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Eight methods to quit smoking: How effective are they?
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Experts who studied sport and exercise as a way to quit smoking have found that light to medium exercise can help reduce smoking cravings, however most studies are too small to be reliable. (Shutterstock/File)
I
f you find it difficult to quit smoking by depending solely on willpower, the methods below might be helpful, even though some have been proven to be less effective. There is nothing wrong with trying, though.
Hypnotism
Hypnotic methods vary greatly, making it difficult to study hypnotism as a tool to quit smoking. Most researchers that studied hypnotism did not support its effectiveness. However, some people have confessed that hypnotism helped them quit smoking. In case you want to try, ask your doctor for recommendations for a licensed hypnotherapist.
Acupuncture
This method is used to quit smoking, however there is little evidence that shows its success. Acupuncture to stop the habit of smoking is usually done in certain areas of the ear.
Magnetic therapy
Magnetic therapy to stop smoking involves two small magnets being placed in certain locations, usually on both ears. There are no findings or scientific evidence that show magnetic therapy to be an effective method to help smokers quit their habit. Many online companies that sell these magnets mention a success rate, but there is still no clinical data to support these claims.
Low-level laser therapy
This cold laser therapy is related to acupuncture. In this method, a cold laser is used as a substitute for the acupuncture needles. Treatment is aimed at relaxing the smokers and releasing endorphins, simulating the effects of nicotine on the brain and balancing the body’s energy to lose the addiction. Therapy providers claim successful results, but so far no scientific evidence has proven this method to be effective in helping smokers to quit.
(Read also: Why passive smoking is harmful for your children)
Filters
Filters that reduce the tar and nicotine intake from cigarettes are not helpful at all. In fact, studies shows that smokers who use filters tend to smoke a lot more.
Smoking deterrent drugs
Other methods used to help smokers quit smoking are products that alter tobacco flavors, diets that limit nicotine cravings and vitamin combinations. At this point, little evidence has been found to show any of these are effective.
Herbal supplements
There is little scientific evidence that supports the use of herbal supplements as a method to quit smoking. Because supplements are considered to be foods (not drugs) they are not strictly regulated, meaning that the company does not have to prove their effectiveness or safety. Make sure you check the label to identify what is in the supplement. No supplement has been proven to help smokers quit.
Mind and body exercise
Many researchers have been studying programs such as yoga and meditation to help with quitting smoking. The results do not fully support such methods, however a couple of respondents claim that yoga and meditation have successfully lowered their smoking craving. Cognitive process methods are also being studied. Experts who studied sport and exercise as a way to quit smoking have found that light to medium exercise can help reduce smoking cravings, however most studies are too small be reliable. One piece of research showed that people who were actively involved in routine exercise found it easier to quit smoking. However, wider research is needed to further investigate the claims. (kes)
