Being smokefree means so much more than simply quitting smoking. Don't think of stopping smoking cigarettes and tobacco as giving up. When you stop smoking and become smokefree you won't be 'giving up', you will be taking control and changing your life. – www.gosmokefree.co.uk

Quitting smoking will be one of the best things that you’ll ever do. Imagine the sense of achievement you will feel when you have quit. You will not only look and feel healthier, but you will smell fresher too and have extra money in your pocket!

Smoking is an addiction and the addictive part of the cigarette is the nicotine. Think back to the first time you had a cigarette, it very probably tasted horrible, but after a while you become addicted and start to enjoy it. Once you have stopped nicotine doesn’t stay in the body for very long, it disappears within about 2 days. It is the withdrawal symptoms to nicotine that very often lead people back to lighting up.

Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and mental changes that occur following interruption or termination of drug use. They are normally temporary and are a product of the physical or psychological adaptation to long-term drug use, requiring a period of re-adjustment when the drug is no longer ingested. In the case of smoking, some of these are:

Withdrawal symptom

Duration

Proportion of those trying to quit

Irritability / aggression	Less than 4 weeks	50%
Depression	Less than 4 weeks	60%
Restlessness	Less than 4 weeks	60%
Poor concentration	Less than 2 weeks	60%
Increased appetite	Greater than 10 weeks	70%
Light-headedness	Less than 48 hours	10%
Night-time awakenings	Less than 1 week	25%
Craving	Greater than 2 weeks	70%

The severity of symptoms can vary from one person to another. They are normally short term and for most, pass quickly. For others though, it can take a little longer and support may be required.

So how can a holistic approach help you or a loved one cope better with these inevitable side effects.

Aromatherapy
Essential oils have many properties which can help with the symptoms shown above. They can be used in massage or simply by inhalation.

Bergamot has a multi layered effect, especially helpful in relieving anxiety, stress, tension and depression. Its combination of refreshing and cooling qualities help with frustration and anger, possibly by calming and minimizing the action of the sympathetic nervous system – responsible for our fight or flight response. The oil can help people regain self confidence while refreshing and uplifting the spirit.

Mandarin can help inspire, cheer and strengthen you emotionally. It can help ease tension, fear and irritability. The uplifting influence of this oil can help lift depression and reduce anxiety and yet it has a calming action that can dispel insomnia and sleep disturbances.

Frankincense has a strong anti-infammatory action and also stimulates the immune system. It is considered one the most valuable oils for respiratory disorders of a serious nature, and is especially useful to help clear the lungs and aid deep breathing. It is excellent to help ease the headaches and sinus pain that often occur in the early days of quitting.

Reflexology
A powerful natural way to detoxify the body by using acupressure points on the feet. Reflexology relaxes and calms the mind and is therefore a great tool to help during the withdrawal process.

Packages available
Vida offer holistic therapy to help you or a loved one to cope better with the side effects of quitting. Packages and Individual treatments are available to suit your requirements:

3 Week Intensive Package: Ideally this course should be started the week you give up smoking and includes:

Full Consultation
6 x therapy sessions inc Reflexolgy, Aromatherapy, Hopi Ear Candling and Holistic Facial
Survival Goodie Bag

Cost - £160

6 Week Progressive Support Programme:

Ideal for those who have already quit and are looking for a distraction or reward, also great to help detox the body and rejuvenate grey dull skin:

Package includes:

Full consultation
6 x weekly therapy sessions of Holistic Facial, Reflexology, Swedish Massage and Manicure

Price is £30 per session or pay for 5 and get 6th free