Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture

Smoking cessation by acupuncture is a therapeutic procedure of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is designed to help smokers quit smoking. The basic principle of this procedure is based on the effect of relieving withdrawal symptoms. However, in order to achieve a sufficient effect with the help of acupuncture, it is necessary that the treatment can begin only after the person has previously remained smoke-free for 24 hours and has the desire to become a non-smoker.

Indications (areas of application)

  • Smoking cessation

Contraindications

  • Pacemaker – the use of acupuncture for smoking cessation with an existing pacemaker is considered problematic. However, the pacemaker is only a relative contraindication (still feasible in some circumstances).
  • Arrhythmia – due to a possible influence on the sinus rhythm (correct heartbeat), the use of acupuncture should be avoided if arrhythmia is present.
  • Pregnancy – during pregnancy, acupuncture should also be avoided.

The procedure

Of critical importance in acupuncture for smoking cessation is the patient’s expectation. Depending on the expected chances of success, the success rate varies, so a positive expectation significantly increases the chances of success. Basic principle of acupuncture for smoking cessation.

  • Acupuncture is used to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms of smoking.The principle of acupuncture is based on the presence of an energy, also known as Qi, which flows through all living things and can be influenced for therapy.
  • For the therapeutic use of the procedure, it is necessary to know in which pathways the qi flows in the body. The flow of qi flows in 12 meridians, on which there are various zones, which can also be called energy points and are the primary target of acupuncture. According to the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, 361 energy points can be found on all meridians, which can be stimulated with the help of therapeutic treatment. The stimulation carried out should cause that a present balance disorder of qi can be corrected.
  • Depending on the symptoms, different energy points should be stimulated to cause a positive effect. If there is a nicotine addiction, usually the ear acupuncture is used, among other things, but also the combination with the body acupuncture is possible.
  • In the so-called body acupuncture, for example, energy points are chosen that have a positive effect on the lungs as well as on the stomach and the psyche.
  • With the help of acupuncture is mainly a calming effect on the psyche, but also on the body to be caused. This effect is crucial for the success of the therapy, because the accompanying symptoms of withdrawal are a burden for the smoker and thus a balance disorder results from this. This lack of balance often leads to a relapse to nicotine use. Nevertheless, the body’s attempts to correct the imbalance (disequilibrium) should not be underestimated, as the body uses other measures such as increased food intake to compensate. Due to this, the weight increases, in addition to nervousness and physical restlessness, sweating and sleep disturbances.
  • In the first phase after quitting smoking, particularly strong physical withdrawal symptoms can be observed. However, acupuncture is not only to alleviate the physical symptoms, but also to cause a positive effect on willpower. In particular, the improvement in willpower is said to occur through an increase in endorphin levels.
  • Various studies show a significant positive influence in terms of smoking cessation.

Procedure

  • Stimulation of energy points can be done both by the application of acupuncture needles and with the help of a use of electrostimulators. When inserting the needles, which are less than half a millimeter thick, a stimulus is perceived by the patient, but this decreases in the course of acupuncture, so that an unpleasant perception of the needles can be prevented.
  • However, to cause stimulation of an energy point, it is necessary for the acupuncturist to be able to cause a change in needle position by rotating, lowering or raising the needle.
  • In the case of electrical stimulation, the change in needle position is not necessary, because the low current pulse can achieve adequate stimulation of the energy points.
  • As a special variant of acupuncture, the application of remaining permanent needles can also be used for smoking cessation.

Possible complications

  • Through acupuncture, in principle, no complications are expected.