If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how difficult it is to do without support, particularly if it has been a longtime habit. Complementary medicine, like acupuncture, is a novel approach to smoking cessation, and has some clinical evidence to back it up. Ask your doctor about acupuncture, and research Chinese practitioners in your area for those with experience in smoking cessation. Each practitioner may use a unique protocol, but some points are generally accepted as being helpful in reducing nicotine cravings.
Research
An article published in "Neurological Research" in February of 2010 discussed a study conducted at a university in Korea. Twenty-nine smokers received either real or sham acupuncture on heart point 7 for two days after quitting smoking. The real acupuncture group had fewer withdrawal symptoms and were better attuned to their visual smoking cues or habits that may trigger cravings, than the sham group. Although this information is promising, more research is needed, and it is important to understand the role of acupuncture in smoking cessation, states Leah Martino, O.M.D., L.Ac. on Acupuncture.com. She had found mediocre results until she developed a protocol that was based on acupuncture relieving nicotine cravings, rather than helping someone to quit smoking altogether.
Auricular Point Shenmen
The National Acupuncture and Detoxification Association protocol (NADA) states that one important point for smoking cessation support is the Shenmen ear point. According to Yinyanghouse.com, this point helps to promote relaxation. The ears actually contain around 100 acupuncture points that correspond to every part of the body, states the book "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture," by Skya Abbate. Shenmen is typically used in most auricular treatments, as it has many different energetic capabilities, according to the book. It is located in the triangular fossa of the ear, which is the slight depression in between the Y-shaped structure. It should only be stimulated by a knowledgeable practitioner, as auricular acupuncture is a very precise treatment modality.
Autonomic Point
This point is used to balance sympathetic, which is your body's stress response, and parasympathetic nervous systems and helps promote blood circulation, according to "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture." It is also located within the triangular fossa, although closer to the inside curving circle of the ear.
Kidney
The kidneys are very powerful organs in the body, according to Chinese medicine theory. They are the root of life in the human body, and stimulating this point in the ear can help increase will power, states Acupuncture.com. This point is in the cymba concha of the ear, which is between the end of the circular curve of the ear and the triangular fossa. Again, these points are very difficult to find, and should only be stimulated by a licensed practitioner.
Lung 1 or 2
According to Acupuncture.com, these points relieve withdrawal symptoms. Technically, the lung has two points on the ear, called upper and lower lung points, states "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture." Located below the end of the circular curve of the ear, stimulating either of these points can produce the desired effect.
Hunger
According to "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture," this point is located on the tragus, or the little triangular flap that is attached to the head, and when pressed inward can cover the ear canal. Your practitioner may use this point to help control your cravings and hunger, which are common withdrawal symptoms.
Liver
Your practitioner may also choose this point, which is recommended by NADA, to prevent irritability, anger and anxiety from occurring. Your practitioner may find this point by locating the tip of the circular curve of the ear and then finding the space between that tip and the stem of the Y-shaped structure.
References
- "Neurological Research"; Effect of acupuncture on selective attention for smoking-related visual cues in smokers; Chae, Y., et al; February 2010
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture for Nicotine Craving Reduction
- The National Acupuncture and Detoxification Association Protocol
- "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture"; Abatte, S; 2004
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