The efficacy of acupuncture as an aid to stopping smoking.

The present study examines the usefulness of acupuncture as an aid to stopping smoking. Results from 405 subjects show acupuncture can help between 5 and 15 percent of the population to stop smoking for at least six months. Using chronically implanted press needles, previously reported 'effective' auricular acupuncture points for smoking cessation are shown to be no better than 'placebo' auricular points. Additional electroacupuncture on the hand neither increases the probability of stopping smoking nor enhances the reduction in smoking at three week, three month or six month follow-up periods. It is therefore likely that a large psychological component is attached to acupuncture to stop people smoking.