The Efficacy of Body Acupuncture Combined with Ear Acupressure versus Frequent Counseling as Adjuvant Therapy for Quitting Smoking – An Intervention Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Quitting smoking is a primary preventive measure for many chronic and fatal diseases including various types of cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, the available pharmacological therapies may have potential side effects and may be unsuitable for all smokers. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using Chinese acupuncture as a nonconventional aid for smoking cessation. Subjects and Methods: The smokers have been randomized into one of two groups, the acupuncture group (n = 20) or the interpersonal canceling group (n = 26) as control. All smokers were interviewed to fill pretested, well-structured questionnaire form to assess their smoking and nicotine-dependent status. In the acupuncture group, the body acupuncture needles were retained for 30 min and then removed while the ear press needles were inserted to be maintained in place for a few days. The treatment in the two groups continued once weekly for successive 12 weeks. Results: The smokers in the acupuncture group showed significantly higher continuous abstinence rate, incomplete abstinence rate, and lower failure rates, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks (P = 0.04, 0.003, and 0.02 respectively) than the counseling group. In the 24th week, no significant differences were detected in the treatment outcome between the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). In addition, fewer occurrences of nicotine withdrawal symptoms have been detected including craving for smoking. Conclusion: According to the results of this pilot study, the use of acupuncture therapy in the form of body acupuncture combined with ear acupressure was a successful aid for smoking cessation superior to counseling alone. Based on the literature review, this is the first Egyptian study addressing this research point. A large-scale multicenter study is intended to work in the future.