of stress, boredom and anxiety—they turned to bad habits such as cigarettes and overeating.

Reverse a decades-long decline in smoking, cigarette sales actually rose last year.

And, according to a Healthline study, 61% of people report they gained weight since the pandemic began, with the average weight gain toting in at 29 pounds per person.

“Every aspect of our everyday lives was impacted. Gyms were closed, and, really, the only place to go was the grocery store,” says Luciana McCartney, owner of AcuLaser Treatment and Wellness Centre in Brecksville. “People who already smoked found themselves smoking more, since they had unlimited access to cigarettes working from home. And many picked up the dangerous habit to deal with added stress.”

Laser Acupuncture
As a lifelong advocate of holistic and natural approaches to wellness, Luciana has done extensive research on the effects of laser acupuncture to address smoking cessation, weight loss and stress relief.

“Like acupuncture, but without the needles, during the painless 30-minute treatment, the cold, low-level laser gently stimulates pressure points on the arms, hands, legs and feet related to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, stress, relaxation and detoxification,” she says.

With smoking cessation, it only takes one treatment to work. Then Luciana offers a lifetime of free follow-up care, and she notes that several of her clients have taken her up on this generous support service.

To address weight loss, the laser is adept at controlling appetite and cravings, while simultaneously revving up the metabolism.

And working with a different set of pressure points, it can also encourage the body to release endorphins and lower cortisol levels for stress management.

“This treatment is very much like a massage, except we are working on an internal level, affecting the central nervous system,” says Luciana. “Clients report they feel relaxed, rejuvenated and at peace after a treatment.”

Many of her clients went from skeptics to believers. Just ask Leslie O., who says she only half-heartedly went in for smoking cessation treatment. “I rolled my eyes at the end of the session when she told me I was a non-smoker. Well, it’s now been over two years since I smoked a cigarette and I really don’t miss it. If you’ve tried and failed every other way (and, even if you haven’t tried anything, but you want to quit), you should give this place a try!”

Another smoking cessation client, Algena L., had this to say, “I went to see them on Thursday, June 11, 2020, and haven’t smoked since then. It was such a blessing! And the staff was phenomenal. The atmosphere was calming.”

Tucked away in a secluded red brick building surrounded by blooming trees, AcuLaser features a Zen vibe within its five treatment rooms and lobby, with pale gray wood flooring, posh white lacquered furniture, brushed gold lighting and soothing shades of barely-there blues and serene grays.