Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

What is Acupuncture?

Another alternative method for smoking cessation is to use acupuncture to quit smoking.

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called “qi”(pronounced chee), that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

There are many theories as to how does acupuncture work. Some of the theories are:

• acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
• acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters i.e. substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
• acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
• acupuncture stimulates circulation
• acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body.

Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

Although helpful when quitting smoking, acupuncture is not a magic cure. It is, however, very effective when used to reduce cravings and lessen nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment with acupuncture to quit smoking, therefore, will focus on the jitters, the cravings, the irritability and the restlessness that affect people when they are trying to stop smoking. Acupuncture will also aid in relaxation and detoxification.

Acupuncture Side Effects

Since it is considered very safe only rarely are acupuncture side effects reported. These minor side effects could include:

• bleeding
• pain
• bruising

In extremely rare incidences, injury to nerves, lungs and infections (like hepatitis) from dirty needles have been reported.

How Many Treatments are Necessary?

The number and length of treatments varies form person to person but generally, when being used for smoking cessation, there will be 4-6 treatments in the first few weeks. These will be followed by monthly treatments for 4-6 months.

How Much Does it Cost?

When researching the cost of acupuncture, there seemed to be a wide range of prices. Individual treatments ranged from about $70 - $125 but when I could find prices for quitting smoking programs the range was between $495 and $700. Most of the stop smoking programs consisted of 5 treatments which possibly would be covered by insurance.

Often as part or treatment various Chinese herbs are also recommended at an additional cost.

How Does Acupuncture Compare With Laser?

Low level laser treatments are very similar to acupuncture because both modalities use the stimulation of acupoints to achieve results. Therefore, both have the same lessening of withdrawal symptoms. Laser therapy, however, does not use needles but uses the laser to stimulate the points so there isn’t the same potential for the side effects caused by acupuncture.

Also, laser generally takes only one treatment to achieve smoking cessation and costs at least $150 less.


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