Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: A Randomised Controlled Trial. (28th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Anthony L.; Di, Yuan Ming; Worsnop, Christopher; May, Brian H.; Da Costa, Cliff; Xue, Charlie C. L.
• Other Names: Chen Kevin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-09-28
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/637073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : This study investigated the efficacy and safety of ear acupressure (EAP) as a stand-alone intervention for smoking cessation and the feasibility of this study design. Adult smokers were randomised to receive EAP specific for smoking cessation (SSEAP) or a nonspecific EAP (NSEAP) intervention which is not typically used for smoking cessation. Participants received 8 weekly treatments and were requested to press the five pellets taped to one ear at least three times daily. Participants were followed up for three months. Primary outcome measures were a 7-day point-prevalence cessation rate confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide and relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms (NWS). Intention-to-treat analysis was applied. Forty-three adult smokers were randomly assigned to SSEAP (n = 20 ) or NSEAP (n = 23 ) groups. The dropout rate was high with 19 participants completing the treatments and 12 remaining at followup. One participant from the SSEAP group had confirmed cessation at week 8 and end of followup (5%), but there was no difference between groups for confirmed cessation or NWS. Adverse events were few and minor.