:

• Calm the nervous system
• Improved blood flow
• Release muscle tension
• Improve breathing patterns
• Support deeper, more restful sleep
• Help your body recover more efficiently

Treatments are hands-on, structured, and focused on helping your body reset rather than forcing relaxation.

What a Stress Treatment Feels Like

Many patients describe stress-focused treatments as calming but not sedating. Acupuncture is gentle. You may feel a slight pinch or tingle upon insertion of hair-fine needles but most needles are not felt when it comes to the process. 

During or after treatment, you may notice:

• Slower, deeper breathing
• Muscles softening
• A clearer or quieter mind
• Feeling more grounded
• Better sleep later that day or night

Everybody responds differently, but many people feel lighter and more at ease after sessions.

How Many Treatments Are Needed for Stress

The number of treatments depends on:

• How long stress has been building
• Your sleep and recovery habits
• Work and lifestyle demands
• How your body responds to care

In general:

• Short-term stress may improve in just a few visits
• Ongoing high-demand lifestyles often benefit from regular care at first
• Some patients choose maintenance visits to prevent stress from building back up

Short-term stress
Recent stress from work changes, life events, or poor sleep may improve within a few visits.

Chronic stress
Long-standing stress often benefits from more consistent care at first. Visits may be closer together early on and spaced out as the body stabilizes.

Maintenance and prevention
Some patients choose occasional follow-up visits to prevent stress from building back up, especially during busy or demanding periods.

We reassess regularly and adjust care based on your progress.

Small Daily Changes That Add Up

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The difference is how those hours are used and how often the body is allowed to recover.

Staying in a low stress state does not require big changes. Small, steady habits can add up over time.

Helpful changes may include:

• Going to bed and waking up around the same time
• Slowing your breathing for a few minutes during the day
• Taking short breaks from screens
• Moving your body gently, even on busy days
• Eating regular meals and drinking enough water
• Creating short moments of quiet or rest

These steps may sound simple, but when stress has been building for a long time, they can be hard to keep up without support.

Stress vs Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are related, but they are not the same.

• Stress is usually caused by external demands
• Anxiety is more of an internal nervous system pattern

Some people experience both. Treatment may overlap, but the focus can differ. We help determine what your body needs.

If worry, racing thoughts, or persistent nervousness are a bigger part of what you are experiencing, you may want to read our page on Acupuncture for Anxiety.

Ready to Get Started?

If stress is affecting your sleep, movement, or daily comfort, you do not have to keep pushing through it alone.

An initial acupuncture visit allows us to assess your nervous system, identify where tension is building, and create a care plan that fits your body and your lifestyle.

You can schedule online at your convenience or call our office if you have questions.

Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Metairie, LA
📅 Schedule Online: bigeasyacu.janeapp.com
📞 Call / Text: 504-650-0027
Feel Right. Move Free. Live Easy.

Quit Smoking / Quit Vaping | Big Easy Acupuncture, Metairie LA

Congratulations on Taking the First Step

If you’re reading this, you’ve already decided that quitting smoking or vaping matters.

That decision alone puts you ahead of most people.

Quitting nicotine is not just about stopping a habit. It’s about supporting your body and nervous system through a real biological change. Withdrawal symptoms, cravings, irritability, sleep disruption, and stress spikes are common, especially in the first few weeks.

Acupuncture can help make this transition more manageable by calming the nervous system, reducing withdrawal intensity, and supporting focus and emotional steadiness while your body adapts to life without nicotine.

If you’re committed to quitting and want structured, steady support rather than relying on willpower alone, this approach may be a good fit.

Ready to support your quit attempt with acupuncture?

Call or text 504-650-0027 or book online to get started.

What Is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture uses clean, thin needles placed at certain points on the body to help it heal.

It comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and is supported by modern research. Acupuncture helps with recovery and maintenance of people by:

• Reducing cravings
• Calming the nervous system to improve sleep, anxiety, and mood
• Improve breathing quality
• Improving blood flow
• Easing pain by releasing endorphins (body’s natural painkillers)
• Decompressing muscle areas and nerve bundles to have actions of the body happen more naturally 
• Bringing the body back into balance

How Acupuncture Helps With Smoking Cessation

“Nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours, peak around 72 hours, and gradually diminish over the following 3 to 4 weeks” (McLaughlin et al., 2015).

Some of the largest stumbling blocks to becoming smoke-free are the stress, anxiety and mood changes associated with quitting. 

