Acupuncture and Hypnosis Compared: Fifty-eight Cases

Abstract

Fifty-eight volunteers seeking to eliminate cigarette smoking were treated in a general hospital “smoking clinic” by being divided into five groups: placebo-site acupuncture; correct-site acupuncture; group hypnosis; individual hypnosis; untreated control. Six months after treatment correct-site acupuncture and individual hypnosis proved to be most effective treatment. Differing rates of improvement suggest these interventions are separate and distinct rather than involving suggestion or reinforcement of already existing motivation.