Quit smoking with free acupuncture

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Ever wanted to quit smoking?  Thursday is the day to do it since it's the Great American Smokeout.

If the thought of going cold turkey or using medication isn't an inspiration, how about acupuncture?

Thursday the Academy of Oriental Medicine in North Austin is offering free acupuncture for smokers.

The acupuncture needles are placed around the ear as a way to treat the symptoms associated with lighting up.

"It's just a little prick," said Kylie Elliott, an AOMA patient. "It doesn't hurt, and you can feel them in your ears. But it definitely does not hurt."

"The most important thing is acupuncture does not help you to make up your mind," said Dr. Xiaotian Shen, director of clinical training at AOMA. "You have to do it yourself."

The academy also has limited appointments for Friday and Saturday. Doctors said it takes one- to five treatments to completely stop the cravings.