The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine defines alternative medicine as a group of practices and products that are used instead of conventional medicine. Scientific evidence exists to support the effectiveness of some alternative medicines used alone and in conjunction with other therapies to help people quit smoking, and research continues into these treatments. Alternative medicine practices include the use of natural substances such as herbs, foods and vitamins. It also accesses the mind-body connection to heal, and incorporates body-based therapies, such as acupuncture and massage.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is one of the oldest healing methods, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It involves use of thin, metallic needles that are inserted at specific anatomical points on the body. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the standards surrounding acupuncture needles and requires that they be sterile and packaged for single use. Researchers are unclear about how acupuncture works, but believe needles inserted in particular acupuncture points might stimulate specific regions in the brain. Qualified practitioners use acupuncture to treat pain, relieve tension and reduce the cravings of smokers.
The October 2002 American Journal of Public Health reported the effects of acupuncture used alone and jointly with education to reduce smoking among 141 study participants. The research found that acupuncture used alone reduced smoking, and when used in conjunction with education, produced an even greater reduction in smoking.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis induces a deeply relaxed state, allowing for identification of motivations for a particular behavior and opening your subconscious to suggestions about changing that behavior. A 2007 study into the effects of hypnotherapy on smoking cessation showed promising results. Sixty-seven patients hospitalized with cardiopulmonary disease were divided into four groups: those wanting to quit smoking “cold turkey,” a hypnotherapy group, a nicotine replacement therapy group and a group that combined hypnotherapy with nicotine replacement therapy. Results showed a 50 percent quit rate among the hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy with nicotine replacement therapy groups, compared with a 25 percent rate for the “cold turkey” group and a 15.7 percent quit rate for the nicotine replacement therapy alone group.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery, or guided visualization, is a means of reprogramming your imagination to reduce stress and motivate changes in behavior. Smoking produces a physical reaction similar to a stress reaction, including elevated heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Guided imagery in the form of an audio CD was used in a 2006 study reported in the journal Complementary Health Practice Review to help smokers quit. Thirty-six percent of the group’s participants had quit smoking after six weeks of guided imagery therapy. Of these, 30 percent were still not smoking at 12 weeks, and 24 percent were not smoking after one year.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What is CAM?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture--An Introduction
- American Journal of Public Health: Auricular Acupuncture, Education and Smoking Cessation
- American College of Chest Physicians: Hypnotherapy as an Aid to Smoking Cessation
- Sage Journals Online: Complementary Health Practice Review--Guided Imagery for Smoking Cessation
