Efficacy of Laser Auricular Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation: A randomised controlled trial

The aim of the current study was to compare urinary cotinine levels, nicotine dependence and physical effects related to smoking in smokers before and after laser auricular acupuncture, psychological counselling and a combination of laser treatment with counselling.

This study was carried out from February to July 2019 in India. A total of 60 smokers were randomly allocated to three interventional groups. Urinary cotinine levels, nicotine dependence and physical effects due to smoking were evaluated using NicAlert strips (Nymox Pharmaceutical Corp., Quebec, Canada) the Fagerström questionnaire and a visual analogue scale, respectively, at baseline and one month post-intervention. Pearson's chi-square, Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance and Wilcoxon sign rank tests were used for statistical analyses.

There was a significant reduction in urinary cotinine levels and nicotine dependence and significant improvement in behaviour and physical effects related to smoking in all groups post-intervention (P <0.05). Reduction in nicotine dependence was significantly higher in the laser group (4.4 ± 1.66) compared to other groups (P <0.01). Reduction in urinary cotinine levels was highest in the laser with counselling group (0.85 ± 0.3) compared to the other groups. There was a significant reduction in irritability, headache, craving for smoking, tiredness and anxiety as well as a substantial increase in calmness, unpleasant taste of smoking, the ability to concentrate and appetite in the laser auricular acupuncture group compared to the other groups (P <0.01).

Laser auricular acupuncture alone and in combination with psychological counselling can reduce nicotine dependence among smokers.