Did you know that tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 constituents which are more or less likely to cause cancer? In the list of ingredients, apart from nicotine which is a potent neurotoxin and often used in pesticides, you will find: benzene (which is added to petrol), formaldehyde (which is an embalming fluid), ammonia (you can also clean your windows with this) and acetone (used to remove nail enamel)! We all know the effects smoking can have on our health and wellbeing. Another negative side effect nowadays is standing outside, whatever the weather, very often exposed to the elements!

If you wish to “kick the habit” and not “the bucket”, try alternative options such as hypnotherapy or acupuncture, or a combination of both. Very often, only one session of acupuncture can keep you away from the fags. During the session, small patches with tiny pins will be applied in one ear, which stay there for several days (3 to 14 days) and trigger an impulse on certain acupuncture points to suppress the cravings.

It is also important for a successful treatment to boost your immune system. Vitamin C, lots of leafy greens in your daily diet and Magnesium can give you the needed support. The herbal remedy Avena Sativa (available from chemists), which is made from oats, can also be of great help. Oats have a positive effect on a wide range of nervous conditions. They are mildly antidepressant, gently raising energy levels and supporting an over-stressed nervous system – very often a problem when trying to give up the habit of smoking!

For further information, contact Monika Becker at the Wantage Natural Therapy Centre on 01235 760079 or www.monikabecker.co.uk