Acupuncture helps by reducing withdrawal symptoms related to mood, physical body, and mental clarity as the person transitions into a smoke-free lifestyle 

• Support Mood: Reduces anxiety, irritability, and low mood.
• Support Body: Helps ease tremors, digestive upset, and appetite changes.
• Support Mental Clarity: Supports focus, memory, and clear thinking

Specific points in the ear and wrist are often used, while others can help lower cravings, balance appetite, and support healing of the lungs and organs. NADA protocol is one of the most commonly applied ear protocols for smoking cessation. Herbal formulas may also be used to calm the body and provide a healthy alternative during the transition

Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) reports primary symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal (American Psychiatric Association 2013) along with a general timeline of withdrawal symptoms: 

3 Primary Categories:

• Affective (Mood-Related): Anxiety, sadness, anhedonia, dysphoria, hyperalgesia, and irritability
• Somatic (Body-Related): Shaking, heart rate changes, digestion issues or discomfort, appetite changes
• Cognitive (Thinking-Related): Trouble with focus, concentration, or forgetfulness 

Cravings feel much more intensive at the beginning of smoking cessation. Your body and mind are detoxing from various areas and this takes time to shift the body into a new state. 

Here’s what most people can expect when they quit:

• First 24 hours:
  Cravings begin within a few hours of your last cigarette. Irritability, restlessness, and trouble concentrating often appear.
• Days 2–3 (Peak Withdrawal):
  By day 3, all the nicotine is out of your body. This is often the hardest time. Cravings feel strong, moods go up and down, and you might get headaches or feel hungrier.
• Weeks 1–2:
  Most physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue, digestive changes) start fading. Cravings are still there but usually come in short waves that last only a few minutes.
• Weeks 3–4:
  Your brain chemistry is adjusting to life without nicotine. Many people report feeling more clear-headed, having more energy, and breathing easier. Cravings are less frequent but can still be triggered by stress or routine.
• After 1–3 months:
  Physical withdrawal is largely gone. What remains is mostly habitual and psychological.  Triggers such as being around smokers, drinking coffee, or social situations. That’s where strategies (like the ones you’re collecting) and acupuncture really shine.

Once you understand what nicotine withdrawal looks like, the next step is learning how to measure real progress over time.

Quitting Smoking Happens in Stages

Anyone can quit smoking short term. What matters is tracking how your actions help you learn to stay smoke-free over time.

Lasting change comes from tracking meaningful metrics, not chasing perfection. These stages help measure how your actions support a smoke-free goal that aligns with your personal values.

1. Tolerance

How long can you stay smoke-free with normal triggers around you?

This stage is about learning how your body and mind respond when cigarettes are no longer there.

Triggers might include:

• Stress
• Being around other smokers
• After meals
• Driving
• Habitual routines

Tolerance is not about willpower. It’s about how long your nervous system can stay steady without nicotine. Acupuncture can help calm cravings, reduce agitation, and make this stage more manageable.

Progress here looks like:

• Fewer cravings
• Shorter craving periods
• Feeling less reactive to triggers

2. Fortitude

If you slip, do you return to being smoke-free or fall back into regular smoking?

Fortitude is what happens after a cigarette, not before it.

If a cigarette happens, this stage asks:

• Do you stop again?
• Or does one turn into many?

Fortitude is the ability to interrupt the spiral. One cigarette does not erase progress. What matters is the decision to return to not smoking instead of giving up entirely.

Acupuncture supports this stage by:

• Reducing guilt and stress
• Helping regulate urges
• Making it easier to reset
• helping the body to detox

3. Resilience

How quickly do you return to living smoke-free after a cigarette?

Resilience is about recovery time, not perfection.

Instead of asking:
“Why did this happen?”

Resilience asks:
“How soon can I get back on track?”

Early on, it might take days.
Later, it might take hours.
Eventually, it may take minutes.

That shortening recovery time is real progress.

4. Adaptability

Do your habits improve, stay the same, or slowly get worse over time?

Adaptability looks at the big picture.

Over weeks and months:

• Are cravings decreasing?
• Are you handling stress differently?
• Are you building new routines that support not smoking?

Adaptability means your system is learning. Even small improvements matter. Acupuncture helps support this by calming the nervous system, reducing stress load, and making change feel less overwhelming.

A Different Way to Think About Quitting

Quitting smoking is not about being perfect.
It’s about learning how to return to balance faster each time.

If you’re ready to quit smoking or vaping, acupuncture can support your nervous system through each stage of the process.

Key Point

Most people find the worst of nicotine withdrawal is over within 2 weeks, with cravings dropping sharply after 1 month. From there, it’s mainly about breaking habits and avoiding triggers.

