

Quit Smoking Acupuncture Brisbane.
Quitting smoking can be difficult, but natural therapies like acupuncture can support you to stop smoking for good.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.

Smoking is a powerful habit driven by a nicotine addiction that affects both the body and the mind. This nicotine dependence is one of the reasons why smoking cessation can feel so challenging. The health risks of smoking, from chronic coughing and fatigue, to increased risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory issues, are well documented. Quitting not only supports your health, but can also reduce your risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
There are a number of options to begin the smoking cessation journey, but not every method works for everyone. The good news is that natural therapies and holistic approaches, like acupuncture and auricular acupressure, can help even the most motivated smokers reduce nicotine cravings, calm the nervous system, and ease physical withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been used for centuries to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Trusted by hundreds of Brisbane patients
Megan Usher2024-03-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t speak highly enough of Katherine and her team. Since my husband and I have been seeing Katherine, our physical and mental health has rapidly improved. Which has impacted our relationships and the general mood of our household. I have personally seen many doctors for my symptoms, but it wasn’t until I started to see Katherine that I truly began to understand my body and start the healing process. I have experienced a dramatic improvement after taking the herbal medicines. My husband had been told by every doctor and specialist that he was totally healthy, and yet he was severely struggling with his symptoms. Katherine was able to identify the reasons for his symptoms very quickly, and he too has experienced a big improvement. I know we still have a way to go, and changing habits can take time. But we are so grateful to have found the Shift Clinic and to finally feel like we are getting somewhere with our health. Katherine’s podcast ‘The Shift with Katherine Maslen’ is also an eye opener and very informative! I have learned so much about the women’s body through listening. Di Bailey2024-01-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter referred me to Vanessa Coben as I was experiencing gut issues and was unable to detect or remedy my problems. Vanessa advised me to take on challenges in gut testing and bloods to determine the direction I needed. Vanessa's regular appointments, diagnosis and herbal formulas have exhalted my confidence in a healthy gut. Vanessa is professional, caring, understanding and a very gentle soul. I recommend her to anyone experiencing same problems as I had. I also recommend Shift at Brisbane Natural Health as their staff and administration are warm and friendly inviting a welcoming atmosphere to clients. All the best to everyone at Shift. Michon van Staden2024-01-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine and the team at The Shift Clinic were super supportive, friendly and welcoming. After 6 months of treatment with Katherine, my energy is back and my immunity is stronger! Vicki Machan2023-10-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stumbled across Katherine Maslen and her aptly named Shift Clinic through a podcast by Shelly Craft of The Aging Project. Katherine spoke with passion about gut health, which was an area I have struggled with for over a decade. I looked her up and booked an appointment for an assessment and couldn’t get there fast enough ! I was excited and confident that this time I was going to see a change. I wasn’t wrong. The most amazing thing about the Shift Clinic is their team, who are embracing and supportive and work as a collaborative unit. I was ‘project managed’ through months of healing, both physically and holistically. I was introduced to a form of ‘therapy’ I’d never even considered when I met Jess, the clinics Intuitive Healer, who helped me unpack and resolve some personal issues that were roadblocking my emotional progression forward. This complemented my gut healing progress that was being managed so well by both Katherine and Vanessa. I would never have found Jess if not for Katherine, or entertained the idea of something so ‘left field’ for me. The whole experience of being with Shift has been healing, nurturing and uplifting. I’ve progressed on a physical and spiritual level, they’ve educated me on myself, and the team are now an integral part of my life I won’t be leaving behind. I enjoy immersing myself in the tranquility of the clinic, the genuine warmth of the girls at reception when I arrive, the soft music, the herbal tea brewing. It’s like a big, warm hug. I can’t thank them enough or recommend them to enough people. They have changed my life ! Nicole Ann2023-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There probably isn't enough space to write the long review that Katherine and the whole team at The Shift Clinic truly deserve but I'll start with this. You saved my life. Words will never be enough to express how grateful myself and my family are for the journey that I continue to be on with my healing and growth. The Shift membership is one of the best health models on offer in the world and when things were incredibly dark at my lowest, I was able to receive the help needed from all of my practitioners at the clinic who all knew my history at every appointment without having to continually tell my story from the beginning. It is so beneficial as a patient that all of you work together to heal people. Not only have you all helped lead me towards the light of health, you've been giving me the tools needed to understand how to grow and heal myself. The added bonus I wasn't expecting is how I'm now healing my own home too. The work you all do is changing lives. Thank you for changing mine. I am eternally grateful. Xx Steven Creevey2023-04-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Shift during the Covid pandemic and I was struggling with my overall health. I found the team to be very supportive and focused on the job of assessment, ongoing regular support and providing me with the best supplements and advice for my various health challenges. Thank you Shift and Vanessa for all of your help and guidance. Brendan Vasen2022-12-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine is wonderful and helped me get on the right track with my diet and healthy eating definitely Recommend Izzy Tanzer2022-12-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t recommend The Shift clinic and especially Dr Vanessa. After being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease