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Laser Smoking Cessation & Laser Weight Management
Description of Service: How Low Level Laser Works
Studies have shown that Laser Trigger Point therapy has a similar effect as the Eastern Art of Acupuncture. Europe and the United States researchers have noted the affects of this new treatment are:
- reduce cravings
- reduce tension
- reduce anxiety
- increase circulation
- allows a deep relaxation of the musculature
Studies suggest these treatments affect the parasympathetic/sympathetic response similar to what is commonly referred to as a flight or fight sensation. This sympathetic response or “Flight or Fight” mode is seen in the extreme example of the response of person faced with a grizzly bear. A similar, but much lower, response of anxiety is also seen with the first few days of smoking cessation or the first few days of starting a new diet. Symptoms include anxiety, sweaty palms, nervousness, poor concentration, and muscular tension all over. Used for Pain Management in the past to reduce pain by reducing tension and creating relaxation, a surprising side effect noted by patients was a reduction in craving and even allowing some smokers to quit smoking. This lead to the clinical trials of using Lasers for Smoking Cessation and Weight Management.
The laser treatment targeted to specific trigger points have shown to release endorphins (natural enzymes and hormones in the body) to be released causing a relaxation effect, reducing this flight or fight mode and thereby reducing the symptoms often seen with diets and the physical withdrawal of Nicotine. By reducing these symptoms, studies have found patients have a better success rate at achieving their goals of quitting smoking or losing weight by helping the patient over come the toughest part of any diet or stop smoking program, the first few weeks.
Success is noted to be improved if the physical withdrawal from nicotine can be reduced during the first 72 hours of smoking cessation. This is considered the “control period”, where most smokers have the hardest time in controlling the cravings and physical withdrawal symptoms of smoking cessation. These treatments have been used for over 30 years in Canada and Europe and have now become available in the United States.
The treatments, currently considered a clinical trial, are completely pain free, drug free, and results are felt immediately. During the laser treatment, a laser hand piece will be applied to specific trigger points on your ears, hands, face and back of the head. After a few locations are performed, patients often note a tingling sensation throughout their body. With continued areas, a full body relaxation is often noted. Some may feel no sensation at all.
Doctors: The FDA has ruled low-level lasers as “non-significant risk” devices and the clinical research trials are being funded through patient participation. BioDerm Skin Care & Laser Center is performing these clinical trials as an adjunctive method to assist patients in their efforts to quit smoking.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Laser therapy is non-invasive and drug-free. It has been widely used internationally for over 30 years. The laser used by BioDerm Laser Therapy Clinics is a low-level or cold laser (class III).
Where is the laser applied?
Specific trigger points on the ears, hands, faces, and head are treated with a 45 second pulse of the cold laser which have been shown to reduce nicotine addiction, cravings, and muscular tension.
Does Health Insurance cover this?
Laser smoking cessation/Weight Management is not covered by health insurance. Laser Smoking Cessation is an elective treatment option. The value of quitting smoking will offset the cost of the laser treatment. For example, a smoker who smokes 1 pack a day will spends approximately $1,500 a year. Laser Weight Management is not covered by health insurance. The benefits from weight reduction are priceless and can not only improve appearance but improve overall health since obesity is directly linked to heart disease, diabetes, and early death.
Who would not be a candidate for this treatment?
Patients with epilepsy, currently pregnant, taking photosensitive medication, or have a history of cancer or pace maker are not candidates for this treatment. Laser Smoking Cessation and Laser Weight Management are not intended to replace medical care or diet and exercise. BioDerm recommends that you consult your personal physician for any health related issues.
How many laser treatments are required?
Most Laser smoking cessation only requires one session. The single session may have lasting effects from 1 week to 1 month, and is designed to reduce the cravings and withdrawal affects of the body during the early stages of quitting. Studied here in the United States are suggesting the effects are an increase in the body’s production of endorphins. This has shown to reduce the effects of smoking cessation withdrawal by controlling and reducing the cravings and withdrawals effects (anxiety, tension) usually seen during the first few days of smoking cessation. Generally the first 72 hours are the most difficult time for a person to quit smoking
Laser Weight Management is designed to reduce cravings and anxiety. This is done on a continued basis with treatments performed weekly to periodically reduce the craving that lead to weight gain.
Is it guaranteed?
The low-level laser does not take away your psychological addiction to nicotine. Each client has a unique level to his/her addiction, so laser therapy cannot be guaranteed. The treatments are not designed to cause you to quit smoking; the decision to quit is up to the client. The Laser Smoking Cessation treatment is designed to help with the craving and withdrawal effects for those who are trying to quit smoking. It is meant to be used as a tool to help improve the chances of quitting by reducing the craving and anxiety associated with the first few days of quitting smoking. BioDerm will works closely with each client to support them in achieving their goals.
Laser Weight Management is used a tool to help reduce the craving of snacks, deserts, and general food. This must be combined with appropriate diet and exercise to achieve the desired results. The Laser Weight Management treatment is not designed as a one stop quick fix. It will not cause you to lose weight, but it can help you with your efforts to lose weight by reducing anxiety and cravings.
How is the laser treatment able to manage my weight?
The laser treatments can improve your metabolism and help suppress appetite. The laser treatments may also help weight for those smokers who fear weight gain often seen with quitting smoking. Appropriate diet and exercise will also need to be included in order to maintain the results from the laser treatments.
Are these an FDA approved procedure?
The Laser Smoking Cession Treatments are considered a clinical trial and currently is pending FDA approval for smoking cessation and weight management. It is currently used for Pain Management which has found that these patients noted a reduction in cravings and anxiety and an increase in smoking cessation in those patients treated for pain management. The treatment also includes educational material about nicotine addiction, and literature about the advantages of non-smoker’s health improvements.
Weight management is also pending FDA approval. Treatments are performed weekly and include a personal laser weight management specialist who works with each individual to improve and monitor the course and progress of the treatments
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