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Research investigates ear-acupressure for quitting smoking

Ear acupressure for quitting smoking image

Ear-Acupressure for quitting smoking

Smoking is recognised as the “largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia” (Australian Medical Association). Smokers often find it difficult to quit, mainly due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as nicotine cravings and irritability.

Ear-acupressure is commonly used by Chinese medicine practitioners in Australia and overseas. It is like acupuncture but does not use needles. Instead, small round pellets are taped to points on one ear. Ear-acupressure is a non-invasive, painless, low cost therapy and no significant side effects have been reported. Some studies have shown positive results for smoking cessation but the level of effectiveness is unclear.

Ear-Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)

RMIT University in collaboration with the Institute of Breathing and Sleep (Austin Health) are conducting a study that investigates the efficacy and safety of ear-acupressure for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

This study is conducted at the RMIT University Bundoora campus by researchers in the School of Health Sciences. It will consist of three phases: a run in period of 2 weeks, 8 weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up post-treatment.

Researchers are currently recruiting volunteer smokers aged 18 years and over who want to quit smoking. Volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will receive either an ear-acupressure treatment that is specific for quitting smoking or a non-specific treatment for 8 weeks. The study has been approved by the RMIT University Human Research Ethics Committee.

This study will be a significant step towards determining whether ear-acupressure can assist individuals in quitting smoking and/or support them in the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

The Researchers

  • Prof. Charlie Xue PhD, RMIT University
  • Dr Christopher Worsnop PhD, Institute of Breathing and Sleep (Austin Health)
  • Dr Tony Zhang PhD, RMIT University
  • Dr Brian May PhD, RMIT University
  • Miss Yuan Ming Di BHSc, RMIT University

More information

For more information or to volunteer, please contact:

Miss Yuan Di
Study Coordinator
Ph: +61 3 9925 7633
Fax: +61 3 9925 7178
Email: stopsmoking@rmit.edu.au

For scientific enquiries, please contact:

Professor Charlie Xue
Ph: +61 3 9925 7360
Fax: +61 3 9925 7178
Email: charlie.xue@rmit.edu.au