Uso da auriculoterapia para a redução do tabagismo.

Abstract

Cigar is one of the most consumed products in the world. One of its main components, the nicotine, is considered the factor causing dependence for being a psychoactive substance promoting pleasure and brain alterations when ingested. In this sense, the user’s compartmental and emotional state is modified. From all the knowledge gained about smoking problems, it is important to highlight that currently exists a big concern in promoting the individual’s health and quality of life. Many are the treatment programs and campaigns to reduce the act of smoking and among them, there are complementary therapies and therapeutic practices form oriental medicine, which show a lot of success and effectiveness in controlling and reducing the addiction. One, in particular, the auriculotherapy, is worldwide recognized as a possible tool to fight this terrible ill. Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of auriculotherapy to reduce smoking by applying mustard seeds in specific spots of the external ear, indicated by the bibliography, as a great helper in smoking control. This study was composed of nine individuals, male and females older than 18 years old or older that smoke at least 15 cigarettes per day and express willingness to quit smoking. The treatment’s efficiency was evaluated by analysis and comparison of the Fagerström toleration questionnaire, evolution questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire, filled at the end of the treatment. The participants received six auriculotherapy sessions, once a week. The results indicated that the use of auriculotherapy was satisfactory for reducing smoking. The research shows that the treatment should be longer to obtain more effective results.