Acupuncture to Support Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is an incredibly challenging journey—both to begin and to maintain. While there’s no universal solution that works for everyone, acupuncture has proven to be a valuable tool for those looking to curb cravings and reduce common withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, anxiety, and restlessness. This support is provided through targeted acupuncture points in the ears and throughout the body.

It’s important to note that acupuncture won’t make you suddenly want to stop smoking—that decision must come from you. However, once you’ve committed to quitting, acupuncture can strengthen your resolve, help you stay on track, and make the process more manageable.

Ear Acupuncture, NADA, and Ear Seeds

Auricular acupuncture—that is, acupuncture in the ears—is especially effective in smoking cessation. In the 1970s, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a specific auricular protocol to support addiction treatment and detoxification. Since then, the NADA protocol has been used in many clinical and community settings to address nicotine and opioid withdrawal, substance abuse, and even emotional trauma.

This five-point protocol includes specific ear points that help regulate both physical and emotional responses during withdrawal. The Sympathetic point helps calm the nervous system and ease pain. Shen Men, also known as the Spirit Gate, works to calm the mind and body while enhancing the effectiveness of the other points. The Kidney point supports the Zhi, or willpower, and helps ground the individual by easing fear. The Liver point aids in detoxifying the blood and reducing irritability, while the Lung point also supports detoxification and bolsters the function of the lungs—organs directly affected by smoking.

These ear points can be stimulated with either acupuncture needles or ear seeds. Ear seeds are small vaccaria seeds adhered to the ear with tape and act as a form of acupressure. They continue to provide stimulation over several days, and patients can press on the seeds periodically to enhance the effect.

Body Acupuncture and the Role of Tim Mee

In addition to ear acupuncture, points throughout the body are selected to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode that promotes calmness and supports internal organ regulation. This approach balances the nervous system, working synergistically with the Sympathetic ear point, which downregulates the overactive “fight or flight” response associated with stress and addiction.

Acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This not only enhances mood but helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, concentration issues, dizziness, and fatigue. If you're experiencing any of these challenges, your acupuncturist can tailor your treatment plan to address them specifically.

One especially useful point in smoking cessation is called Tim Mee, located near the wrist. When used in treatment, Tim Mee is known to alter the way cigarettes taste—often making them less appealing to those trying to quit.

Your Next Step Toward Quitting

While acupuncture won’t do the quitting for you, it can be a powerful ally in your commitment to stop smoking. By addressing both the physical and emotional symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, acupuncture helps reduce the discomfort and stress that often lead to relapse. Your treatment may involve a combination of ear and body acupuncture, and in many cases, your acupuncturist may send you home with ear seeds to continue stimulating key points between sessions.

If you’re ready to quit, we’re here to support you—naturally, safely, and effectively.