Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into key pressure points on various parts of the body. The process is not painful, and patients are then left to relax for half an hour or so. The needles are then removed except for two tiny ones which remain in the ear. The idea is to touch an ear lobe when a craving comes on. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping people quit, but some smokers have found it valuable.

Cold turkey

Quitting without any kind of aid. Although physical symptoms can be more extreme in the early few days, they fade away within the first two or three weeks. Many people give up smoking using this method, but it is probably the most difficult for maintaining willpower.

Email, Phone, Text, Post Motivator

Sign up for regular messages tailored to specific points in your recovery to update you on the progress your body is making. These messages will give you plenty of reasons to stay strong if you're tempted to give in...

Hypnotherapy

Although nicotine is a physically addictive drug, smoking also has many psychological associations. Hypnotherapy tries to alter the subconscious mind's dependence on smoking as a habit. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in helping people give up, but some smokers have found it valuable.

Laser treatment

This is a new treatment developed by a former smoker, which uses a painless, low-powered laser to stimulate energy points on the body. These, in turn, stimulate production of endorphins - the body's natural pain relief chemicals - and, theoretically, relieve nicotine cravings. Please be aware, however, that there are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of laser treatment in helping people quit smoking.