Cigars / Pipes

Much of the emphasis on the harmful effects of tobacco have centers on the cigarettes, but much less on cigars and pipes. It has been proved beyond a doubt that smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, and other fatal diseases. Cigars and pipes can also cause the above diseases but they are especially linked to throat and mouth cancer, a major concern. Cigars and pipes are also a source of nicotine, an additive substance. Nicotine acts like am injection of adrenaline, increasing pulse rate,

and blood pressure, which makes the heart work faster and harder, so that the heart actually needs more oxygen. Smoking cigars or a pipe will result in increased levels of nicotine in the blood and the problems associated with its additive qualities. Research on addiction indicated that nicotine works much like heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. When nictotime was give to volunteer intravenously (into veins), many of them cold not tell the difference between the effect of nicotine and that of cocaine. Nicotine produces pleasurable sensations and physical dependency by affecting the brain and spinal cord.


It is important that tobacco use (both smoking and chewing) has associated health risks and its use will prevent you from attaciong your highest health potential.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing.