Smoking is a global social problem. A third of the world population (1.1 billion people) smokes. 3.5 million smokers and 19,000 non-smokers, because of passive smoking, die every year.

The reasons to quit smoking are infinite! Smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.

Cigarettes have 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known carcinogenic compounds and 400 other toxins. According to the CDC, smoking is the cause for 443,000 premature deaths each year and is associated with emphysema, lung cancer, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chronic cough and an increase in the frequency of colds and flu.
Besides being a nervous habit, smoking is an addiction.
In fact, nicotine is one of the most addicting drugs known to humanity. Its negative effects are not immediately apparent, as are those of other drugs, but its long-term effects are often deadly.
Treatment with acupuncture for smoking cessation is dynamic. 
Acupuncture helps all those who want to quit smoking but cannot. Acupuncture, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, is a highly effective aid in the control of smoking and other addictions.

Acupuncture helps to: 

  • Decrease the physical cravings for tobacco.
  • It also lessens the symptoms of withdrawal and has a
  • Generally sedative effect on the nervous system.

Beta-endorphin, the natural hormone which causes physical relaxation and reduces sensitivity to pain, is released by the acupuncture treatment. This production of beta-endorphin is part of the physical mechanism which makes it possible for you to quit smoking.
Statistical studies show a success rate in smoking cessation with acupuncture 85-90%.
Treatments consist of:
Insertion of sterile, disposable needles into special points on the ear, hand and wrist. A mild electric current is sometimes passed through these needles to augment the effect. Each treatment lasts about 30 minutes. Minute sterile retainer needles or press pellets are inserted into the ear and remain in place for a few days. These “ear-tags” serve to exert a constant mini-stimulus to special points found helpful in reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Weight gain is less of a problem when acupuncture is used because the acupuncture points that reduce the craving for tobacco also help to control the craving for food.
Bibliography
  • Liu Z, Yang JS, Wu Y, Zhang O, Chen M, Huang LL, He XQ, Wu GY, Wang YY. Predictors for Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture in a Hong Kong Population. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
  • Forsch Ausfeld-Hafter B, Marti F, Hoffmann S. Smoking cessation with ear acupuncture. Descriptive study on patients after a smoking cessation treatment with ear acupuncture.  Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2004 Feb.
  • White A, Taylor A. Acupuncture for smoking cessation: where now? Acupunct Med. 2014 Aug.
  • McFadden DD, Chon TY, Croghan IT, Schroeder DR, Mallory MJ, Ebbert JO, Hays JT. Trial of intensive acupuncture for smoking cessation: a pilot study. Acupunct Med. 2015 Oct.
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