If you want to kick the smoking habit, certain complementary health approaches may help you reach your goal. Current evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation-based programs, yoga, and relaxation techniques (guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation) may help people quit smoking. These approaches are generally considered safe for healthy people when they’re performed appropriately.
For other complementary approaches, the evidence is less favorable. Although acupuncture might help people stop smoking for short periods, there’s no consistent evidence that it helps them quit permanently. Studies of hypnosis for smoking cessation have had conflicting results. And there’s no current evidence that certain dietary supplements can help people quit smoking. If you’re considering a dietary supplement, remember that “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.” Some supplements may have side effects, and some may interact with drugs or other supplements.
Conventional quit-smoking treatments—counseling and medication—may help you succeed. You can also get evidence-based quit-smoking advice and tools, including apps and a text messaging program, at the National Cancer Institute’s site smokefree.gov.
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