All smokers are told that no valid scientific studies are available to explain how and why acupuncture or laser therapy is able to eradicate physical addiction to nicotine and subsequently to help smokers stop smoking. The explanation offered is hypothetical and is based entirely on information found in medical literature.

There is a group of hormones in our body known as endorphins. The term is derived from two words, endogenous-morphine, meaning that the endorphin is a morphine, a product of opium. An important difference is that exogenous morphine is addictive and endogenous endorphin production in our body is nor morphine, at one time, was the drug of choice for relief of pain; it is potentially helpful to us if used correctly and under proper supervision. It has the capacity of reduced body tension, to eliminate anxiety and to cause a state of euphoria. Stated simply, morphine makes one “feel good” when an adequate dosage is consumed.

Endorphins are placed in our body to help us cope with stress, tension and daily minor aches and pains we experience. Endorphin secretion can be enhanced through various means (example: physical exercise). Its production can also be reduced or stopped. One of the ways to stop this production is to replace it with another addictive substance known as nicotine.

Scientifically, it is known that substances such as morphine, endorphins and nicotine all exert their effects after binding to receptors on nerve cells. When the receptors are occupied by the right substance, the nerve cells maintain an appropriate functional state, meaning that the person will not develop a nervous or excited condition. However, when the right substances are missing, the person will be in a state of stress and anxiety.

Since nicotine and endorphins both react with the receptors on nerve cells, it seems possible that long-term smoking creates a situation in which nicotine will act in place of endorphins and the body will not be able to produce its own supply of endorphins for physiological needs. Such a situation is known as an endogenous replacement by an exogenous substance. Our own body does not produce nicotine; nicotine has to be provided totally from an exogenous source such as tobacco consumption. After a substantial replacement of endorphin by nicotine, our body becomes less able to secrete the essential endorphins.

If a smoker decides to stop smoking, the smoker not only depletes his/her source of nicotine but is also unable to obtain endorphin from within. The result of such a deficiency is the creation of a psychological condition in which the nervous system becomes very excitable; the body will begin to desire a supply of nicotine or endorphin resulting in a stage of craving. Almost inevitably the smoker resumes smoking to obtain this needed substance to calm down the nervous system.