Auriculotherapy as an intervention for smoking cessation

Auriculotheraphy Smoking Cessation Pilot program is seeking a grant to develop a cessation program focused on helping low and middle income persons quit smoking by providing auriculotheraphy treatment at a low costs.

In 1964 the surgeon general determined that smoking is hazardous to a person's health. Studies show that tobacco is responsible for approximately six million deaths each year. Tobacco contains nicotine and toxics that produce cancer. Though warnings are in place to alert people of the dangers and risks associated with tobacco use, the number of deaths continue to increase each year. Reports claim that the poor and the poorest tend to smoke the most.

Auriculotheraphy is a form of acupuncture. The procedure involves stimulation of the outer ear to relieve health problems in parts of the body. The procedure reduces tension and allows the body to relax while increasing the circulation. Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist, developed the procedure in France in the 1940s to treat smoking cessation. Nogier's study examined the ear using the 'fetus' model (upside-down baby. A similar study was conducted by auriculotherapy expert Terry Olsen that showed a significant correlation between the "inverted fetus" somatotopic map and the ability to localize musculoskeletal pain.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA have approved auriculotheraphy, and consider it safe and effective treatment.

The auriculotheraphy project partners with Memorial hospital. Each month the program offers 35 people an opportunity to quit smoking. The fee is based on a sliding scale, dependent on the individual's income. Follow-up visits will occur weekly until the duration of treatment, 12 weeks. The project is staffed by 5 people, who will interview patients, administer the treatment, conduct follow-up, and analyze the success.

Funding requirements include payroll, literature, treatment, and equipment, to include computers, a copier, phones

The Auriculotheraphy Smoking Cessation project is a pilot program dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle for individuals who want to quit smoking, and need the physical, mental, and financial help to succeed. The Auriculotheraphy program is staffed with two specialized auriculotherapist, and operates as a non-profit.

Statement of Need

Studies show that the death toll from tobacco use continues to increase. It is anticipated that the number of deaths as a result of tobacco use will multiple by 2020. In essence, half of the smokers today will die from a tobacco-related disease. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2009, the rate of adult smoking in the United States is related to household income, dropping in linear fashion as income rises (Lydia Saad, April 1, 2009).

Project Description

Numerous smoking cessation programs are available throughout the country, whereas, some are more successful than others, no one treatment works for everyone. "And even with the most successful treatments, only about 30% of attempts to quit last more than six months. Compared with willpower alone, however, that's a huge improvement. Fewer than one in 10 smokers who go it alone manages to go six months without a cigarette. Most do not make it past a week" (Down, 2008).

After years of use, tobacco becomes an addiction from nicotine and poisons the human body. As noted, tobacco contains chemicals that cause cancer, pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, cyanide, and other toxins that contribute to the risks.

Auriculotheraphy can correct energy flow. The procedure is painless, and proven to balance psychological functions. Research proves that auriculotheraphy is more powerful than other smoking cessation methods.

Physicians use a device approved by the ACI (Auriculotherapy Certification Institute) to stimulate the outer ears. The procedure of takes 30 minutes to an hour to release endorphins, a naturally occurring substance. This eliminates the symptoms of nicotine craving. Followed with strict guidelines, auriculotheraphy has a success rate of 80%.

In most cases, participants that underwent auriculotherapy treatment reported no side effects. The treatment is beneficial in that it relieves a person from your harmful addiction and enables a healthy lifestyle. (Greenseid, June 24, 2008)

Program Description

After years of tobacco use, a person becomes an addicted to nicotine, which poisons the human body. As noted, tobacco contains chemicals that cause cancer, pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, cyanide, and other toxins that contribute to the risks.

The Auriculotheraphy program will educate individuals on the risks involved with smoking, and provide a cost-effective measure to alleviate smoking.

Objectives

Introduce auriculotheraphy and its benefits

Reduce tension

Increase circulation

Relieve nicotine addiction

Follow-up and encouragement to succeed

Methods

The Auriculotheraphy Smoking Cessation pilot program will run for one year. In the new location at Memorial hospital, the official launch is January 2, 2012 at the Memorial Hospital, in Room 2012A.