Does Acupuncture Help You Quit Smoking? What You Should Know
By the NuLife Team · Reviewed by a certified specialist · Last updated November 2026
Short answer: Acupuncture can help some people with cravings, but on its own the research is mixed. A Cochrane review of 38 studies found a small short-term benefit from needle acupuncture, but no clear long-term effect. Studies that combine laser on acupuncture points with counselling have reported much stronger results. That’s why NuLife uses a needle-free, laser-based version together with one-on-one support.
Ready to quit smoking?
We’ll talk about your smoking and your goals, and see if our program is a good fit.
Free 15-minute phone assessment · No referral needed
How Acupuncture for Quitting Smoking Works
Acupuncture for smoking usually focuses on points on the ear, along with points on the hands and face. Stimulating these points is believed to help your body release endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals that can take the edge off cravings, irritability and stress while your brain adjusts to life without nicotine.
What the Research Says
Traditional needle acupuncture
A 2014 Cochrane review looked at 38 studies of acupuncture and related treatments. Needle acupuncture showed a small benefit right after treatment, but no clear benefit long term. The reviewers said results varied a lot between studies and more research is needed. The same review found too few laser studies to draw a firm conclusion either way.
Laser on acupuncture points
Studies of low-level laser on acupuncture points, especially when combined with counselling, have reported much stronger results:
- A 2018 study in Medical Acupuncture of 175 smokers reported an 84% success rate.
- An earlier study of 85 heavy smokers found that 71% stopped smoking completely.
- A 2021 randomized controlled trial found laser on ear points reduced nicotine dependence more than counselling alone, with less craving, irritability and anxiety.
For the full breakdown, read Does Laser Therapy to Quit Smoking Work? An Honest Answer.
Needle Acupuncture vs NuLife’s Laser Program
| NuLife Laser Program | Needle acupuncture | Patch or gum | Prescription pills | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needle-free | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drug-free | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Help with cravings & withdrawal | ✓ | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| One-on-one counselling | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Personalized treatment plan | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
Patches can cause skin irritation or sleep problems, and quit pills can cause nausea, trouble sleeping or vivid dreams. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is right for you.
What a Visit Is Like at NuLife
At NuLife we combine traditional acupuncture technique with low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation). A painless low-level laser is applied to specific points, with no needles and no drugs, and it helps your body release endorphins, natural chemicals that ease cravings, withdrawal and stress. It’s combined with one-on-one counselling, and the device we use is FDA cleared and Health Canada approved.
- Free phone call about your smoking and your goals.
- Assessment with a certified specialist: your habit, triggers and what you’ve tried.
- Your personalized plan, with laser treatment and counselling.
- Follow-up support to help the change last.
“I had been a fifty year smoker… Followed what they told me to do and I have not had any cravings or wanted a cigarette… It’s like I’ve never smoked at all… for the first time I feel like a non smoker.”
Edwin D., Google review
Ready to quit smoking?
We’ll talk about your smoking and your goals, and see if our program is a good fit.
Free 15-minute phone assessment · No referral needed
How to Get the Best Results
- Don’t rely on points alone. Pair it with counselling and a real plan for your triggers.
- Set a quit date and clear out cigarettes, lighters and vapes.
- Plan for the first two weeks. That’s when cravings are strongest.
- Stay in touch with your support team, especially if you slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture help you quit smoking?
It can help some people with cravings in the short term. Research on needle acupuncture alone is mixed, while studies combining laser on acupuncture points with counselling have reported stronger results.
Which acupuncture points help you quit smoking?
Most programs use points on the ear, often with points on the hands and face. Your practitioner chooses them based on your plan.
Does it hurt?
Needle acupuncture can feel like a small pinch. Our laser is painless: no needles, no heat, and most people feel nothing or a light tingle.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on you. We build your plan at your first assessment based on your habit and goals.
Is acupuncture to quit smoking covered by benefits?
Many benefit plans cover it. Call us and we’ll go over your coverage on the phone.
Does it work for vaping too?
Yes, the same approach helps with nicotine cravings from vaping. Read How to Quit Vaping.
See our Laser Quit Smoking Program or our Acupuncture page. We have clinics in Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Woodbridge and Oakville.