Supplements

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.

Last updated: Aug 4, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Harmonizing mind acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco use disorder: a protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

observational

Li C, Wang B, Zhao S, Ruan Q, Pan L, Qiu M · Frontiers in public health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 weeks intervention, 24 weeks follow-up
Intervention: Harmonizing mind acupuncture (HMA) plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) versus NRT alone
Outcome: Nicotine craving (VAS), 7-day point prevalence abstinence (exhaled CO verified), quality of life, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, safety
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adults with tobacco use disorder (TUD)

Result:

PubMed: 42534905DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1850199

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.