Needles are placed primarily in scalp and ears to stimulate production of enkephalins, the chemical messengers found at nerve endings. These chemicals have a morphine-like effect on the brain and theoretically override the desire for nicotine. From one month to six weeks. Patients come in once a week for treatment. Relaxation tapes also used.
Some people have an aversion to needles.
But if patients can stomach it, the technique is 80 percent successful, practitioners say. The smoker is hypnotized to enhance the power of suggestion. Some people need just a single session while others need more. National studies have not established the effectiveness of hypnosis. Smokers who have tried the technique often turn to medically supervised nicotine patch and nicotine gum programs.