my body felt like it was crashing and I needed help. I would not be where I am today without the help from Dr Vanessa and the knowledge she has passed onto me. She made the process easier and was always there for support when I needed it. The clinic is such a beautiful space and you feel calm as soon as you walk in. The receptionists were always so lovely and helpful and explained the membership process easily. Thank you so much Shift Team x Cath 712022-07-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It would be fair to say that the last two years, in particular, have been a challenge for me personally. After battling with any number of illnesses over a long period of time, my partner of six years entered a period of rapidly declining health and was deemed a multimorbidity patient. As a result, our planned wedding happened much quicker than expected & I gave up my job to become his full-time carer before he passed away. During his decline my sole focus was him, in some ways to the detriment of my own health and whilst I acknowledge that grief played a major part in some of my weight gain, I also know that I’d developed bad habits over many years; snacking, emotional eating, convenience eating, living a mostly sedentary lifestyle to name just a few. If the loss of my husband taught me anything it is that life is too short and that our health matters! I needed to find something to help me rediscover joy in my life and to help me feel like my old self again. Following a personal recommendation and some google research of my own I came across The Shift Clinic. Having always been an advocate of natural therapies I thought this could be just what I needed to help me find my way back to lightness – physically and emotionally. I joined the 8-week weight loss challenge and I’ve not looked back. My appointments with Hypnotherapist, Rebecca and Naturopath & Nutritionist, Carolyn have provided me with the tools to; identify self-sabotaging behaviours, acknowledge all parts of me, start small, set realistic and achievable goals, feel supported, get back up when I fall, move – even if it’s only for 10 mins at a time, celebrate small wins, stick to the plan and remember that anything is possible. 8-weeks down the track I’m just under 10kg lighter physically. I’ve still got more weight to lose but for the first time in a long time, I know I’ll achieve it because the biggest ‘shift’ for me has been in how I think and how I feel, the routines & rituals I’ve put in place and the way I speak to myself. The Shift Clinic really can help you ‘shift’ you just have to be willing to let it.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Local, convenient clinic in Brisbane
Stop smoking with calm, natural care.
Address
Suite 17, 46 Douglas Street, Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064
Booking availability
You can book your smoking cessation acupuncture appointment online using our easy online appointment scheduler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have any questions or wish to book over the phone, please call us on (07) 3367 0337 and we will be happy to help.
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Our acupuncture treatment approach for smoking cessation
During your initial session, your acupuncturist will take a comprehensive health history and may conduct Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic assessments such as pulse and tongue analysis to assist their diagnosis.
Fine needles are then used to stimulate specific meridians and acupuncture points, (often auricular acupuncture on the ear), to suppress nicotine cravings, ease physical withdrawal symptoms and promote relaxation. Your treatment will be personalised depending on where you are at in your smoking cessation journey.
Additional techniques such as massage or cupping may also be incorporated alongside herbal and alternative medicine prescriptions to support your healing process.


How does acupuncture help with quitting smoking?
Acupuncture and related therapies help with smoking cessation by stimulating nerve ending areas of the brain linked to cravings, and addiction. Auricular acupressure, in particular, can increase endorphin levels which help manage nicotine dependence. This effect helps manage withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, cravings and irritability caused by nicotine addiction, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke and stay smoke-free.
What to expect from your acupuncture for smoking cessation treatment plan
Pricing
Your initial appointment is $135 for the first session, and $125 for subsequent appointments. Both of our practitioners are health fund registered and HICAPS is available on site.
Booking
You can book your initial smoking cessation acupuncture appointment today using our online booking system or call us on (07) 3367 0337.
Arrival
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to enjoy a cup of tea and the peaceful atmosphere at Shift. Your practitioner will review your consent form with you before beginning.
Treatment
After your first appointment your acupuncturist will recommend a plan of action for ongoing care. Most patients begin with weekly appointments at our Brisbane clinic in the early stages of treatment, moving to fortnightly, then monthly as the body adapts to the changes.


Why choose Shift for smoking cessation acupuncture in Brisbane?
Our experienced team of acupuncturists are highly skilled in supporting long-term smoking cessation, using evidence-based Chinese Medicine principles with other integrative medicine approaches to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Each treatment is tailored to your unique needs, combining body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture to help reduce cravings, ease smoking withdrawal symptoms, and support lasting success. You’ll receive personalised care in a calm, welcoming clinic space designed to help you relax, stay motivated, and feel supported throughout your quitting journey.
What you can expect at Shift:
Flexible appointment times; Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM
Convenient onsite and street parking
Instant health fund rebates via HICAPS
Gentle, individualised support to stop smoking
Central Milton location, close to public transport and the Brisbane CBD
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Our Brisbane based acupuncture for smoking cessation specialists
Your treatment to stop smoking will be with Jarrah Crabtree, a Bachelor-qualified Brisbane acupuncturist known for his warmth, compassion, and clinical expertise. Jarrah gently supports clients through a variety of physical and emotional challenges, using Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to help restore balance and encourage long-term wellbeing.
