Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation : A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract EN

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.