Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disease worldwide but smokers often fail to quit due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Current available pharmaceutical therapies may assist with smoking cessation but may have side effects. Ear acupressure (EAP) and ear acupuncture have been used for smoking cessation, and some positive results have been reported. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of EAP in assisting individuals to quit smoking and/or support them in the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Methods: This study will be a randomised, single-blind, sham-controlled study conducted at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Adult smokers will be randomly assigned to receive EAP specifically for smoking cessation or nonspecific EAP treatments. After a 2-week run-in, participants will be treated once a week for 8 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be 7 day point-prevalence cessation rate by self-report validated by expired carbon monoxide and nicotine withdrawal symptoms measured by the Mood and Physical Symptoms Score questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will be self-reported usage of nicotine replacement therapies, cigarette consumption, body weight change and quality of life. The safety end point will be self-reported adverse events associated with EAP. Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. Discussion: Findings from this study will determine if this EAP intervention alone can be an effective and safe therapy to assist with smoking cessation and the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…The ear points were selected based on existing literature and use in other clinical trials [21]. In general, the point “lung” is used for lung disorders, and “shenmen” is used to calm the mind.…”

“…In this randomized participant-and-assessor-blind clinical trial, noninvasive ear acupressure (EAP) was done on 5 points as recommended in the literature for smoking cessation and used in previous trials (see Protocol [21]). The control intervention was EAP on five points considered as not specific for smoking cessation.…”

A Review on Acupuncture as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

“…Non-invasive forms of acupuncture such as laser and magnets are more appropriate for use on premature infants since they prevent creating an entry for infections via the skin [10]. Previous studies have shown the therapeutic benefit of acupuncture in adult populations that are suffering from withdrawal symptoms [11,12]. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has formulated a standardized ear acupuncture protocol for substance abuse treatment in adults ( Figure 1) [13].…”

Evidence for the Efficacy of a Bioresonance Method in Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Study

“…In a recent placebo-controlled study on ear acupuncture, former positive results from non-controlled studies could not be confirmed [40]. However, there are also new promising study results in ear acupressure [41] and hypnosis [42]. …”