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Logo Praxis Dr. med. Andrea Kerle Dr. med. Andrea Kerle

Stop smoking with acupuncture

“Giving up smoking is easy; I’ve done it hundreds of times.” Mark Twain knew the problem. The decision is quickly made – the first weeks are the hurdle. That is exactly where we come in.

A brief excursion into acupuncture

Acupuncture was already practised in China in the second century BC. The name comes from the Latin “acus” – needle – and “pungere” – to prick. People have used this healing method for over two thousand years; it has been part of our work since 1987.

How the cessation works

Smoking is an addiction. The main problem of unsupported nicotine withdrawal is the psychological and physical side effects: restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, the urgent craving. For smoking cessation we use a calming ear acupuncture over a period of four weeks. It noticeably relieves these side effects and brings you calmly and evenly through the decisive time.

Important for this gentle cessation: an immediate, complete stop is accepted and kept to. No gradual cutting down – that keeps the addiction alive.

Procedure

  1. Preliminary consultation about smoking habits, health and motivation
  2. Stop smoking at the start of treatment – immediately and completely
  3. Ear acupuncture over four weeks with fine semi-permanent needles that remain in place for the four weeks, fixed with plasters; hypoallergenic needles and plasters are available
  4. Weekly support – we discuss how you are doing and adjust the treatment

What you can expect

The acupuncture takes the edge off withdrawal. Whether you stay smoke-free for good is decided by your own resolve – we make sure it is as easy as possible for you. Many of our patients have succeeded permanently with this support.

We know the worry about gaining weight after quitting. The calming effect of the acupuncture helps not to replace smoking with eating. We plan a targeted weight reduction with the Schlüsener method with you a few months after you quit, once your body has adjusted.

Costs

Smoking cessation costs €120 – including the preliminary consultation, four weeks of ear acupuncture and weekly support. It is a self-pay service; some private insurers reimburse acupuncture in part.

Legal notice: Acupuncture is a complementary medical method; its effectiveness for smoking cessation is not generally recognised by scientific evidence. We inform you about possible side effects before treatment.

Frequently asked questions on this topic

How does smoking cessation work?

After a preliminary consultation we place fine semi-permanent needles at calming points in the ear; they remain in place for the four weeks, fixed with plasters. The treatment extends over four weeks with weekly appointments. The prerequisite is an immediate, complete stop to smoking at the start.

Do I have to stop completely at once, or can I cut down gradually?

Immediately and completely. Cutting down gradually keeps the addiction alive and makes withdrawal longer and harder. The acupuncture makes the abrupt stop bearable – that is what it is there for.

What are the chances of success?

Many of our patients have succeeded permanently with this support. Doctors are not allowed to quote specific rates, and rightly so: what counts is your resolve. The acupuncture takes the edge off withdrawal – the symptoms are noticeably relieved and you remain calm and balanced.

Will I gain weight after quitting?

Not necessarily. The calming effect of the acupuncture helps not to replace smoking with eating. Should you gain weight nonetheless, we plan weight reduction with the Schlüsener method with you a few months after you quit.

Does acupuncture have side effects?

Performed professionally, acupuncture is considered low-risk. Extremely rarely (around 1 in 50,000) a minimal pinhead-sized bruise can occur at the puncture site. Hypoallergenic needles and plasters are of course available, and for needle-phobic patients we keep adhesive metal pellets ready that work via acupressure. We discuss possible risks with you in the preliminary consultation.

What does smoking cessation cost?

Smoking cessation costs €120 – including the preliminary consultation, four weeks of ear acupuncture and weekly support. It is a self-pay service; some private insurers reimburse acupuncture in part.

All questions and answers

Ready for the first step?

Call us or write to us via the contact form. We take time for your concerns.

Book an appointment 030 772 34 60