Auriculotherapy for Smoking Cessation

Auriculotherapy is a specialised form of acupuncture in which therapeutic stimulation is applied to specific points on the external ear, based on the somatotopic representation of the body on the auricle described by Paul Nogier.

For smoking cessation it is most commonly delivered as auricular acupuncture using fine sterile needles or as semi-permanent ear seeds, ear tacks or transcutaneous electrical stimulation (electroauricular therapy) targeting points such as Shen Men, sympathetic, lung and craving points.

The proposed mechanism includes modulation of the autonomic nervous system, reduction in craving and withdrawal symptoms via vagal and trigeminal afferent stimulation and possible release of endogenous opioids; the underlying physiology is still under investigation.

Current evidence is mixed. Some randomised trials and systematic reviews suggest a short-term benefit when auriculotherapy is added to behavioural counselling and pharmacotherapy, while others show no significant benefit beyond placebo over the long term; it should not be considered a stand-alone treatment.

Auriculotherapy is offered in Turkey within Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) units by certified physicians and should be combined with first-line interventions such as varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion, behavioural support and follow-up.