Ear seeds could help psychiatric patients kick smoking withdrawal symptoms
NCT ID NCT07466875
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether adding ear acupressure (small seeds taped to ear points) to standard nicotine patches or gum can reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety in psychiatric inpatients who must stop smoking during their hospital stay. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real ear seeds or sham seeds for 28 days. Researchers will measure changes in craving, withdrawal severity, and anxiety levels to see if the ear stimulation provides extra relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
auricular acupressure (ear seeds) plus nicotine replacement therapy (patches or gum)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost add-on to help psychiatric patients manage nicotine withdrawal and anxiety during hospital stays.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study (60 people) testing feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. The sham control group may also show benefits, and results may not apply to non-psychiatric or outpatient settings.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare
RECRUITINGNantou City, 542, Taiwan
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••