WAYS TO COUNTER AND RESIST TOBACCO CRAVINGS

• Know your triggers – Notice the times, places, or feelings that make you want to smoke. Make a plan for how to handle those moments differently.
• Write down or say out loud your reasons – Your own reasons to quit are powerful. The more reasons you list, the more you’ll remind yourself why quitting is worth it and why you should stick with it
• Focus on the benefits – Keep reminders visible: more energy, fresher breath, no smoke smell, and extra money in your pocket. Keep this somewhere visible if possible while you rewire your brain into new patterns
• Redefine your time as a non-smoker – Think about what you’ll do with the extra time. Imagine the healthier, smoke-free version of yourself and act like that person today. Become the future you now by embodying that persona.
• Find new ways to relax – Replace smoking with a walk, deep breathing, stretching, or another calming activity. Do something new with your time or just appreciate the time itself and be present with it.
• Use physical activity to manage cravings – Exercise, even light movement, helps cravings pass, boosts your mood, and strengthens your lungs. Find a physical activity you enjoy.
• Build your support network – Ask friends, family, or a coach to keep you accountable. Support groups can also help you stay on track.
• Choose a special time and place to buy cigarettes – Don’t buy them where you shop for other things. Keep it separate so you don’t grab a pack out of habit.

Extra Resources

Be connected to your state’s tobacco cessation services:

📱📞Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)

Adults can also text QUITNOW to 333888 for free support.

Ready To Quit? Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to quit smoking or vaping for good, acupuncture can give you the calm, clarity, and support you need.

Call 504-650-0027 or Book Online Today using the book now link to start your smoke-free journey with Big Easy Acupuncture.

FEEL RIGHT. MOVE FREE. LIVE EASY.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association . Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM 5. American Psychiatric Association; Washington: 2013.
2. McLaughlin I, Dani JA, De Biasi M. Nicotine withdrawal. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2015;24:99-123. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-13482-6_4. PMID: 25638335; PMCID: PMC4542051.

Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary physical and emotional change. It’s also a time when it’s more important than ever to support and care for your well-being. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you meet the unique challenges of pregnancy, ensuring optimal health for you and your baby in a safe and natural way, without the use of harmful medications.

What to expect

Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years to regulate the female reproductive system. Acupuncture and TCM are based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM work to balance the Qi in the body’s meridian and organ systems by manipulating corresponding points on the body.

For a healthy pregnancy, regular weekly and/or monthly treatments are recommended. However, your practitioner will tailor your treatment entirely to your needs and suggest treatment based on your unique symptoms and concerns.

Because some acupuncture points should not be used during pregnancy, it’s important to choose a practitioner experienced in prenatal acupuncture. It’s also important to discuss any treatments or herbal supplements with all of your prenatal health care providers.

Relief for common concerns

Regular balancing treatments throughout your pregnancy can enhance your health as well as your baby’s health, potentially preventing complications and positively influencing the development of your baby. Many mothers-to-be find themselves facing anxiety, fatigue, back pain, heartburn, nausea and other symptoms as a result of the many new demands being placed on their bodies. Acupuncture has been found to effectively relieve many of these symptoms.

Morning sickness responds particularly well to acupuncture, and your practitioner can even show you specific points that you can massage at home to help restore your appetite. Recent studies have also shown promising results in using acupuncture for depression during and after pregnancy.

Breech babies and other issues

Acupuncture can also help with more serious issues during pregnancy. Specific acupuncture points and techniques are very useful for turning “breech babies” (those positioned feet first). One study concluded that acupuncture is useful for babies that position themselves in a difficult presentation, and it is a relatively simple, effective and inexpensive method for breech birth presentation.1 Treatment involves moxibustion, or applying heat from the burning of the herb mugwort to a point on the little toes. The treatment causes no adverse side effects.

If your due date has passed, acupuncture can also be used to induce labor through gentler means than traditional Western labor-inducing treatments and medications. Acupuncture and acupressure can even be used to help control pain, calm the mind and reduce stress during delivery.

After baby has arrived

It’s important to recover properly after childbirth. Acupuncture can help you heal and regain your strength and vitality, rebalance your energy, boost your body’s defenses and help address concerns such as pain, fatigue, and postpartum depression.

References:
1 Acupuncture Conversion of Fetal Breech Presentation. D. Habek, et. al. Fetal Diagn Ther 2003;18:418-421
Non-Stress Test Changes During Acupuncture Plus Moxibustion on BL67 Point in Breech Presentation. I. Neri, PhD., et al. Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Vol. 9, No. 3, 158-162 (2002)
Acupuncture during IVF improves pregnancy chances.Link
Research Articles on Acupuncture and Pregnancy.Link