Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy reduces nicotine craving and increases abstinence in tobacco use disorder
This pragmatic randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether adding harmonizing mind acupuncture (HMA) to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) improves outcomes in tobacco use disorder. The co-primary outcomes are change in nicotine craving (VAS) from baseline to week 6 and biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 6. The trial will enroll 220 participants and follow them for 24 weeks.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy reduces nicotine craving and increases abstinence in tobacco use disorder The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy reduces nicotine craving and increases abstinence in tobacco use disorder
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with tobacco use disorder (TUD).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco use disorder: a protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. (Frontiers in public health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Acupuncture may modulate neurobiological pathways involved in craving and withdrawal
- ▸HMA specifically targets mental and emotional components of addiction
- ▸Combined with NRT, it may address both physiological and psychological aspects
- ▸Result: potentially improved craving reduction and abstinence rates
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with tobacco use disorder (TUD)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Pragmatic design may introduce variability in treatment delivery
- ▸Single-center study may limit generalizability
- ▸No blinding due to nature of acupuncture intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The co-primary outcomes are change in nicotine craving measured by VAS from baseline to week 6 and biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 6.
How many participants will be enrolled?▼
A total of 220 participants with tobacco use disorder will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive HMA plus NRT or NRT alone.
What is the duration of the intervention and follow-up?▼
The intervention period lasts 6 weeks, with follow-up extending to 24 weeks.
Is this study blinded?▼
No, blinding is not mentioned; pragmatic trials often lack blinding due to the nature of the intervention.
References
- 1.Li C, Wang B, Zhao S, Ruan Q, Pan L, Qiu M. “Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco use disorder: a protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial..” Frontiers in public health, 2026. PMID: 42534905 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1850199