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Prof. Choi Do-young of the Anti-Smoking Clinic at Kyung Hee University Medical Center's Oriental Medical Hospital suggested that where nicotine patches, gum and New Year's resolutions fail, poking tiny needles into smoker's ears may well succeed - at least partially.

He said that of 105 male and 30 female smokers who recently visited his clinic to receive anti-smoking acupuncture from four to six times a week, 90 percent cut back their smoking.

Of these success stories, 42 people, or 33 percent, quit smoking completely.

10 percent (14 people) cut back 75 percent, 27 percent (36 people) cut back between 50 and 74 percent, 19 percent (26 people) cut back between 25 and 49 percent, and 2 percent (3 people) cut back less than 25 percent. Only 10 percent (14 people) showed no change in their smoking habits at all.

Han Sang-gyun of the acupuncture department at Kwang Dong Oriental Hospital said that of about 300 smokers who received similar treatment, 77 percent of men and 70 percent of women reduced their levels of smoking. The treatment was most ineffective in young people, who feel comparatively less need to quit, he said.

The medical procedure involves using needles to stimulate a sensitive area of the ear that is connected to the lungs and throat. In doing so, this stimulates the cerebral cortex that controls feelings such as excitement and constraint, and reduces the craving to smoke.

The acupuncture also revives the functions of the lungs and other organs that have been damaged by smoking. Generally, it induces patients to quit by killing of the taste of tobacco and replacing it with a less attractive taste like paper or grass, while creating a mild sense of nausea. Possible side effects include lethargy, restlessness, headaches and indigestion.

Prof. Choi recommended that patients avoid places where they habitually smoke, such as drinking parties, games of "baduk" or entertainment establishments, and avoid spicy or greasy foods that are likely to provoke the desire to smoke.

He said the treatment is most effective if patients eat light and bland food as much as possible and drink a lot of cold water.

(Lim Ho-jun, imhojun@chosun.com )