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Georgie Smith
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
I'm here to help
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Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Jarrah Crabtree
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
I'm here to help
Ask me a question
Smoking cessation acupuncture FAQs.
How can acupuncture help me quit smoking?
Acupuncture therapies, including auricular acupressure, support smoking cessation by stimulating specific points on the body that are linked to cigarette withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Fine, pain-free acupuncture needles stimulate your body’s natural healing response, promote endorphin release, reduce anxiety, and suppress the urge to smoke, promoting a deep sense of calm and relaxation as you move through the smoking cessation process.
Unlike sham acupuncture used in some studies, personalised treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine provide a more accurate outcome assessment and have a better change if improving primary outcomes such as reduced cigarette consumption and long-term smoking cessation.
How many acupuncture treatments will I typically need to quit smoking successfully?
Most patients begin with weekly appointments at our Brisbane clinic in the early stages of smoking cessation. As your body adapts and symptoms improve, sessions are gradually spaced out to fortnightly, and then monthly.
The number of sessions required varies depending on your response and whether additional therapies like behavioral therapy, cessation education, or prescription medications are used alongside acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will personalise your treatment, adjusting the frequency, acupuncture techniques, and acupuncture points to best support your needs and progress.
Many clients report feeling calmer and more balanced after just one session. This initial sense of relief often helps ease the transition away from nicotine dependence, while your ongoing plan, which may include herbal/alternative medicine support and lifestyle guidance, continues to reinforce long-term change.
Does acupuncture help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, acupuncture and related therapies can help reduce nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. Scientific studies show that acupuncture and auricular acupressure can stimulate specific points linked to addiction pathways, leading to the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and reduce stress.
This 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found many patients report feeling calmer, less anxious, and better able to manage irritability and restlessness following acupuncture treatments.
What specific acupuncture points are used to assist with smoking cessation?
The acupuncture points used during your smoking cessation treatment will depend on your practitioner’s assessment of your symptoms using Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics. Commonly targeted points include those on the lung, kidney, and spleen meridians, as well as points on the ear targeted through auricular acupressure.
How quickly will I notice a reduction in cravings after starting acupuncture treatments?
Many individuals report experiencing a significant difference in nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms after just one acupuncture session. This aligns with findings from this systematic review and meta analysis, which indicated that acupuncture, particularly when combined with counseling or other therapies, can be effective in alleviating cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. The study suggests that these benefits are often observed in the short term, especially when acupuncture is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
It’s important to note that the intensity and duration of cravings can vary among individuals. While some may experience immediate relief, others might notice gradual improvements over several sessions. Your practitioner will tailor the treatment to your specific needs, adjusting acupuncture techniques and frequency to support your journey toward smoking cessation.
Is acupuncture for smoking cessation supported by scientific evidence?
Yes, research supports the use of acupuncture and related therapies for those wanting to quit smoking, especially when combined with behavioral therapy or educational smoking cessation programs. This recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that different acupuncture therapies, including auricular acupressure and body acupuncture, may reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, cigarette cravings, and support smoking abstinence. This current evidence is promising, and future trials and further studies are being conducted to further substantiate these findings.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with acupuncture for smoking cessation?
Acupuncture for smoking cessation is considered a very safe treatment when performed by qualified practitioners. At our clinic, we use ultra-thin, pain-free Japanese-style acupuncture needles to maximise comfort and promote relaxation. Most people feel calm and refreshed after their session, with minimal to no side effects.
Will I need additional treatments or supplements alongside acupuncture to successfully quit smoking?
Some people find that acupuncture alone provides enough support to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings while quitting smoking. However, acupuncture combined with related therapies, such as auricular acupressure, lifestyle changes, or educational smoking cessation programs can work well together to improve smoking cessation rates and support lasting success.
At The Shift Clinic, we often suggest hypnotherapy as a complementary therapy to acupuncture, helping enhance relaxation, reduce cravings, and support your smoking cessation journey.
Can acupuncture help prevent weight gain that sometimes occurs after smoking cessation?
Yes, acupuncture therapies can support healthy weight management after smoking cessation, especially when combined with lifestyle and nutrition support, both of which are available at our clinic.
It works by stimulating specific meridians that help regulate the release of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This promotes relaxation and emotional balance, helping to reduce stress-related eating, cravings, and anxiety. Acupuncture also helps calm the nervous system and supports a sense of internal balance by regulating appetite, digestion, and metabolism.
Can acupuncture help manage the stress, anxiety, or irritability associated with smoking cessation?
Yes. Acupuncture is well known for its calming effects on the nervous system. By encouraging the release of endorphins and targeting points related to emotional regulation, it can help ease stress, anxiety, and irritability, making the smoking cessation process feel more manageable and balanced.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
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