Frequently Asked Questions about the Stop
Smoking Laser
What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
LLLT is the application of a cold "pure" laser light to treat conditions
such as smoking, weight loss or stress. Low Level Laser Therapy has been used successfully to treat many kinds of injuries because it promotes healing and tissue repair.
It has also been used to treat ulcers and increase healing time in
wounds. HLC uses low level laser therapy to treat clients who
would like to quit smoking, lose weight or become less stressed.
What makes Low Level
Laser Therapy work?
The laser reaches through the skin to
stimulate nerve endings. The treatment is similar to
acupuncture in that we treat acupuncture meridian points with the
low level laser. Low level laser is currently under
investigation in the U.S. to see if it boosts endorphin production,
which is produced normally by you and is natures own mood lifter and
anesthetic. This endorphin production may relieve the cravings
and withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking to keep you calm and
relaxed.
Is LLLT safe?
Low level laser
therapy is completely non-invasive. We use a cold laser, not to be
confused with a hot, surgical laser. The laser is considered a
"non-significant risk medical device". It has been used in England, Canada and Europe for over
20 years. There are no
side effects associated with our laser treatment to quit smoking.
The therapy is completely painless and extremely relaxing.
Most clients tend to fall asleep during the treatment.
What type of low level laser do
you use?
HLC uses a cold,
low level laser for therapy. The laser that we use is imported from
Canada and is the best in the business. A low level laser system must have enough power and be
calibrated with the right wavelength to be effective for the quit
smoking and weight loss treatments. Our laser features a 200 mW / 800nm
probe. This is a very powerful, state of the art laser that is
used by doctors and chiropractors for the treatment of carpal tunnel
syndrome, arthritis and pain management. You will find many
laser companies using cheap, inferior 5 mW lasers that do not provide
enough power for the therapy to work. Our lasers have been
designed specifically for quitting smoking or losing weight and they
do that very well.
What if I use chewing tobacco or dip?
HLC treats people who dip, smoke
pipes, smoke cigars or even flavored tobacco hookahs. If you
have a nicotine addiction, we can help.
How does your clinic
compare with other laser clinics?
Healing Laser Clinics was started by
3 ex smokers. What separates us from other clinics is that we
don't apply the laser for 20 minutes and send you home. Over
the years we have refined our counseling techniques, paperwork and
laser protocols to provide the best possible experience for our
clients. Our in-depth counseling will assist with the
behavioral aspects of quitting. You also receive a folder and
paperwork detailing exactly what you should expect before and after
the treatment. You should expect to spend about an hour
with us for your therapy. You will also receive 2 follow up
treatments that you have 12 months to use should you need them.
This provides good insurance that you will remain a non-smoker.
We understand what smokers are
going through when they quit smoking and we hold ourselves to the
highest standards in helping you to quit smoking, dipping or
chewing.
The Healing Laser Clinics name is
widely recognized because of the many news stories that were
produced about the success of the clinic and the many radio
personalities that were treated in our clinics.
Will this treatment
hurt?
Most people describe an extremely
relaxed feeling after the laser session. The laser is a cold
laser and does not hurt. The laser that we use is a class iii
cold laser, not to be confused with a hot, or surgical laser.
Many of our clients end up falling asleep within minutes of starting
the therapy because it is so relaxing.
Will I gain weight?
Weight gain may be avoidable when
quitting smoking. Studies conducted in
other countries have shown little to no weight gain with LLLT.
Drinking water for the next few weeks after quitting will help you
to feel fuller. Laser therapy keeps you relaxed so that you
don't decide to reach for food rather than a cigarette. We
also treat points that boost your metabolism.
What points do you focus the laser
on?
We treat 47 points on the ears, face, wrists and
hands. We have a 3 step process for treatment:
1st - We treat points for nicotine addiction to
help block the body's need for nicotine.
2nd - We treat diet points to control your appetite
and avoid excessive weight gain.
3rd - We treat stress and relaxation points to
help avoid withdrawal symptoms and reduce stress and anxiety.
Will my medical insurance cover
the cost of therapy?
We do not personally accept
insurance but many insurance companies will reimburse you for your
treatment. We can print out a detailed receipt that you can
submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We also accept
flexible spending accounts and can be added to your companies
insurance plan. HLC works with many corporations to provide a
discount rate to their employees. Inquire with your Human
Resources Manager or Benefits Coordinator about an HLC employee
discount plan.
Are there any health conditions
for which laser therapy is not recommended?
LLLT is not recommended
for those who have blockages, tumors, active cancers or
for those who are undergoing radiation, chemotherapy or those who
are pregnant. If you have epilepsy or a thyroid condition,
please inform your laser therapist prior to treatment. If you
have any concerns or questions regarding the therapy, please consult
with your doctor first.
Is your laser clinic
under a doctor's
supervision?
Every Healing Laser
Clinics location is under the supervision of a Medical Director.
Healing Laser Clinics corporate office in Lake Mary, FL is under the
guidance of Dr. Michael E. Dillehay, MD.
What form of payment do you take
for laser treatments?
Most HLC clinics accept Visa, Mastercard,
checks and Cash.
We also accept most Flexible Spending Account cards.
Can I purchase a Gift Certificate
for smoking or weight loss?
Yes. We can take payment
over the phone and mail a gift certificate to you or you can visit a clinic and
pick one up in person.
What does the treatment cost?
We often run specials
so it is best to call up and find out if we have any promotions
going on. Depending on the sale and the office location, treatments run from $200.00 to $400.00.
Where are your clinics located?
Healing Laser Clinics
currently has offices in
California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Missouri. Our corporate
headquarters and training facilities are located in Lake Mary, FL.
You can find the clinic closest to you by visiting our
locations page.
How do I sign up for the treatment?
All treatments are by appointment only. You can call the
nearest office to your location for an appointment.