Trials / Recruiting

RecruitingNCT06931054

Combination of Acupuncture, Auricular Acupressure and Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation

Combination of Acupuncture, Auricular Acupressure and Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status: Recruiting
Phase: N/A
Study type: Interventional
Enrollment: 270 (estimated)

Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong · Academic / Other
Sex: All
Age: 18 Years
Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Detailed description

The aims of this study include: (1) to evaluate whether a combined smoking cessation treatment of acupuncture, auricular acupressure, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is more effective in improving smoking cessation rates at a 6-month follow-up compared to NRT alone; (2) to assess whether the combined smoking cessation treatment of acupuncture, auricular acupressure, and NRT increases the incidence of side effects compared to NRT alone; (3) to evaluate whether the combined smoking cessation treatment of acupuncture, auricular acupressure, and NRT is more effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms compared to NRT alone. This study will randomly assign participants into three groups. The total sample size is set at 270 participants, with each group consisting of 90 participants. The randomization ratio is 1:1:1. The intervention group will receive a combination of acupuncture, auricular acupressure, and NRT as a smoking cessation treatment. Control Group 1 will receive a sham version of the combined treatment (i.e., retractable needles that do not penetrate the skin and placebo auricular acupressure). Neither the participants in the experimental group nor those in Control Group 1 will know their group assignment, ensuring a double-blind, 3-arm RCT. Control Group 2 will receive NRT and undergo a standard Chinese medicine general consultation (including observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, pulse-taking, and general health advice) during the initial visit, but will not receive acupuncture or auricular acupressure. Participants in the experimental group and Control Group 1 will not be aware of their specific group assignment. The study protocol will follow the CONSORT guidelines and will seek approval from the university's research ethics committee. Smoking cessation nurses or counsellors will deliver the counseling, The 8-week and 26-week follow up outcome assessments will be done by research assistants and should be blinded of group allocation. Self-reported quitters at 26-week follow-up will be invited for a biochemical validation.

Conditions

Smoking

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Acupuncture	The principle of traditional acupuncture and auricular acupressure is to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture therapy for smoking cessation is generally considered safe, but some people may experience mild side effects. These can include soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the needle insertion sites, dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness after treatment. Occasionally, individuals may feel nausea or discomfort during or after the session. In rare cases, infections can occur if proper hygiene protocols are not followed. Overall, most side effects are temporary and resolve shortly after treatment. Primary Acupoints The selection of body acupuncture points follows specific guidelines\[11-12\], including three head points (Baihui, Shenting, Yintang ), three hand points (Neiguan, Kongzui, Lieque), and three foot points (Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Taichong). For auricular acupoints, selection is based on corresponding areas (Mouth), syndrome differentiation of zang-fu organs and meridians (Hea
DRUG	Nicotine Replacement therapy	Each eligible participant will be prescribed a two-week supply of NRT by a registered smoking cessation nurse following the initial counseling session. The nurse will determine the appropriate type and dosage of NRT based on the participant's level of nicotine dependence and lifestyle habits, and provide instructions on how to use the medication. NRT can cause some potential side effects such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and insomnia, with vivid dreams being common for those using patches. Method-specific side effects include skin irritation from patches, mouth or throat irritation from gums or lozenges, and nasal or throat discomfort from inhalers and sprays. These symptoms usually lessen as the body adjusts, but persistent or worsening side effects may require medical attention. According to current smoking cessation medication guidelines from the Department of Health\[10\], participants who smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day will be prescribed 4 mg nicotine gum (or lozenges) or 2
BEHAVIORAL	Smoking cessation counseling	The first step for smoking cessation nurses is to assess each participant's smoking behavior using a baseline questionnaire. In the second step, informed consent will be obtained from the participants. The third step involves smoking cessation counseling using the 5A (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) and 5R (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, Repetition) frameworks as outlined in the smoking cessation manual published by the Department of Health. During this step, the nurse will also assess the type and dosage of NRT suitable for the participant. In the fourth step, participants will be introduced to TCM therapies, and arrangements will be made for consultations with a TCM practitioner.
OTHER	Auricular acupressure	First, one ear will be routinely disinfected with 75% medical ethanol. In the experimental group, the auricular acupressure tape contains Semen Vaccariae. Using forceps or tweezers, an auricular acupressure tape will be applied to specific acupoints on one ear for participants in the experimental group, followed by pressing the tape for 1 minute. The auricular tape will remain in place for two days, and participants will be instructed to self-press the acupoints 3 to 5 times daily, for 1 minute per acupoint each time. During the use of the auricular acupressure, if withdrawal symptoms occur, participants can immediately press the acupoints. The pressure applied should be tolerable, and the pressing duration should last until the withdrawal symptoms subside. Participants will also record the number of presses each day.
OTHER	Sham acupressure	The sham tape resembles the genuine auricular acupressure tape with Semen Vaccariae but is a regular adhesive tape designed to minimize stimulation of the acupoints. The sham auricular tape will be applied to non-smoking cessation acupoints, including: * Elbow Acupoint located in the third section of the triangular fossa between the middle cartilage and the rim cartilage of the ear, primarily used for treating elbow pain. * Ankle Acupoint located near the apex of the superior crus of the antihelix, used for treating arthritis. * Urethra Acupoint located on the helix above the rectum acupoint, used for treating symptoms such as frequent urination or painful urination.
OTHER	Sham acupuncture	The TCM practitioner will perform needle insertion 2-3 mm beside the selected acupoints (at non-specific "sham" points) using normal needling techniques but without manipulating the needles, in order to minimize any physiological effects.

Timeline

Start date: 2025-05-05
Primary completion: 2026-10-30
Completion: 2026-10-30
First posted: 2025-04-16
Last updated: 2025-05-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT06931054. Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement.