Does Laser Therapy to Quit Smoking Work? An Honest Answer

By the NuLife Smoking Cessation Team · Reviewed by a certified smoking cessation specialist · Last updated October 2026

Why people ask this question

Most people who call us have already tried to quit more than once. Patches, gum, prescription medication, cold turkey. Some quit for a few weeks, then a stressful day or a drink with friends brought them back.

So when they hear about laser therapy, the first question is fair: does it actually work, or is it just another thing to try? This post gives you a straight answer, including what the research shows.

What laser therapy for quitting smoking is

Laser therapy for smoking cessation uses a low-level (cold) laser on specific points on the ears, hands and face. It’s also called laser acupuncture, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. The laser produces no heat, doesn’t break the skin and doesn’t hurt. Most people feel nothing, or a light tingling.

The goal is to help your body through the hardest part of quitting. The treatment is designed to support the release of endorphins, your body’s own feel-good chemicals. That helps reduce cravings and take the edge off withdrawal while your brain adjusts to life without nicotine.

What the research says

Studies on laser acupuncture for quitting smoking have reported strong results, especially when laser is combined with counselling.

• A 2018 study in Medical Acupuncture followed 175 smokers, most of them pack-a-day smokers, treated with painless laser acupuncture. It reported an 84% success rate.
• An earlier study of 85 heavy smokers treated with laser acupuncture found that 71% stopped smoking completely.
• A 2021 randomized controlled trial found laser auricular acupuncture reduced nicotine dependence more than counselling alone, along with less craving, irritability and anxiety.
• A double-blind trial of 340 smokers tested real laser against a fake (sham) laser and found laser helps by reducing the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

For comparison, a review of 633 studies found the average success rate across all quit methods was just 19%.

What makes laser therapy work best

In our 18 years of experience, the best results come down to four things:

• Laser alone vs. a full program. Laser reduces the physical pull of nicotine. It doesn’t change the habits, triggers and routines built around smoking. That needs counselling.
• A one-size-fits-all approach. Someone who smokes a few cigarettes a day and someone who has smoked two packs a day for 30 years need different plans.
• Stopping too early. Cravings don’t disappear in a day. Support through the withdrawal period and beyond is what prevents relapse.
• Who’s providing it. A trained smoking cessation counsellor can spot your triggers and plan for them. A laser technician on their own can’t.

How the NuLife Laser Quit Smoking Program works

Our program has been helping smokers in the GTA for 18 years, with more than 13,800 patients. Every program follows the same order:

1. Assessment. We look at your smoking history, past quit attempts, triggers and health.
2. Counselling. One-on-one support with a quit smoking counsellor, not just a laser technician.
3. Personalized quit plan. Built around your habits, stress and daily routine.
4. Laser acupuncture treatments. Low-level laser to help reduce cravings and withdrawal.
5. Follow-up. Ongoing support to help you stay smoke-free and handle tough moments.

The program covers smoking, vaping and all nicotine products. You can read more on our Laser Quit Smoking Program page.

What we see at NuLife

The people who do best aren’t the ones with the most willpower. They’re the ones who are ready to quit, who follow the whole program instead of stopping when they feel good, and who have a plan for their triggers: the morning coffee, the drive home, the stressful phone call.

We also hear the same worries again and again. Will I gain weight? Will I be irritable? What if I slip once? Those are exactly the things counselling and follow-up are for.

Who laser therapy may suit

• People who have tried patches, gum or medication and didn’t stick with it
• People who want a drug-free, non-invasive option
• People who smoke or vape and want structured support, not just a product
• People who are ready to quit now, whether for a doctor, an upcoming surgery, or because they’ve simply had enough

If you’re pregnant, have a medical condition or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before starting any quit program.

Frequently asked questions

Does laser therapy to quit smoking hurt?

No. The laser is cold and painless. Most people feel nothing or a light tingle.

Is laser therapy safe?

Yes. The treatment is safe, drug-free, non-invasive and deeply relaxing.

Does laser therapy work for vaping too?

Yes. Our program helps with smoking, vaping and all nicotine products.

How long does the program take?

It depends on your smoking history and your quit plan. We’ll explain what fits you during your free phone assessment.

Is it covered by insurance?

Our program is covered by most benefit plans. Call us at 416-363-5433 and we’ll explain how it works.

What if I’ve tried everything else?

Most of our patients have. Laser works differently from nicotine replacement, so it gives you a different kind of support.

Sources

• Efficacy of Laser Auricular Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation: a randomised controlled trial (2021)
• Painless Laser Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation, Medical Acupuncture (2018)
• Low level laser for the stimulation of acupoints for smoking cessation: a double blind, placebo controlled randomised trial
• Laser-acupuncture reduces cigarette smoking: a preliminary report