Acupuncture can effectively help with withdrawal symptoms but I cannot help with the habitual aspect of smoking. You have to want to give up smoking and you have to manage the habitual aspect of smoking yourself. For example, if you find that you crave a cigarette when you go to the pub then consider not going to the pub for a period. If you crave a cigarette immediately after eating a meal then think of something else which will help distract you from this craving.

Treatment is based on a combination of ear acupuncture points that are used extensively in centres for drug addition. Nicotine is a drug and the principle of alleviating withdrawal symptoms is the same, whether it is heroine, cocaine, alcohol or nicotine. The combination of ear acupuncture points is called the 'NADA' protocol. These are chosen because they influence the sympathetic nervous system, calm the mind and help the body detoxify.

If particular problems arise during treatment then these will be addressed, for example, excessive hunger, mood swings/ irritability or difficulties sleeping. Thus, even though a particular protocol is used, treatment will always be individualised.