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Not Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body and act on the nervous system. One common rationale for the use of acupuncture for smoking cessation is that acupuncture can release endorphins that assist in cessation by easing tobacco withdrawal. Acupuncture can be used with other forms of cessation methods.
Acupuncture is a traditional form of alternative treatment for a wide range of illnesses, which started in the Far East thousands of years ago. Its aim is to improve the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result.
How does it work?
Acupuncturists claim that by inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, they can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states (such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief), poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Recovering your equilibrium may help you with the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
How successful is acupuncture in stopping people smoking?
Acupuncture has been promoted for many years as being a successful aid in helping smokers to quit. However a wide range of scientific studies have not produced any clear evidence that acupuncture is effective when compared with other anti-smoking treatments.
Altering where the needles are placed (for example in the ear lobes) does not appear to make any difference either. Similar "acupuncture-like" treatments such as acupressure, laser therapy or electrostimulation also do not appear to be effective in helping you to give up either.
Are there any side-effects?
There may be some discomfort around the areas where the acupuncture needles are inserted, but this normally passes quickly. There are no other regularly reported side-effects from acupuncture.
However, if acupuncture is administered incorrectly or without care, there is the possibility of infection from dirty needles or puncture wounds from pushing the needles in too far.
What are the benefits of this option?
- No drugs are involved in acupuncture
- It is a relatively safe option, although it must be performed by an experienced practitioner
- Acupuncture is popular with smokers who prefer a "natural" or "alternative" method of trying to quit.
What are the disadvantages of this option?
- There is no good evidence that acupuncture works
- It can be slightly painful for some people
- It may be expensive
- It is not available on prescription.
