Advanced Hypnotherapy Offers a Safe Alternative to Varinicline (Chantix, Pfizer) for the Great American Smokeout

San Diego, CA, November 12, 2011 --(PR.com)-- “Hypnosis is the single most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. A meta-analysis, statistically combined results of more than 600 studies of 72,000 people from America and Europe to compare various methods of quitting. On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone,” according to Lynn Whitmire, owner of Advanced Hypnotherapy.

“When combining hypnotherapy with another strategy like acupuncture the results are additive,” said Cheryl Warnke, founder of Silver Sage Acupuncture. “For example Dr. Joseph Barber conducted a study at the University of Washington, Seattle and found that hypnosis combined with another smoking cessation protocol like acupuncture, could be extremely effective. At follow up 6 months to 3 years after 91% of the participants reported staying abstinent.”

Deborah Brauser of Medscape Medical News reported “New research shows Varinicline is associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidal behavior and depression.” The study coinvestigator, Curt D.Furberg, M.D.,PhD. said in an interview with Brauser “This should not be a first line drug. Idealistically, it should come off the market, but that is not realistic. So a more realistic recommendation is to restrict its use.”

Statistics show that the when combining hypnotherapy with another strategy like acupuncture the results are additive. Said Cheryl Warnke, founder of Silver Sage Acupuncture "For example Dr. Joseph Barber conducted a study at the University of Washinton, Seattle and found that hypnosis combined with another smoking cessation protocol like acupuncture, could be extremely effective. At followup 6 months to 3 years after 91% of the participants reported staying abstinent." This compares favorably with the most successful nicotine replacement therapy, varinicline, which according to the manufacturer, has a 44 percent success rate. Acupuncture and hypnosis are a safe and effective alternative to nicotine replacement therapies.

Whitmire and Warnke, are partnering to offer a 2011 Ultimate Smoking Cessation package designed to be affordable and accessible for everyday San Diegans. The program will be offered during the Great American Smokeout week Nov. 14-18 and includes one 60-minute session of hypnotherapy with Whitmire and three 45-minute acupuncture treatments at Silver Sage Acupuncture. Cost of the package is $199.00.

Participation in the Ultimate Smoking Cessation program is limited. To reserve a spot or for more information, call Lynn Whitmire at 858-270-5756 or Cheryl Warnke at 858-576-7243.

Lynn Whitmire C.H.T., C.M.T., is the owner of Advanced Hypnotherapy (www.AdvancedHypnotherapyOnline.com ). Lynn has received extensive training in hypnosis, NLP and energy psychology. She is a certified mind-body hypnotherapist. A member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association she is a registered hypno-anesthesia therapist and a Certified Master Trainer for the International Association of Counselors and Therapists providing beginning and advanced hypnosis training courses.

Cheryl Warnke L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., is the owner of Silver Sage Acupuncture (www.SilverSageAcupuncture.com). She has been in practice since 1993 and is a California Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics, Nationally Certified Licensed Acupuncturist. Warnke was formally Educated at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine & traditionally trained by Master Acupuncturists. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition.

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