Acupuncture is one of the alternative therapies that some people think may help in treating addictions. Acupuncture involves sticking very thin needles into different parts of the body. Others do more traditional acupuncture, inserting needles in many places over the body during regular office visits. The best way to see if acupuncture is helpful for people trying to quit smoking is to look at what research has concluded. However, the studies did show that some people received small benefits from acupuncture treatment in the first few months, but these effects disappeared over time.
Many effective treatments exist that can help people stop smoking.
Talking with your physician, using certain prescription medications, and participating in a smoking cessation class are all proven methods that help people quit. If you have already taken these steps and are looking for an extra edge, then acupuncture may be useful for a few months. However, acupuncture is not considered a highly effective therapy and should not be the main therapy for someone who is trying to quit smoking. Always consult your own doctor about any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center .