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A Preliminary Study on Warm Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension
Published on: September 1, 2023
Acupuncture and related interventions for smoking cessation
A R White1, H Rampes, J L Campbell
1Peninsula Medical School, Dept of General Practice and Primary Care, 25 Room N32, ITTC Building, Tamar Science Park, Plymouth, UK, PL6 8BX. adrian.white@pms.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 27, 2006
Summary
Acupuncture and related therapies show no consistent evidence of effectiveness for smoking cessation. Methodological limitations prevent firm conclusions, though further research is suggested.
Area of Science:
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Public Health
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Acupuncture and related techniques are promoted for smoking cessation, believed to alleviate nicotine withdrawal.
- Evidence for their effectiveness remains inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy, and electrostimulation for smoking cessation.
- Comparisons included no intervention, sham treatment, and other interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple databases up to January 2005.
- Assessed smoking abstinence using rigorous definitions and biochemical validation where available.
Main Results:
- 24 studies were identified; only acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture allowed meaningful pooling.
- Short-term effects of acupuncture showed a statistically significant odds ratio (1.36), but this was influenced by heterogeneity and one outlier study.
- Long-term results and comparisons with no treatment or other interventions showed no consistent evidence of effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- No consistent evidence supports acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy, or electrostimulation for smoking cessation.
- Methodological limitations hinder definitive conclusions.
- Further research with frequent or continuous stimulation is warranted.
