There are many so-called “alternative” ways to quit smoking, with the most common alternatives being hypnosis, laser treatment, and acupuncture. The most important thing to remember with these treatements is they can be expensive, and since they do not operate under the jurisdiction of the FDA, their efficacy is not proven or tested. Also, it is important to note that these techniques merely claim to combat withdrawal symptoms, not to be a cure-all for quitting smoking.

Stop Smoking with Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an ancient technique in which the patient is put into a relaxed state that brings the subconscious mind to the forefront, making that person very open to suggestion. Trained hypnotists can then use the power of suggestion to convince a person that smoking cigarettes is distasteful.

The greatest benefit to a smoker is that you can continue to smoke while you undergo hypnosis sessions, the theory being that the suggestions that cigarettes are distasteful will eventually lead you to put them down on your own. Keep in mind that hypnosis is not a regulated industry, meaning there are plenty of hacks out there, especially on the web. Be sure you are dealing with a licensed hypnotherapist with a medical degree. Also remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before putting down some real cash, do your homework. Some hypnosis programs claim a 66 percent quit smoking rate for people who have had 4 - 6 sessions. While this number cannot be verified, if the real number was half that, it would still be double the success rate of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) programs like the patch or nicotine gum.

Laser Treatment to Quit Smoking

Another alternative way to stop smoking is through a non-invasive, low-intensity laser treatment. The laser is trained on certain meridian points in the body to stimulate endorphin release and create a sense of relaxation and well-being. Acupuncture uses these same meridian points in the body. There is no sensation of heat or pain. After one treatment, many smokers experience reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Smoking cessation with laser treatment claims a 90 percent success rate. That number cannot be independently verified, although there is a money-back guarantee for the treatment, which runs almost $400. Interestingly, the laser treatment requires that you follow all of the same steps recommended by the medical community to quit smoking: set a quit date, announce your plans to quit, throw away all your tobacco products, etc. The laser treatment is only meant to help with cravings. Therefore, it is important to note that laser treatment is not a cure-all, and should only be tried after careful research and only in conjunction with a traditional, medically approved smoking cessation program.

Quit Smoking With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique developed in China. It focuses on key points of energy located throughout the body on vertical lines called meridians. The withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking are controlled by tapping into some of these energy points and rebalancing the body. An acupuncture specialist will typically analyze your particular symptoms and smoking habits and then customize an acupuncture treatment accordingly. Acupuncture treatment for quitting smoking is usually administered 4 - 6 times in the first two weeks after you quit smoking, and monthly afterwards for 4 - 6 months. Again, results may vary for such treatments, so consult closely with your acupuncturist and do your research before committing the money to such a program.