How AcuQuit® works

AcuQuit® uses laser technology combined with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine theory. The treatment has been designed to reduce the physical symptoms of nicotine addiction and withdrawal.

Our treatment objectives are to reduce cravings, irritability, stress and anxiety, regulate hormone levels, release endorphins and promote general health and well being.

What happens during a treatment?

During our quit smoking treatment a low level laser (no more powerful than a lightbulb) is applied to points on your hands, legs and ears. The overall treatment time is 30 minutes. Some clients may feel the sensation from the low-level laser which is described as a warm, pulsating and sometimes tingling. The Laser treatment itself is non-invasive, non-thermal and drug free.

How exactly does this treatment work?

There are several mechanisms in which Laser Acupuncture may be working to enable you to quit smoking.

1/ Endorphins and Neurotransmitters

Acupuncture stimulation causes the release of endorphins, serotonin, enkephalins, adenosine, γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain), norepinephrine, and dopamine. [1] Endorphins are endogenous opioids released from the pituitary gland in your body that signal your system to increase energy levels and decrease stress. Endorphins are believed to mediate analgesia, induce euphoria, and play a role in the reward system in the brain. It has been suggested that endorphins are responsible for creating the relaxed psychological state known as “runner’s high”. [2]

Research has shown that opioidergic activity plays a role in addictions by mediating the development of reinforcing qualities of certain activities and substances. [2]

2/ Reduction of physical symptoms

Chinese Medicine theory suggests that Acupuncture points have specific indications and functions. With our prescription of treatment points we aim to utilise these indications and functions to reduce the physical symptoms of nicotine addiction. These physical symptoms include cravings, irritability, anxiety, short-temper, inability to focus, depressed mood and sleeplessness.

One of the most important mechanisms underlying acupuncture is its action on the central nervous system. Evidence shows that stimulation of different points on the body causes distinct responses in hemodynamic, fMRI and central neural electrophysiological responses. [3]

Acupuncture may attenuate anxiety-like behavior following nicotine withdrawal by modulating corticotrophin-releasing factor in the amygdala. [4]

Is there evidence that Laser treatment works?

There are many research articles available examining Acupuncture’s role in addiction and the potential for treatment to reduce and eliminate dependency.

Laser Acupuncture had an 84% success rate in recent research (Lim 2018) with many participants reporting they no longer had the urge to smoke. [1]

Laser acupoint stimulation does indeed modify the physical symptoms of withdrawal and makes it possible for motivated persons to succeed in overcoming habitual smoking of tobacco, concluded a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. [2]

The most recent Cochrane Systematic Review (White 2014) states that the 2008 Kerr study on laser stimulation is strongly positive at both short and long-term outcomes. [3]

Earlier research had shown that Laser Acupuncture had a 71% success rate in heavy smoking patients. [4]

This external research suggests that Laser Acupuncture treatments and protocols may provide beneficial outcomes however other papers did not have the same findings so the evidence is regarded as mixed. The AcuQuit treatment is unique and so treatment methods and results will vary from available research. We encourage patients to make an informed decision knowing that success cannot be guaranteed with our treatment.

Therapies used

There are several therapies used during our treatment.

Laser Acupuncture

We use laser to stimulate Acupuncture points on the body. Upon request and under certain circumstances Traditional Acupuncture needles may be used.

Magnetic Auricular (Ear) Therapy

Magnetic Auricular therapy involves the use of magnetic beads placed on Acupuncture points located on the inner surface of the ear. The ear contains an Acupuncture microsystem which can be stimulated much like real Acupuncture through the use of magnets. Ear points are chosen with the focus on reducing cravings and reducing anxiety.

Outcomes

The desired outcome of the treatment is for the client to leave the clinic and to not experience any cravings or withdrawal symptoms. If this reduction in physical symptoms can be achieved and sustained then the client should be able to quit smoking cigarettes for good.

References

[1] Painless Laser Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation. Rodney Choon Huat Lim. Med Acupunct. 2018 Jun 1; 30(3): 159–162. Link

[2] Low level laser for the stimulation of acupoints for smoking cessation: a double blind, placebo controlled randomised trial and semi structured interviews. Catherine M. Kerr, Paul B. Lowe & Neil I. Spielholz. Link

[3] White AR, Rampes H, Liu JP, Stead LF, Campbell J. Acupuncture and related interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014(1):Cd000009. Link

[4] Laser-acupuncture reduces cigarette smoking: a preliminary report. Zalesskiy VN, Belousova IA, Frolov GV. Acupunct Electrother Res. 1983;8(3-4):297-302. Link