As the fall season approaches and the year comes to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection and renewal. This season invites us to let go of things that no longer serve us, including unhealthy habits like smoking. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease worldwide. Quitting smoking is a significant challenge for most, and while traditional methods such as nicotine patches and medications can be effective, they don’t work for everyone. This is where acupuncture comes in as a holistic approach, offering support in the journey to reclaim health and well-being.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the main branches of practice in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is a system of healthcare that has evolved over thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. It refers to our vital energy or life force energy as qi (pronounced "chi"). In TCM the stimulation of acupoints along channels (referred to as meridians) is a ways to influence our energy, mental and physical experience. Acupuncture needles are very fine sterile needles that can be placed in the skin at points all over the body. There is usually a pinch but is not a terribly painful feeling. During and after the treatment most people report to feeling very relaxed and a strong sense of wellbeing.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Smoking Cessation
- Reducing cravings for nicotine
- Managing other withdrawal symptoms
- anxiety
- irritability
- food cravings
- sleep disruption
- low energy
- Promoting relaxation and stress relief
- Positive mindset and motivation
Evidence and Research
Some of the more common traditional body points used for smoking cessation include: Yinxiang (LI-20), Hegu (LI-4), Zhusanli (ST-6), Lieque (LU-7), Feishu (BL-13), and Weishu (BL-21). It is very common to also include points on the ear, also known as auriculotherapy. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has its own acupuncture protocol using auriculotherapy points. NADA protocol has been widely used for withdrawal symptoms since the 1970's and based upon the research of Chinese neurosurgeon, H.L. Wen. It has even been shown to assist in decreasing craving for food, drugs, alcohol, and of course smoking.
Integrating Acupuncture into a Quit Plan
When you are ready to quit for good I recommend that you write down your reasons for quitting and set a date. Next, it is very important to tell other trusted individuals about your plans. Sometimes we will hide our health goals for fear of not being successful but research says otherwise! An accountability partner is someone who is willing to listen, check in on you and offer encouragement, and research shows our outcomes are better when someone is called to help us be accountable. It is important to note that studies have found an accountability partner is most effective when we are sharing with someone whose is "perceived as having higher status". That may be a mentor, doctor, or friend who has been successful in that area themselves. In 2015, the English Longitudinal study on aging was published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults are more likely to make a positive health behavior change when their partner does the same.
Conclusion
In summary, acupuncture can be a valuable tool for those looking to quit smoking, especially during this season of letting go and renewal. As we approach the Great American Smokeout in November, hosted by the American Cancer Society, it’s an ideal time to commit to a healthier lifestyle. This annual event encourages smokers to make a plan to quit and provides resources to support their journey. If you’re considering quitting, now is the perfect moment to explore acupuncture as part of your strategy. Together, let’s take steps toward a smoke-free future and embrace a healthier way of living. Give us a call today. We are ready to help!
Reference:
Zhang YY, Su YZ, Tian ZY, Liang SB, Liu YJ, Li YF, Qiao HF, Robinson N, Liu JP. Acupuncture and related acupoint therapies for smoking cessation: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis. Tob Induc Dis. 2024 Apr 18;22. doi: 10.18332/tid/186147. PMID: 38638420; PMCID: PMC11025526.
Jackson SE, Steptoe A, Wardle J. The Influence of Partner’s Behavior on Health Behavior Change: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(3):385–392. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7554
Klein, H. J., Lount, R. B., Jr., Park, H. M., & Linford, B. J. (2020). When goals are known: The effects of audience relative status on goal commitment and performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(4), 372–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000441
Deborah J. Fritz, Robert M. Carney, Brian Steinmeyer, Gary Ditson, Nina Hill, Joyce Zee-Cheng. The Efficacy of Auriculotherapy for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Jan 2013, 26 (1) 61-70; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2013.01.120157
