Comparative Study on Effects of Auricular Acupuncturing at Lung, Shenmen and Endocrine point on Smoking Cessation

금연이침 이혈(耳穴)의 금연효과 비교연구

Objective : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Lung, Shenmen, and Endocrine point which were treated with auricular acupuncture therapy to stop smoking. Methods : 120 volunteers who wanted to be treated with auricular acupuncture therapy to stop smoking were divided into three groups; the treatment method for group A consisted of acupuncturing Lung point, group B consisted of acupuncturing Shenmen point and group C consisted of acupuncturing Endocrine point. The treatment was given twice per week for 8 weeks and the changes in amount of daily smoking, desire to smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence as well as subjective symptoms were studied. Results : Statistically, the study showed that changes in amount of daily smoking, desire for smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence were decreased significantly in all groups. Desire to smoke in group B and taste of smoking in group C were markedly decreased. The study of the subjective symptoms showed an improvement. Many participants said that they breathed easier after the treatment and group A had the highest rate. Group B fell asleep easier and Group C improved the appetite. Conclusion : Acupuncturing Lung, Shenmen, and Endocrine point showed the effects on decreasing smoking rates and the effects of individual characteristics. Therefore the acupuncture treatment with 3 points is expected to decrease smoking and to improve the health of smokers.