As many of you know first hand, tobacco is the most addictive drug in the world — even more addictive than heroin — and it's also the most avoidable cause of major illnesses.
Breaking the nicotine habit isn't easy. Acupuncture is certainly a reasonable alternative that has helped many people quit smoking — but like most methods available today, it doesn't work for everyone. Acupuncture may work by increasing production of endorphins (the opiate-like substances made in the body), which in turn, helps you feel content and takes away cravings. I've had patients who didn't believe in acupuncture but immediately lost the craving for cigarettes after a single session. And I've known many people who tried acupuncture but weren't helped at all. If you want to try acupuncture, you'll probably need four or five sessions over the course of a month.
If acupuncture doesn't work for you, try something else — hypnotherapy, perhaps, or a support group, but recognize that nothing works reliably for everyone. Most smokers who quit successfully do it on their own after one or more unsuccessful attempts. Most find that stopping cold turkey is better than trying to cut down gradually.
Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed immediately — few people do. Try again and again, if necessary. You may be able to deal with your cravings for cigarettes by practicing breathing exercises, which will also help you relax and handle any nervous tension you may feel. (To help everyone learn breathwork techniques, I've made a recording called "Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing.")