Acupuncture for stopping smoking is a simple yet very effective treatment. It can help ease cravings, calm nerves and eliminate the stress and irritability associated with stopping smoking. The treatment involves the insertion of tiny needles into various points on the ear. These needles remain in place for 20 minutes while you are able to relax. After the needles have been taken out and disposed of, a small plaster with an 'ear seed' will be stuck on your ear. This may sound strange, but it is excellent for keeping those nicotine cravings at bay inbetween treatments. Every time you get a craving, you simply press on the ear seed for 30 seconds and the craving disappears.
Other techniques for smoking cessation can also be discussed which will help and can work alongside acupuncture. Please note that will power is needed.
Several studies have been carried out on the effectiveness of acupuncture and stopping smoking:-
Long, W (2000) carried out a study called "Ear pressing in treating 240 cases of tobacco withdrawal syndrome". He found that 67.5% of subjects stopped smoking completely and 100% reduced the amount that they smoked.
Ming, Gao & Huain-ming, Y (1995)- "Clinical observation on 100 cases of quitting smoking by ear pressing". They concluded that their study was 85% effective in stopping smoking.
Yan-ning, L & Cai-xia, S (1999) found that 92.4% were able to quit smoking in their trial titled "Acupuncture and moxibustion to treat withdrawal syndrome from not smoking: report of 52 cases"
